World's Safest Country 2026: Netherlands on Top, Iceland Dethroned

For travelers, choosing a vacation destination isn't just about scenery and cuisine. Safety is also a crucial factor before deciding which passport gets stamped next. Well, the latest news comes from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's (BHTP) annual report, which just released the Travel Insurance Safest Destinations 2026 list, as quoted by USA Today.

For years, Iceland was known as the world's safest destination, a "safe haven" for tourists from around the globe. But this year, the map changed. For the first time, the Netherlands has officially been crowned the safest country to visit in 2026, displacing Iceland from the top spot. This Windmill Country successfully surged from last year's 14th position to first place.

"Today's travelers prioritize their safety more than ever," stated Carol Mueller, Chief Marketing Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

She added that this annual report not only highlights safety but also serves as an important reference for travelers in determining destinations that are safe, comfortable, and welcoming for all.

Interestingly, Austria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two new names in the list of the world's top 15 safest countries. This means global safety is no longer dominated solely by Scandinavian nations, but is starting to spread to Central Europe and the Middle East.

BHTP compiled this ranking based on a combination of various factors, such as safety for women, travelers of diverse races, and the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the report also considers tourists' actual experiences regarding crime rates, political risk, and healthcare quality in each country.

However, BHTP reminds us that this list is only a guide. Wherever your holiday destination, personal safety plans are still essential, from travel insurance and document storage to monitoring local conditions before departure.

Here is the list of the World's 15 Safest Countries 2026 according to BHTP:

1. Netherlands
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Canada
6. New Zealand
7. United Arab Emirates
8. Switzerland
9. Japan
10. Ireland
11. Belgium
12. Portugal
13. France
14. United Kingdom
15. Denmark

The Netherlands' victory this year isn't entirely surprising. With its efficient public transport system, cyclist-friendly environment, and easily explorable cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, the country truly creates a balance between a dynamic urban lifestyle and a high sense of security.

Meanwhile, Iceland, although dropping to fourth place, maintains its reputation as a haven for nature lovers and solo travelers.

The aurora borealis, majestic waterfalls, and the friendliness of its people still make it one of those destinations you must visit at least once in a lifetime.

For those planning a 2026 vacation, this list can be an initial reference for finding a destination that's not only beautiful but also safe and comfortable to explore. Because in the end, the best journeys aren't just the exciting ones, but also those that allow you to return home peacefully.