The war in the Middle East has caused mass flight cancellations and thousands of stranded passengers in airports around the world and trapped in tourist destinations like Dubai that, until last week, were considered safe. But although these are extraordinary circumstances, the truth is that all destinations can entail some type of risk that the traveler must be aware of and consult before embarking on the trip.
The closest source, that of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, offers updated and specific information on almost every corner of the world. Country by country, these travel recommendations range from general warnings to passport and visa requirements, health conditions, and, of course, safety. Pay attention to the last lines to verify that the information is up to date: "Recommendations valid as of March 2, 2026," yesterday indicated, for example, the ministry in its recommendations about Egypt. Before traveling abroad, it is advisable to register our data in the Traveler's Registry of the MAUC to facilitate assistance in emergency or need situations. The recommendations made by the U.S. Department of State can be found here and those of the UK Foreign Office, here.
There are also several prestigious studies that publish their conclusions every year and can serve as a guide for travelers. The Institute for Economics and Peace has been analyzing and ranking the safest and least safe actors on the world stage for 17 years. Its Global Peace Index (GPI) is one of the most cited references for measuring peace. The GPI for 2025 considers that Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, Finland, the Czech Republic, and Japan are the most peaceful countries. Another highly consulted report is the International SOS, which annually draws a map for travelers to decide which countries they should avoid visiting.
Safest Countries (Global Peace Index 2025)
Iceland
Ireland
New Zealand
Austria
Switzerland
Singapore
Portugal
Denmark
Slovenia
Finland
Another widely circulated report is the one conducted by Berkshire Hathaway. Since 2016, it surveys thousands of Americans about their travels abroad in the last five years and their level of safety. It is an analysis, therefore, based on the real traveler's experience, although complemented with sources such as the aforementioned Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global. Its latest update came out at the end of last year. According to this, looking ahead to 2026, Berkshire Hathaway placed The Netherlands in the number 1 spot of the safest countries in the world.
They are followed by Australia, Austria, Iceland, and Canada rounding out the top five spots. New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Japan, and Ireland complete their top ten. The fact that the United Arab Emirates is on this list shows the volatility of the current geopolitical situation and emphasizes that no destination is free of risks. The same report emphasizes the importance of preparation, information, and traveler responsibility. The good news is that tourists today have more tools than ever to choose safe places to visit.