The 10 Safest Countries to Visit
This Nordic nation ranked best in the world for reliability of police services and low incidence of terrorism. Crime is low compared with the United States and other developed countries, although the State Department warns travelers to beware of public drunkenness in Helsinki.
Flickr/Josef Steuber
Lingering concerns about terrorism have limited the growth of tourism in the Middle East, although secluded resorts tend to be located away from the most dangerous areas, according to the WEF report. The State Department says that incidents of violence in Qatar are rare, but attacks against Western targets have occurred.
Flickr/Dieter Blum/Shell
With more than 10 million tourists in 2013, the UAE is the most tourist-friendly country in the Middle East, according to the WEF. The State Department warns travelers to be alert to possible terror acts, although the UAE’s law enforcement has proven effective at preventing such activity.
Flickr/Asim Bharwani
The country has invested heavily in tourism recently and boasts the second-lowest homicide rate of all the countries listed. The State Department does advise travelers there to watch out for disorderly, late-night crowds outside of the bars in downtown Reykjavik.
Flickr/Lev Clcik
Australia is the 7th most tourist friendly country on the list and has identified tourism as a national investment priority. The State Department advises visitors to stay up-to-date on the country’s terrorism threat level and to be aware of robberies and assaults in the larger cities.
Flickr/Günter Albensoeder
The tiny European country ties for the lowest terrorist incidence rate in the world. The State Department advises travelers there to use common sense to avoid pickpockets, especially in Luxembourg City.
Flickr/David Evers
New Zealand ties for first place among countries with the lowest incidence of terrorism. Its crime rate is extremely low, although the State Department advises travelers not to leave passports or valuables unattended.
Flickr/CameliaTWU
The Lion City is the 11th most tourist friendly place in the world, according to the WEF report, and it has recently seen an uptick in spending on sightseeing, entertainment and gaming, even though it’s pricey. The State Department warns travelers to be wary of credit card fraud and not to carry more than one credit card at a time.
Flickr/Mike Behnken
This Middle Eastern monarchy is also tied for the lowest terrorism rate. U.S. citizens in Oman have never been the subject of terrorist attacks, but the State Department warns that such incidents remain a possibility.
Flickr/Luca Nebuloni
Last year was Portugal’s best ever for visitors, with tourism revenues increasing by more than 12 percent. The State Department warns violent crime there is relatively low, but crime in all categories is steadily increasing.
Flickr/Maiusz Kluzniak