The Netherlands has claimed the top spot in Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's ranking of the world's safest travel destinations for 2026. Iceland, a long-time favourite at the top of the table, has been pushed into fourth place by a country that ranked just 14th last year. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has made an impressive debut in the top ten.
The most remarkable comeback of the year didn't happen on the football pitch. The Netherlands has surged 13 places in the annual Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) rankings, which assess the safety of travel destinations using both traveller feedback and independent third-party data.
The study evaluates a range of factors, including health risks, climate-related hazards and terrorism, alongside the safety of women, LGBTQIA+ travellers and minority groups. Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven are already ranked among the world's 12 safest cities according to the Numbeo Safety Index.
The world's 10 safest countries for 2026
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Austria
- Iceland
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Ireland
The Netherlands take everyone by surprise
No country improved its position more dramatically this year. Climbing 13 places in just 12 months, the Netherlands secured first place thanks to exceptionally high scores for the safety of vulnerable travellers.
Although visitors to Amsterdam should still keep an eye out for pickpockets, The Hague and Eindhoven boast some of the lowest crime rates in the world. The biggest hazard, however, may well be the bicycles: with around 23 million bikes for a population of just 17 million, cyclists show little mercy to distracted pedestrians.
Iceland loses its crown
Long regarded as the world's safest destination, Iceland has slipped to fourth place. Its population of just 380,000, lack of a standing army and otherworldly landscapes were not enough to retain the title, though the country still ranks among the safest places on Earth.
Iceland does, however, remain home to the world's safest city. Reykjavík retains first place in the urban rankings, ahead of Copenhagen and Zurich.
The UAE make a surprise entrance
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah account for five of the world's six safest cities according to Numbeo's Crime Index.
The United Arab Emirates enters the BHTP rankings directly in seventh place, thanks to an exceptionally low crime rate and world-class healthcare infrastructure. The trade-off, however, is a strict legal system, with local laws that leave little room for misconduct.
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Northern Europe leads the way
Across all major safety rankings, Europe accounts for 12 of the world's 15 safest destinations. Asia is represented by Singapore and Japan, both benefiting from some of the lowest urban crime rates globally.
Among major cities, the Nordic capitals continue to dominate. Reykjavík remains in first place, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich. Amsterdam ranks fourth, with Honolulu in fifth. Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore represent Asia in the top 15, while San Francisco is the first city in the continental United States to appear, in 15th place.
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