Bangkok: Many travelers are prioritizing safety when planning their international trips for the end of the year, and new rankings reveal the safest destinations for tourists in 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), a prominent travel insurance company, has released its list of the safest countries and cities for travelers in 2026. The rankings are derived from comprehensive surveys of travelers who have visited various destinations over the past five years, in conjunction with data from international organizations and indices such as the U.S. Department of State, The Economist, GeoSure Global, Vision of Humanity (Global Peace Index), Numbeo, and Global Finance. The assessment criteria encompass risks ranging from terrorism and natural disasters to public health and access to healthcare. It also considers specific safety concerns for groups such as female travelers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color.
The top 10 safest countries for tourists in 2026, as ranked by BHTP, are the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Japan, and Ireland. The Netherlands, which secured the top position, was praised for its strong performance across all assessed indices. It received high scores for safety in areas such as healthcare for tourists, crime prevention, and safety for diverse tourist groups, including female, LGBTQIA+, and tourists of color. However, BHTP noted a concern regarding the cycling culture in the Netherlands, particularly at intersections where bicycle lanes intersect with pedestrian paths, as cyclists sometimes ride at high speeds.
While Thailand did not make it into the top 10, ranking 30th in the BHTP 2026 list, it remains a popular destination with a satisfactory level of safety for tourists, especially niche groups like high-spending travelers and the LGBTQ+ community. Key safety recommendations for tourists visiting Thailand include exercising caution on the roads, adhering strictly to local laws, and opting for bottled water instead of tap water.