The Growing Importance of Safety in Travel Planning
As conflicts continue to escalate across the globe, governmental 'do not travel' advisories are becoming increasingly common. This trend can make it challenging for travelers to decide which destinations on their bucket list are still safe to visit. If you're planning a trip and prioritizing safety, new data from the Global Peace Index (GPI) can help guide your choices.
The 2026 edition of the GPI, the world's most comprehensive annual ranking of peacefulness across 163 countries, has been released. It highlights the ten most peaceful countries globally, offering insights into where travelers might find the safest environments.
Understanding the Global Peace Index
The 2026 GPI reveals that the world has continued its long-term decline in peacefulness, with armed conflict being the main driver of this trend. There are currently more active state-based conflicts than at any point since the end of World War II. Additionally, the number of countries involved in external conflicts has nearly doubled since 2008.
Recent events such as the civil war in Sudan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the brief but significant Twelve-Day War between Israel, the United States, and Iran have contributed to a more fragile and militarized international environment. However, it's important to note that this year’s Index only partially reflects the impact of the 2026 Iran War, as many conflict indicators were cut off at the end of 2025.
In terms of tourism, these developments have led to an increase in travel advisories. For example, the UK now lists 76 out of 226 countries or territories as containing no-go zones due to security dangers and health risks.
How the Global Peace Index Works
The 20th edition of the GPI ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. It uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure peace across three domains: societal safety and security, the extent of domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
This year’s results show a 0.7% deterioration in global peacefulness over the past year. Out of the 163 countries on the Index, 99 saw a decline in peacefulness, while 62 improved. There are now 119 countries less peaceful than they were in 2008.
Safest Destinations for Travelers in 2026
The GPI serves as a useful indicator of a country's overall stability. However, it's essential to remember that it does not account for destination-specific risks such as petty crime hotspots, road safety, or natural hazards. Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics & Peace and creator of the GPI, emphasizes that travelers should consult official foreign office advisories for practical, on-the-ground planning.
Iceland continues to hold the top spot as the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive year. It has no standing military, extremely low crime rates, and high social trust. New Zealand has risen one place to second globally, recording the lowest ongoing conflict score in the Asia-Pacific region.
Switzerland comes in third, followed by Slovenia, which has climbed two places to fourth. Ireland is fifth, known for its warm and welcoming nature and consistent ranking among the world's most peaceful nations.
At the other end of the spectrum, Russia is the least peaceful country, with Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel completing the bottom five.
Regional Trends and Country-Level Changes
Western and Central Europe remain the most peaceful regions, while the Middle East and North Africa are the least peaceful. The Eastern Europe and Central Asia region was the only one of the eight GPI regions to see an average improvement over the past year. In contrast, South Asia recorded the largest regional deterioration, driven by declines in Nepal and Pakistan.
Poland saw the largest country-level improvement, with a 9.1% improvement in its overall score and a rise of 23 places to 22nd globally. This was largely due to a 17.5% improvement in the ongoing conflict domain. Gabon, Lesotho, Ukraine, and Türkiye also recorded significant improvements, with the latter reflecting a sustained peace process between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
Nepal experienced the largest deterioration, with a 9.1% drop in its overall score following the Gen Z protests in September 2025. Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, and Tanzania also saw significant declines.
The United States deteriorated by 4%, mainly due to increased political instability, which worsened by 38.5%. Violent demonstrations in the U.S. have also risen substantially, placing the country at 134th on the GPI.
Final Thoughts for Travelers
While the GPI provides valuable insights into national peacefulness, it is not a substitute for destination-specific travel advice. Travelers should always check official foreign office advisories and consider local conditions when planning their trips.
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