A recent report from International SOS reveals insights about the safest destinations for travel in 2025, alongside highlighting regions to avoid due to risks. The annual Risk Map 2025 by International SOS evaluates security, medical, climate, and mental health risks across various countries, categorizing them from insignificant to extreme risk levels.
Countries consistently rated as safe include Scandinavian nations like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, thanks to stable governments, low crime rates, and effective emergency services. Notably, Iceland has also been recognized as the safest country in the world in previous assessments. Switzerland, alongside smaller nations such as Slovenia, Luxembourg, and island nations like Cape Verde and the Seychelles, ranks among the safest as well, owing to their political stability and low crime rates.
On the opposite end, the report identifies countries such as Libya and Afghanistan as extremely risky due to ongoing conflicts and governance issues. Other countries facing notable risks include Somalia and the Central African Republic, characterized by instability and high crime rates. Geopolitical tensions have intensified ratings for areas like Sudan, Lebanon, and Venezuela.
Medical risks are another crucial aspect to consider when planning travel for 2025. Countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, and much of Europe have low medical risk due to robust healthcare systems, while Afghanistan and Somalia rank high due to limited healthcare access and prevalent infectious diseases.
Climate risks are also a growing concern, with Scandinavian nations leading in resilience against climate-change-related issues. Countries like New Zealand and the UAE are recognized for their investments in sustainability. In contrast, regions in Africa and the Philippines face severe climate impacts driven by resource scarcity and extreme weather.
Lastly, mental health challenges are highlighted in the report, with countries like Vietnam and the Scandinavian nations showing lower mental health risks, whereas the United States and other regions dealing with stress and limited mental health resources rank higher.
For travelers planning trips in 2025, the safest countries include:
- Cape Verde
- Denmark
- Finland
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Marshall Islands
- Norway
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
Conversely, the riskiest countries identified for travel are:
- Afghanistan
- Central African Republic
- Iraq
- Libya
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Yemen
For more detailed insights, you can view the full Risk Outlook 2025 report.