When you are planning a trip these days, travel safety isn't just a background detail; it is usually the thing that makes or breaks your decision. That is why the new 2025 Travel Safety Index from HelloSafe is so interesting. It gives us one of the most thorough snapshots of travel safety right now.
They analyzed 180 countries using 35 different criteria, covering everything from natural disasters and crime to political stability and healthcare. The rule is simple: the lower the score, the safer the destination. Here are the big takeaways for 2025.
Northern Europe and Singapore dominate the top spots
- Iceland (Once again, the safest country in the world)
- Singapore
- Denmark
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Czech Republic
- Slovenia
- Finland
- Ireland
- Hungary
If you look a little further down the top 20, you will see Slovakia, Estonia, Portugal, and the Netherlands all earning strong spots. Europe remains the safest region overall for travelers this year.
The United States Is Among the Most Unsafe Countries in the West
The report is honestly pretty harsh on the United States. It points to high violent crime rates, increasingly complex entry rules, and the impact of recent political developments on international tourism. It notes that European arrivals have dropped noticeably in the last six months. The U.S. now finds itself in the uncomfortable company of destinations that Western travelers usually consider high-risk.
Disappointing Performances from France and Italy
Two of Europe's favorite destinations received surprisingly poor scores. France landed at 80th globally and only 34th in Europe. Italy did slightly better but is still lagging at 33rd in Europe. Spain, meanwhile, is outperforming both of its neighbors.
The report cites social tensions, the lingering risk of terrorism (particularly in France), and extreme summer weather linked to climate change as the main reasons these rankings dropped so low.
The Bottom of the List
It is sad but not surprising to see Ukraine and Russia occupying the very last positions, largely due to the ongoing large-scale conflict.
Positive Surprises around the World
Latin America
While the region often has a reputation for being risky, the index shows that it really depends on where you go.
Relatively safe in 2025: Paraguay, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia
Still among the riskiest: Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico
High homicide rates and political volatility continue to hurt the scores for that second group, despite how culturally rich and beautiful those countries are.
Asia and the Middle East Shine
Bhutan (11th worldwide) benefits from extreme political stability and very low crime.
Qatar (12th) reinforces its status as one of the safest countries on the planet, consistently topping travel safety charts.
What It Means for Travelers
The index confirms that Northern and Central Europe, along with a few Asian standouts like Singapore, Bhutan, and Qatar, remain your safest bets for a worry-free trip.
On the other hand, popular spots like the United States, France, and parts of Latin America are carrying significantly higher risk than they did just a few years ago.
Whether you are booking a weekend city break or a long-haul adventure, checking the latest travel safety data rather than relying on old stereotypes has become an essential part of planning a trip.
