Europe continues to hold its reputation as the safest and most stable region for travel — at least according to American tourists. A new report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection reveals which destinations Americans consider the safest in 2026.
The study combines data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global, along with a survey of U.S. travelers who have visited these countries over the past five years.
Who Took the Top Spot
The Netherlands ranked first, earning top marks for safety, healthcare, and tolerance. Cities like The Hague and Eindhoven were also recognized among the top 12 globally for their high quality of life and public safety.
Americans praised the Netherlands as one of the safest destinations for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people from diverse backgrounds. The only warning mentioned was to stay alert on the streets, given the country’s intense cycling culture.
“Young people riding high-speed bikes, e-scooters, and electric bicycles can pose a risk for pedestrians,” the report notes.
Europe Leads the Way
Although Australia secured second place, most of the top destinations remain in Europe. Of the 15 safest countries worldwide, the majority are European nations.
Top 15 Safest Countries in the World for American Travelers in 2026:
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The Netherlands
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Australia
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Austria
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Iceland
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Canada
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New Zealand
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United Arab Emirates
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Switzerland
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Japan
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Ireland
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Belgium
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Portugal
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France
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United Kingdom
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Denmark
Why Iceland Lost Its Crown
Last year’s winner, Iceland, slipped to fourth place. Although it remains the most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, a series of volcanic eruptions and lava flows near the town of Grindavik prompted analysts to downgrade its ranking.
Some tourists were even evacuated from the famous Blue Lagoon as a precaution. The report highlights that lava flows often disrupt Iceland’s main highway, creating potential safety risks for both residents and visitors.
Nevertheless, Iceland welcomed 1.8 million international tourists in the first nine months of 2025 and is on track for a record-breaking year.
The United Kingdom Drops One Place
The United Kingdom fell from 13th to 14th place, although survey participants still rated it highly for overall safety and healthcare standards.
“London remains much safer than many major U.S. cities when it comes to violent crime, but travelers should watch out for pickpockets and cyber scams,” experts warned.
Safety Is Never Static
According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, the rankings reflect “a moment in time” and can change quickly.
“Wildfires broke out in Australia shortly after it was named one of the top five safest destinations, and Iceland’s volcanic activity couldn’t have been predicted,” the authors explained.
Experts recommend that travelers always carry insurance, stay alert, and never rely solely on rankings — even the safest countries can present unexpected challenges.