Travel Safety in 2025: Iceland, Singapore, and Denmark Top the Rankings, All You Need To Know

Published on December 8, 2025

As safety continues to be a top priority for travellers in 2025, Iceland once again claims the top spot in the Travel Safety Index. This ranking, compiled by HelloSafe, offers a comprehensive snapshot of global safety by evaluating 180 countries using 35 key criteria. Factors such as crime rates, healthcare quality, political stability, and natural disaster risks all contribute to the overall safety score, with lower scores indicating safer destinations. Iceland’s commitment to safety and stability continues to position it as the world’s safest country for travel in 2025.

Iceland: Leading the Way in Safety and Stability

Iceland’s consistent ranking as the safest country reflects its robust infrastructure, low crime rates, and effective emergency services. The Nordic nation has long been celebrated for its peaceful society and natural beauty, which attract millions of travellers each year. In 2025, it tops the rankings with an impressively low safety score, reaffirming its status as a premier destination for those seeking a secure and serene travel experience. Iceland’s geographical isolation also reduces exposure to global political tensions, making it a stable and welcoming destination for international tourists.

Singapore and Denmark follow closely behind, securing the second and third positions. These countries also boast strong healthcare systems, low crime rates, and political stability, making them prime options for travellers prioritising safety. Singapore, in particular, has become known for its zero-tolerance approach to crime and its advanced healthcare system, both of which are crucial in maintaining its high safety ranking. Denmark’s strong infrastructure, low unemployment rates, and political harmony further contribute to its place on the podium.

Northern and Central Europe Dominate the Rankings

The 2025 Travel Safety Index reveals that Northern Europe and Central Europe continue to dominate the list of safe destinations. Countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Czech Republic are highly regarded for their political stability, excellent healthcare systems, and low crime rates. These countries are often considered some of the safest places for travellers to visit, thanks to their strong law enforcement, well-maintained public services, and effective emergency response mechanisms.

Slovenia, Finland, and Ireland are also ranked among the top 10, cementing Europe’s status as the safest region globally. The data underscores Europe’s appeal to both short-term and long-term travellers, offering a sense of security along with rich cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes.

Other Regions Show Mixed Results

While Europe and parts of Asia shine in terms of travel safety, other regions present mixed results. Latin America, often viewed as a higher-risk destination, shows a varied safety landscape. Countries like Paraguay, Uruguay, and Trinidad and Tobago rank relatively well, but others such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico still pose significant safety concerns, primarily due to high crime rates and political instability. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough research before booking travel to certain parts of Latin America.

The United States, once a top destination for international travellers, has seen its safety ranking plummet due to rising violent crime rates, increasing political instability, and changes in entry policies. As a result, the U.S. now finds itself in the company of other countries traditionally seen as high-risk destinations. In fact, European arrivals to the U.S. have noticeably decreased, further emphasizing the shift in travellers’ preferences towards safer locations.

Challenges for France and Italy

Despite being perennial favourites in the travel world, France and Italy did not fare as well in the 2025 index. France, ranked 80th globally and 34th in Europe, faced challenges related to social unrest, the lingering threat of terrorism, and extreme summer weather exacerbated by climate change. Similarly, Italy ranked 33rd in Europe, struggling with similar issues that impacted its safety score. These results reflect the growing concerns that many travellers have about visiting certain parts of these countries, especially during peak tourist seasons when crowds and risks tend to surge.

Asia and the Middle East: Safe Options for Travellers

The Travel Safety Index also highlights the growing appeal of some countries in Asia and the Middle East. Bhutan ranks 11th globally, benefiting from its extreme political stability, low crime rates, and well-regulated tourism sector. Likewise, Qatar continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the safest countries for travel, securing the 12th position. These nations offer a sense of security and tranquillity, appealing to those seeking both cultural richness and personal safety during their travels.

The Bottom of the List: Ukraine and Russia

At the other end of the spectrum, Ukraine and Russia remain at the bottom of the list due to ongoing conflicts, with war and instability heavily influencing their safety scores. The ongoing large-scale conflict in Ukraine and political volatility in Russia significantly detract from their attractiveness as travel destinations, even for those looking to experience their rich histories and cultures.

The Impact on Travel Planning in 2025

As safety becomes an increasingly important factor for global travellers, the 2025 Travel Safety Index offers valuable insights into the safest countries for those planning a trip in 2025. Iceland, Singapore, and Denmark continue to lead the way, offering peace of mind for those prioritising security. Meanwhile, regions like Europe and parts of Asia remain appealing for travellers seeking safety, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.

With Latin America and some parts of Europe facing higher risks, travellers are encouraged to stay informed and consider the latest safety data when planning their trips. Whether booking a city break or embarking on a longer journey, the 2025 Travel Safety Index serves as an essential tool for making well-informed travel decisions, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.