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If you've been planning an international trip in 2025, then there is more to prepare for other than your visa, passport or baggage. Your safety should always be your priority, and it is a major concern for travellers. Especially when it comes to solo explorers, families, or senior travellers going abroad, it is important to know the place and all its risks to the best of your ability. With global unrest, rising petty crimes in certain regions, and natural disaster risks, choosing a safe travel destination is more important than ever. As per the Global Peace Index and several worldwide safety rankings, the safest countries include Iceland, Andorra, UAE, Ireland, Switzerland, Singapore and Japan. While these countries vary with different indices, they still offer great insights. If you want to know the safest countries to visit this year, along with those you might want to avoid, this article is for you.
From women travelling solo to families vacationing abroad, safety isn't just about low crime. It's about medical access, political stability, emergency response, and trust in local authorities. Countries with high safety scores offer peace of mind and better travel experiences, but it's still smart to carry travel insurance in case of unexpected mishaps. For instance,
Knowing a country's safety rating lets you decide your itinerary, travel plans, shopping and any potential threats that you may encounter. You can even customise your travel insurance plan with required add-ons to tackle these issues and more.
Global safety ratings aim to provide a travellers with an accurate idea of a place they're visiting. It is important to assess all your travel and safety risks whenever you're going to a new place. Global safety ratings are provided by various governments and travel organisations that help you make informed decisions before choosing a destination. Here are some key aspects of Global Safety Ratings:
According to data from the Global Peace Index and reports from World Population Review, here are the countries with the highest safety rankings in 2025:
Country | Safety Highlights |
#1 Iceland | World's safest nation, nearly zero violent crime |
#2 Ireland | Political neutrality, high public safety |
#3 New Zealand | Low crime, friendly locals, strong healthcare |
#4 Austria | Excellent public order, peaceful cities |
#5 Switzerland | Strong medical system, very stable society |
#6 Singapore | Very low crime, top global law enforcement |
#7 Portugal | Safe for solo travellers, especially women |
#8 Denmark | Strong welfare, transparent governance |
#9 Slovenia | Low violence, good infrastructure |
#10 Finland | Great infrastructure, risk management |
While Europe continues to dominate the list of safest countries, New Zealand, and Singapore also stand out for their impressive public safety, friendly attitudes towards tourists, and high-quality infrastructure. These are excellent choices for following travellers:
These countries have consistently scored high for personal security, absence of terrorism, and peaceful social conditions.
Unfortunately, not every destination offers ideal conditions and safety for tourism. Due to conflicts, civil unrest, or weak governance, some countries rank at the bottom of global safety lists.
Here are some of the least safe countries in 2025 as per the Global Peace Index report:
Rank | Country |
#163 | Russia |
#162 | Ukraine |
#161 | Sudan |
#160 | Democratic Republic of Congo |
#159 | Yemen |
#158 | Afghanistan |
#157 | Syria |
#156 | South Sudan |
#155 | Israel |
#154 | Mali |
These regions are not recommended for leisure travel, especially for Indian tourists without critical reasons to visit. Most of these countries have an ongoing conflict, war, civil unrest, or internal conflicts or geopolitical unrest.
India has been ranked #67 among the list of world's safest countries as per the 2025 Numbeo's mid-year safety index ratings. It also states India's safety index score as 55.7, where the highest is 85.2 for UAE and the lowest is 19.0 for Haiti.
As per the Global Peace Index Report 2025, India ranks #115 with a score of 2.229, with Iceland ranking #1 and a score of 1.095.
Travelling solo as a woman can be incredibly empowering, but it also requires extra caution, especially in unfamiliar territories. Thankfully, several countries stand out for their gender equality, low crime rates, and strong support systems for tourists. Here are the top safest countries for Indian women travelling solo in 2025:
Country | Why It's Safe for Women Travellers |
Iceland | World leader in gender equality, with nearly zero street crime |
Denmark | Women-friendly public transport, safe to walk alone at night |
Singapore | Extremely clean, secure, and monitored urban environments |
New Zealand | Friendly locals, excellent emergency services, and safe nightlife |
Japan | Respectful culture, well-lit streets, and women-only travel options |
Portugal | Welcoming, safe coastal towns, solo-friendly infrastructure |
Finland | Low crime, modern facilities, and safe even in remote areas |
These countries consistently rank high in global surveys for solo female safety and are well-equipped with tourist helplines, women's safety programs, and inclusive public policies.
Even in the safest countries, following basic precautions can go a long way in ensuring a smooth experience:
Bonus Tip: Opt for travel insurance plans that offer add-ons for solo women, such as personal assistance, support for PED.
Even in Iceland or Japan, things can go wrong. You could lose your passport, miss a flight, or fall sick in a remote area. That's where your international travel insurance comes in handy. When travelling alone, you're solely responsible for yourself, so having travel insurance can offer a valuable safety net. Here's how it helps:
Make sure to always opt for plans with 24/7 global assistance, especially if travelling to remote areas. You should also customise them based on destination (e.g., adventure sports cover in Switzerland or Japan).
Safety should never be an afterthought while travelling abroad. While countries like Iceland, Singapore, and Austria offer the best peace of mind, don't forget to back your trip with the right insurance. By choosing a safer country and preparing with the right travel tools, you can enjoy worry-free journeys anywhere in the world.
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*Price shown is for a 180 day trip to Thailand with 50 thousand dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years, excluding GST