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This North American country tops the list of the safest countries for travelers

A new year means new destinations.

When looking at where to go, travelers will consider the usual factors such as weather, cost and available activities. This year, safety is also top of mind as more people want to go off the beaten path and take solo trips.

To help, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its ninth annual State of Travel Insurance report, which includes the safest countries in the world for travelers.

"The definition of safe destination has evolved,” Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. "In our most recent survey, travelers lean in on countries they believe as safe destinations they can move about freely without discrimination or harassment."

To determine the list, the travel insurance provider surveyed 1,702 people on their own travel experiences in different countries and also pulled data from third-party resources that evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups. This included the  Global Peace Index  and the State Department’s own  travel safety ratings .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

While these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company noted the report doesn't mean every part of the country is safe nor account for the possibility of natural disasters. And as always, don't let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

Read below to see the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.

The Great White North tops this year's list of safest countries in the world for travelers, thanks to its low violent crime and strict gun laws. Last year, the country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, made sixth on the list.

2. Switzerland

Known for its security and low crime rates, Switzerland made second place for the safest nations to visit. The country is known for its high quality of living and beautiful nature, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.

Besides having some of the best views of the dancing northern lights , Norway is also one of the safest places when it comes to crime rates, terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. According to the report, Oslo, the capital of Norway, was the country's safest area.

Those wanting to see Ireland's Cliffs of Moher or sip on some Guinness can rest assured in going through with those travel plans. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.

5. Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot for safest destinations to visit, and this year, it made fifth. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and its capital Amsterdam. Just beware of the tourist tax increase as the city continues to crack down on reckless partiers.

6. United Kingdom

With a beautiful countryside and cities with low murder and theft rates, the United Kingdom is a safe bet for travelers. Unfortunately, the country is soon going to implement a fee to enter its borders .

7. Portugal

There's a reason digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country, and it's not just the delicious seafood and wine. Portugal's cities are secure and orderly, and the rural areas are peaceful. In 2022, the country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers too.

Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rates continue to help it be a safe choice for travelers. The northern European country typically steals the spotlight for its happy residents and its politics.

Like its Nordic neighbor Denmark, Iceland is often regarded as the world's most gender-equal country and the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To entice travelers even more, the country is home to otherworldly landscapes featuring glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic terrain.

10. Australia

Rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make Australia a desirable country for travelers, especially female solo travelers since the Land Down Under also has low homicide rates. In 2022, there were 377 recorded homicides, about half of what Chicago experienced, according to the report.

11. New Zealand

Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its coastlines, mountains, fjords and more, or for those who are big "Lord of the Rings" fans. With low crime rates, the country is also considered to be quite peaceful and great for female solo travelers.

Along with low crime rates, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Think robot servers in restaurants amongst ancient shrines. In Japanese culture, politeness and orderliness are also highly valued, making it a safe place for travelers, solo or not. However, the report doesn't consider natural disasters, such as the earthquakes that recently shook the western part of the island nation.

Home to the City of Light, France has stood the test of time as one of the world's most popular destinations. Thankfully, for travelers, the country has relatively safe transportation (well, minus petty theft, which is common on the metro) and safety from disease epidemics, according to the report. However, violent demonstrations mean travelers should be cautious and check local media for updates.

Another popular European destination, Spain is known for petty theft like pickpocketing. Overall, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rating for how heavily touristed it is, the report said. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recommends people especially watch out for passport thefts, so as always, travel cautiously.

This year, Brazil made the list of safe countries to visit. The survey respondents who identified as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ especially felt safe in the South American country, known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil's borders are notably dangerous for crime activity.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

12 Safest Countries To Visit (According to the Latest Data In 2023) | Which Country Tops the List?

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Anybody spending this part of winter dreaming about traveling to new places inevitably wonders where it’s safe, and where it isn’t safe, to travel.

To help make travel planning easier and get a definitive answer to that question, you can turn to a report called the Safest Countries In The World 2023 from World Population Review, an independent organization that works to make demographic information about the world’s population easily accessible. The report is pulled from the Global Peace Index, which is published annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace after it compiles data to rank the world’s safest and most peaceful countries.

