When you’re planning a holiday, you might look at travel websites to find the cheapest places to visit or find ways to save money on your trip.
You may also want to consider where the safest countries to visit are – and rightfully so. Whatever your holiday plans, the last thing you want on your agenda is running into trouble with scams, health hazards or travel delays.
Considering the wave of international conflicts, let’s face it: the current global climate is far from reassuring.
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Despite these challenges, many countries remain popular among holidaymakers and are still deemed safe to visit.
If low risk and peace of mind are key factors in your travel planning, the countries on the 10 safest countries list are likely to appeal. They are destinations where you can unwind and enjoy your travels without worrying about your safety.
Top 10 safest countries to visit
A study by Numbeo evaluated 146 countries using a safety index based on surveys conducted by visitors on their website. The score was within the range of -2 (strongly negative perception) to +2 (strongly positive perception). The data is then presented on a scale of 0 to 100 – the higher the safety index, the safer the country.
Andorra is the safest country in the world, with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar following closely in second and third place.
The UK ranks 87th, and trailing just two spots behind is the US.
So, which nations make the top 10, what sets them apart, and why should they be on your travel bucket list?
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Top 10 safest countries to visit
Rank
Country
Score
1
Andorra
84.7
2
United Arab Emirates
84.5
3
Qatar
84.2
4
Taiwan
82.9
5
Oman
81.7
6
Isle Of Man
79.0
7
Hong Kong
78.5
8
Armenia
77.9
9
Singapore
77.4
10
Japan
77.1
Source: Numbeo Safety Index 2025
1. Andorra
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A landlocked principality wedged between Spain and France, Andorra is not only one of the smallest countries in the world, but also takes the top spot as the safest. With more than 300 km of ski slopes, tax-free shopping and a vibrant cultural scene, it’s not hard to see what makes this Iberian nation a popular destination for travellers.
2. United Arab Emirates
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East draws millions of visitors each year. The country is home to some iconic skyscrapers – including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – as well as luxurious shopping centres and desert safaris for adventure seekers. While it ranks second on this list due to low crime rates and a strong safety record for tourists, the UAE has faced scrutiny for its low ranking on the Human Freedom Index due to human rights violations and conservative laws.
3. Qatar
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Third on the list is Qatar. Here, the sun is always shining wherever you look, and it’s brimming with art galleries, museums, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Qatar is a good choice for people who enjoy outdoor activities, and is also home to some of the biggest fashion brands in the world. The country does share similar strict laws to the UAE, despite low crime levels.
4. Taiwan
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Taiwan is known as one of the safest countries to visit, with an extremely low crime rate and few tourist scams. It is LGBTQ+ friendly and is safe for solo travellers. It may be overshadowed by its more popular neighbours like Japan, but the country has its own charm and is renowned for its lush green valleys, lively festivals and traditions and its majestic Jade Mountain. Taiwan is also considered to have some of the best food in Asia — from bubble tea to xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which you can try at the famous night markets.
5. Oman
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For history-fanatics seeking vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains and archaeological sites, Oman is a must-visit. It also has thriving marine reserves, where you can go scuba diving or watch nesting turtles. The country is also famous for its qawha, or Arabic coffee and dates, and people are friendly — so don’t be surprised if you get invited to someone’s home for an authentic meal. As a result of the locals’ warmth and hospitality, Oman is widely considered to be a safe country to visit.
6. Isle of Man
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Isle of Man is situated in the Irish Sea, and is easily accessible by air or ferry from the UK and Ireland. It is known as one of the safest places in the British Isles, making it a perfect destination for families and adventurers seeking a holiday closer to home. It prides itself on being the only nation in the world that is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Isle of Man has breathtaking coastal views, folklore and mythology, so you can explore some of the best-preserved castles, Viking burials, and a 100,000-year Manx history.
7. Hong Kong
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A bustling financial hub with an iconic skyline, Hong Kong offers a diverse blend of culture, cuisines and historic landmarks. Tourists can hike on some of the highest mountain peaks, visit theme parks, temples, and vibrant night markets, and take in the UNESCO sites. There’s also a well-connected public transport network.
8. Armenia
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Armenia is a landlocked country in West Asia, which is nestled in the heart of the Caucasus region. Here, you’ll find ancient monasteries, majestic mountains and extinct volcanoes, as well as a bustling food scene which many may not know of (Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown episode on Armenia captures this well). It houses one of the oldest Christian temples and has more than 400 local grape varieties, making it popular for wine and brandy. The capital Yerevan is called Pink City because of the pink tuff with which buildings are constructed, giving the city a unique colour.
9. Singapore
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whether you’re into exploring futuristic airports, lounging in infinity pools and savouring mouthwatering hawker food, Singapore is a must-see. This island city-state is one of Asia’s most developed countries and boasts the world’s most powerful passport, granting its citizens visa-free access to a staggering 195 countries. Singapore’s economy is a powerhouse, with significant strides in global trade, tourism and finance. It’s not just about business, though – Singapore is a shining example of safety, cleanliness and cutting-edge infrastructure.
10. Japan
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. Its rich cultural heritage interlaces with ultramodern technological innovations, offering a landscape with a rich tapestry of colours — whether it's the pink sakura cherry blossoms or the bright Tokyo Tower in the capital city’s skyline. The country offers a variety of food like sushi, Wagyu and ramen, and is known for its finely brewed rice wine, called sake.
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Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money.Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals.Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice Wales, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from politics and LGBTQIA+ issues to food and entertainment.Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl.
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