Iceland and Australia are two of the 10 safest countries to travel to in 2025, thanks to low crime rates, minimal risk of accidents, and easily accessible experiences.
The world faces numerous challenges, from war and terrorism to civil unrest, yet global tourism continues to thrive, with international visitor numbers projected to increase by 11% in 2024 compared to 2023. However, travelers need to be cautious and stay informed about safe destinations. A list of the world's safest countries in 2025 was released in mid-October by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), a US-based travel insurance company.
Iceland top of the list This year's ranking shows an increase of 8 places compared to last year. The country has only one main road – the ring road running around the island, connecting most popular areas. As a result, traffic congestion is virtually nonexistent, significantly reducing the risk of traffic accidents.
Iceland ranks 5th in terms of safety related to violent crime; 7th in terms of terrorism safety; and 4th in terms of traffic safety. Photo: BHTP
Australia Australia rose from 10th place last year to second place this year. Experts from BHTP said it is a safe destination after comparing it with many other independent assessments. In a report by Global Finance Magazine, Australia ranked 11th out of 134 safest countries. The US State Department rated Australia at level 1 for safety, meaning tourists only need to take standard precautions.
Tourism risks in Australia can arise due to its high biodiversity, which harbors many dangerous wildlife species. Some dangerous animals include crocodiles, venomous snakes, wild boars and dogs, and invasive species. Therefore, tourists need to be cautious, especially when entering tropical rainforests. Even when swimming in the sea, many species can pose dangers, such as jellyfish, sharks, and blue-ringed octopuses. (Image: [Image]) Unsplash
Canada Ranked third, down two places from last year.
"It's difficult to have crime without victims and perpetrators," experts from BHTP commented, emphasizing that Canada ranks 9th among countries with the lowest population density in the world. However, visitors to Canada should be wary of wildlife such as bears, moose, and wolves. Photo: BHTP
Ireland Maintaining its "performance" from last year, ranking fourth, Ireland was described by experts as having "fewer large cities and friendly people." Exploring Ireland is so easy that insurance companies advise tourists not to buy tours, just rent a car and know how to read a map. Photo: BHTP
Switzerland Switzerland dropped from second place last year to fifth in this year's ranking. Experts still consider it a very safe destination with a low crime rate – although theft still occurs. However, Switzerland's safety index is expected to continue to decline in the future due to melting glaciers, causing more frequent avalanches and floods. Tourists visiting Switzerland in winter need to be especially cautious about this issue. Photo: Lonely Planet
New Zealand Rising from 11th place last year to 6th place this year, many independent rankings around the world also indicate that tourists are generally safe traveling anywhere within New Zealand. New Zealand's natural beauty is a major draw for visitors. Beyond its famous fjords, the land of the kiwi bird boasts tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and countless stunning mountain hiking trails. (Photo:) Unsplash
Ranked 7th on the list is Germany , up 11 places from last year. The country is well-governed and maintains a sense of order. Cities have high safety levels and rural areas are even safer. Photo: BHTP
Norway Ranked 8th, down 5 places from last year. Except for Oslo – considered the safest capital in Europe – Norway is mostly rural. The northern region is sparsely populated and home to around 225,000 reindeer. If traveling north, a potential risk could be a lack of healthcare infrastructure, according to experts from a travel insurance company. (Photo) BHTP
Japan Ranked 9th, Japan is considered by BHTP experts to be an "exception to the principle that sparse population leads to safety." Japan ranks 50th in the world for population density and 12th globally for crime rate. In recent years, the percentage of English speakers in Japan has increased, so tourists no longer encounter many obstacles when they need assistance.
According to BHTP, tourists visiting Japan should be mindful of those around them and respect local culture. One potential concern for visitors is the possibility of disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. Tourists should research these thoroughly before planning their trip. (Image: BHTP) The My
Denmark Ranked 10th, down two places from last year. The hygge spirit encourages Danes to live at a slower pace, cherishing every moment with loved ones. This also creates a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. According to experts from BHTP, the only thing to keep in mind for safety when visiting Denmark is not to turn right at a red light. Photo: The New Yorker
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