A total of 163 countries are ranked based on 23 different indicators that gauge the absence of violence in the country as well as its citizens’ fear of violence. In addition, the safest countries in the world are often ranked based on various other factors such as political stability, healthcare quality, and overall safety for residents and visitors including the occurrence of natural disasters. Organizations like the Global Peace Index and the Institute for Economics and Peace use the combined data I mentioned above to determine global rankings.

These indicators include the number and duration of both internal and external violent conflicts, level of political instability, potential for terrorist acts, number of homicides, level of violent crimes, military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product, and ease of access to small arms and light weapons.

Taken together, the indicators measure a country’s state of peace across three broad areas: Ongoing international conflict, societal safety and security, and militarization.

As you would expect, the world’s safest countries share many similarities. For example, countries that are the most peaceful have high levels of wealth, social welfare, and education. 

These countries are also known to have effective criminal justice systems and governments that “maintain healthy relationships with their citizens,” according to the World Population Review.

So, let’s get to it. Here are the top 12 safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

12 Safest Countries To Visit (According to the Latest Data In 2023)

Amazingly, according to the Global Peace Index, Iceland has been the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row.

“Iceland has a very low level of crime , which is typically attributed to its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against crime, a high level of trust in their well-trained police force, and a lack of tension between social and economic classes,” according to World Population Review.

Two other factors contribute significantly to Iceland’s high state of peacefulness. First, Iceland’s police do not carry firearms. Secondly, Iceland has a number of laws that guarantee equality, including those mandating legal same-sex marriage and same-sex adoptions, religious freedom, and equal pay for men and women. No wonder why Island tops the list of the safest countries in the world.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand also has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is especially rare, World Population Review explains.

“New Zealanders are generally open-minded and the country has laws in place to prevent the violation of anyone’s freedom of speech or expression,” World Population Review continues. “As in Iceland, police in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms.”

It’s a great place where solo travelers said they felt the safest when visiting .

Ireland became notably more peaceful in 2021. And then, in 2022, the country moved from number 11 on the Global Peace Index to number 3 making it one of the safest countries to live in or visit.

“Crime is quite low outside of a few city neighborhoods (and as in any country, one should be wary of pickpockets and scammers in tourist-dense areas), and there is little threat of cultural violence or terrorism,” World Population Review notes. “In fact, the Irish landscape may pose a greater safety risk than its people — the country’s breathtaking cliffs and winding country roads must be treated with respect, especially during a sudden rainstorm or in areas with no cell reception.”

“Denmark is one of the few countries where people report feeling safe at any time of day or night, even children,” according to World Population Review. “Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare — two qualities that contribute to its citizens’ feelings of safety and happiness.”

It’s also worth noting that while Denmark has a high personal income tax, these taxes fund social programs that ensure everyone receives services, including tuition-free access to higher education and healthcare.

Denmark is also on the list of the most safest European countries where you can travel alone as a woman and feel completely safe .

“While violent demonstrations in the wake of ongoing social unrest remain a concern, these are relatively easy to avoid and otherwise, Austria is a very safe country to visit ,” according to World Population Review. “Serious crimes are uncommon (with the usual caveat to watch for pickpockets and purse-snatchers).”

Another reason for Austria’s high peacefulness score is that there have been no major acts of terrorism there in recent years.

6. Portugal

Portugal ranked 18th on the Global Peace Index in 2014, and since then, it has climbed up the ranking. Interestingly, unlike some other countries known for their peacefulness, Portugal’s police force is armed. In this case, however, the presence of armed police has led to a decreasing crime rate.

“In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from more than 17 percent to less than 7 percent,” World Population Review points out. “Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, due in no small part to its high level of safety.”

7. Slovenia

Slovenia , one of the former members of Yugoslavia and now a member of the European Union, owes its high safety ranking to high travel security, low medical risks, and high road safety scores.

“Like many Slavic states, Slovenia installed a democratic government in the mid-1990s and is now focused upon improving quality of life in many areas, including safety and sustainability,” according to World Population Review.

8. Czech Republic

“Crime rates in the Czech Republic have steadily decreased over the years, with rates of violent crime in particular dropping significantly,” World Population Review notes. “The Czech Republic also has a low incidence of terrorism and natural disasters.”

