Traveling internationally can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with safety concerns. For many, feeling secure in a foreign destination is one of the most important factors when planning a trip. Now that 2025 is here, travelers looking to explore new destinations with peace of mind may want to consider heading to Iceland, recently crowned the safest country to visit this year.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) made this declaration following the release of its annual study, which ranks the safest countries to travel to. Based on extensive research and data collection, Iceland topped the list, surpassing other countries known for their safety, including Australia, Canada, and Switzerland.
How Iceland Became the Safest Destination
The Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection team evaluated various factors to determine the safest countries to visit. Since 2016, BHTP has surveyed American travelers’ perceptions of safety in different countries. The survey asks respondents where they’ve traveled over the last five years and how safe they felt in those locations. To ensure accurate and comprehensive results, these traveler surveys are supplemented with additional data from trusted sources like the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global scores, which provide safety ratings for major cities worldwide.
For the 2025 rankings, Iceland claimed the top spot, rising from No. 9 in 2024. Its stunning landscapes and low population density were crucial in securing its position. As the study points out, Iceland has “one major road” and is far from crowded, which makes it difficult to experience traffic accidents. Regarding travel safety, fewer vehicles on the road typically mean fewer potential accidents, likely contributing to Iceland’s ascent rankings.
Why Iceland Is So Safe
Iceland’s rise in safety rankings can be attributed to several key factors contributing to its reputation as a peaceful and secure destination for travelers. Iceland’s infrastructure is notably different from many other countries, as it has minimal traffic and only one primary road that spans the island. This simple fact means fewer cars, fewer accidents, and less congestion, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s serene beauty without the usual concerns associated with crowded cities or highways.
Iceland’s remote nature and small population also help reduce the likelihood of crime. The country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, contributing to its reputation as a peaceful and welcoming place for visitors. Its remote location and sparse population mean a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in more bustling, heavily populated countries.
The Volcanic Risk: A Caveat for Iceland Visitors
While Iceland’s overall safety makes it an ideal destination, one potential risk travelers should keep in mind is the country’s volcanic activity. As an island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is home to several active volcanoes that have erupted throughout its history. While the risk of a volcanic eruption is low, it’s a consideration travelers should be aware of when planning their trip.
However, the people of Iceland approach the possibility of volcanic eruptions with a sense of calm. As the report notes, “You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more languorous about it than the Icelanders.” For the most part, Icelanders are well-prepared for such events, and authorities provide excellent monitoring systems to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. Even in the unlikely event of a volcanic eruption, travelers can trust that the Icelandic government will take necessary precautions to minimize any harm.
