When planning an international trip, safety is one of the first things travelers think about. Some countries simply make visitors feel more at ease — and this year, The Netherlands has been named the safest country in the world for 2026, according to a report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
The Netherlands earned top marks for its peaceful nature, excellent healthcare, and strong safety for female travelers, LGBTQIA+ visitors, and travelers of color. The country jumped from 14th place last year to number one this year.
A spokesperson from Berkshire Hathaway said that people now see “safety” differently. It’s not only about low crime rates but also about healthcare access, climate stability, and inclusivity. The Netherlands scored well in all these areas.
Interestingly, the biggest risk in the Netherlands isn’t crime — it’s the fast-moving bicycles in cities like Amsterdam! Tourists just need to be careful while crossing the streets.
Iceland, last year’s safest country, dropped to fourth place, mostly due to its volcanic activity. Australia took second place, praised for its healthcare and safety from terrorism, while Austria ranked third. Canada completed the top five.
Among cities, Reykjavik (Iceland) was named the safest city in the world, followed by Copenhagen, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Honolulu.
The ranking was based on surveys from over 1,800 American travelers, along with data about terrorism, health, weather, and inclusivity.
Here are the Top 15 Safest Countries in the World (2026):
-
Netherlands
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Iceland
-
Canada
-
New Zealand
-
United Arab Emirates
-
Switzerland
-
Japan
-
Ireland
-
Belgium
-
Portugal
-
France
-
United Kingdom
-
Denmark
#SafestCountry2026 #Netherlands #TravelSafe #WorldTravel #TravelNews #SafeDestinations #EuropeTravel #NetherlandsTravel #Wanderlust #GlobalTravel