Other factors accounting for its peacefulness and citizens’ well-being are that the Czech Republic also “boasts many clean and efficient hospitals and a state-run health insurance system that offers affordable rates and enables near-universal coverage,” World Population Review continues.

9. Singapore

Singapore , which is actually a city-state, is an island country located off the coast of the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It consists of Singapore Island and some 60 smaller islands.

“Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, possibly due to the severe penalties that are issued for even small crimes,” World Population Review points out. “The government and police strictly control guns and other firearms, and violent and confrontational crimes are rare in Singapore.”

Importantly, Japan has ranked among the top 10 safest countries on the Global Peace Index for 14 years. It consistently receives high scores for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually non-existent political unrest, according to World Population Review. What’s also noteworthy is those scores exist despite the country’s proximity to its potentially hostile neighbors China and North Korea.

“Japan is known for having limited immigration and limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual’s right,” World Population Review continues.

Key reasons for Canada’s high ranking are cold weather and low population density, which make for safe travel. However, what you need to watch for in Canada are wildfires that can make travel difficult in all bigger cities for people with respiratory conditions.

When it comes to crime, the quote from Canada’s dedicated section of the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ’s report sums up travel safety across the country this way, saying “as traveling destinations go it doesn’t get much safer than Canada … Violent crime is comparatively low and there is a low incidence of gun-related crime.”

Also, Norway, Switzerland, and Canada rank as the safest places for women and the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. 

12. Switzerland

Even though it ranks among the highest weapons exporters per capita, in comparison to other countries, there is very little crime in each Swiss canton. Switzerland is a well-known safe destination where local authorities are helpful and it’s easy to navigate the public transportation system, even at night. 

Governments such as the United States just advise their citizens to exercise normal precautions in Switzerland and issue Level One travel advisories for the country, the lowest possible advisory.

What Is the Safest Country to Vacation In?

Iceland tops the list as the world’s safest country to visit. This peaceful country has the least safety concerns for several reasons, including low violent crime rates, a lack of political violence, and low levels of violence against foreigners. This list has traditionally been dominated by Scandinavian countries.

Which Are the Most Dangerous Countries in the World?

The Philippines is the least safe while Yemen comes in second place. This is because the Philippines has plenty of security risks and lots of natural disasters. Yemen’s terrible score is due to war and famine but the country has a very low risk of severe weather events.

What Are International Security Ratings Based On?

International security ratings are based on a variety of security risks, including terrorism, social unrest, as well as violent and petty crime. To evaluate safety concerns in more detail, other factors include transportation infrastructure, emergency services, health measures, and susceptibility to weather emergencies.  

What Is the Safest City to Visit in Europe?

Reykjavik is not only the safest city in Europe for 2024, but also one of the safest major cities on the planet. The Icelandic capital city, known for its mystical landscapes and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, has relatively low levels of crime and is a great destination for solo travelers.

Which Travel Insurance Should I Choose?

With its ninth annual “ State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations” report, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a travel insurance that may inspire your decision on which popular tourist destination is on the list of the safest countries to visit in 2024.

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

What You Need to Know About the New “Safe Travels” Stamp

The world travel and tourism council’s seal of approval helps identify destinations and businesses that have adopted a new set of global safety and hygiene protocols..

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The World Travel and Tourism Council’s new Safe Travels stamp makes it easier for people to plan trips now.

Courtesy of World Travel & Tourism Council

It’s hard enough staying COVID-safe in our own neighborhoods these days, much less in a rapidly reopening world. After all, if you’re the kind of person who ends up wondering if your next-door neighbor wore (or should have worn) a mask when kindly baking you cookies, you’ll probably also worry about whether the bellhop at your hotel is required to use hand sanitizer before delivering your suitcase. Luckily the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), along with governments and health experts, has created a new set of “Safe Travels” global health and safety protocols and a corresponding stamp to help us all navigate the new normal more easily.

Even before borders started to reopen, travel companies around the world scrambled to draft safety protocols that would allow them to operate responsibly moving forward. But the WTTC quickly realized that it was hard to keep track of all those individual efforts. Additionally, the onus would be on the traveler to decide if a certain company is actually doing enough to keep guests safe.

