There’s a reason ‘safety first’ is one of the first things we’re taught as kids. You simply can’t have a good time if your health is at risk or if you’re constantly feeling on edge. The saying couldn’t be truer for travel. While Australia has its own list of countries to steer clear of, a new global index has revealed the ten safest destinations where you’re more likely to have a stress-free trip – and Australia’s almost topped the list.
This news might surprise a few foreigners who think Australia’s crawling with poisonous critters and things that bite. But safety’s defined by far more than snakes and spiders. Every year, insurance company Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) surveys loads of travellers about where they’ve been over the past five years and how safe they felt in each place – especially women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from other marginalised communities. They then combine those findings with data from the Global Peace Index and other safety ratings to calculate exactly where in the world travellers can rest easy in 2026.
Australia has been a perennial top ten inhabitant of the safest countries ratings since it launched seven years ago – and in 2026, we’re holding strong in second place. Our ranking hasn’t changed since 2025, but there’s been a major shake-up at the top: Iceland has slipped from first to fourth, while the Netherlands has climbed from 14th place to claim the crown.
In the safest countries ratings, Australia scored the highest marks for health measures and is near the top for safety from terrorism. It also ranked fourth for both transport and for the perceived safety from women, LGBTQIA+ travellers and people of colour.
Smart Move Australia particularly credits the country’s safety to its “stable political system, low crime rate, and strict biosecurity and gun control laws.” However, BHTP highlights that Australia is incredibly diverse and advises travellers to stay savvy – whether that means being cautious in remote regions, sticking to patrolled beaches or steering clear of areas prone to bushfires.
Now, back to the wildlife. Yes, Australia has its fair share of venomous snakes, spiders, sharks and other creepy crawlies – but most of the wildlife you’ll encounter is actually harmless. Just pack some bug spray, swim between the flags and don’t bush bash too far off the beaten track. You can read the study in more detail here.
The 10 safest countries in the world for travellers in 2026
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Austria
- Iceland
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Ireland