So the WTTC set out to standardize safe travel, developing new global standards and a stamp that would help travelers recognize the businesses and destinations following best practices. For a destination to receive a Safe Travels stamp, it must ensure that its own safety guidelines align with the WTTC’s core requirements . Businesses must follow more specific protocols , which are divided up by different sectors of the travel industry and include:

• Hospitality
• Outdoor Shopping and Retail Establishments
• Tour Operators
• Convention Centers
• Attractions
• Short-Term Rentals
• Car Rentals

Each set of protocols takes into account current World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines and was developed with help from relevant industry leaders, such as Marriott, Virtuoso, the Expedia Group, Intrepid Travel, Airbnb, Emirates, United Airlines, and others. On its website, the WTTC stresses that these standards are living documents and will be updated as new information about COVID-19 becomes available.

The entire Safe Travels effort has received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) .

The protocols outline actions that travel industry players should take both behind the scenes (retraining staff, revising cleaning procedures, working with governments to provide financial relief through the sector) and when welcoming guests (mandating masks where required, monitoring guest numbers to facilitate social distancing, creating new signage to encourage guests to use safe hygiene practices). Once a company has implemented the new protocols, it is eligible for the bright green safety stamp , which it can display on its website. Approved destinations will help the WTTC award the stamp to smaller local companies.

According to the WTTC, protocols have been embraced by more than 1,200 companies and 80 destinations already. However, not all stamp holders actually use the logo on their site, so it’s not always easy for travelers to verify whether the tour operator they want to travel with or the hotel they’re planning on staying in is a WTTC Safe Travels company. But it’s always worth researching the health and safety policies of any company you’re traveling with, so if you don’t see the stamp, feel free to ask about it. The WTTC’s website also lists the destinations that have been approved so far, including Aruba, Barcelona, Egypt, Ontario, Jordan, Slovenia, Turkey, Vienna, and more.

It’s important to remember that the Safe Travel protocols don’t guarantee safety—the WTTC acknowledges as much—but they constitute a big step toward restoring travelers’ trust. “For the first time ever, the global private sector has rallied around Safe Travels protocols which will create consistency across the sector,” WTTC CEO and president Gloria Guevara said in a statement. “Implementation by governments around the world will restore much-needed confidence in order to restart the Travel & Tourism industry.”

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'Safe Travels': Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal

WTTC alongside our Members, governments, health experts, and other industry associations are working together to achieve effective recovery protocols by developing meaningful action plans that optimise sector-wide recovery efforts. Part of our protocols includes providing the public & private sectors with insights & toolkits for interaction & implementation to ensure that people are and feel safe however WTTC, our members, and the sector can not guarantee 100% safety. It is paramount to have common rules. Ultimately, we envision a future of travel that is safe, secure, seamless and provides an authentic and meaningful experience to the traveller across the journey; one which supports the livelihoods of millions and contributes to sustainable economic growth. The protocols align the private sector behind common standards to ensure the safety of its workforce and travellers as the sector shifts to a new normal. The SafeTravels Stamp was created for travellers to recognise destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardised protocols. Please note that while the protocols take into account current WHO and CDC guidelines, they are living documents which we will update as new information becomes available about COVID-19.

Global Protocols for the New Normal Overview

Hospitality - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Outdoor Shopping - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Aviation - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Airports - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Tour Operator - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Convention Centres Meetings and Events - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Attractions - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Short Term Rental - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Car Rental - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Insurance - Global Protocols for the New Normal

Adventure Tourism - Global Protocols for the New Normal

In addition to the SafeTravels Protocols, we have partnered with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to release a number of guides to enable businesses within the Travel & Tourism sector to return to work safely.

Working from home: Remote workers guide - WTTC + IOSH

Working from home: Mental Health and Wellbeing - WTTC + IOSH

Working from home: Maintaining good leadership principles - WTTC + IOSH

Working from home: COVID-19 ergonomics factsheet - WTTC + IOSH

Back to work: Returning safely guide - WTTC + IOSH

Back to work: Risk assessment guide - WTTC + IOSH

From Protocols to a Safety Culture - WTTC + IOSH

Global safety stamp to recognise safe travels protocols.

The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’. Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short-term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation, and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented. Interested in applying for the stamp? Click here.

Which destinations have the stamp?

Why are the SafeTravels Protocols and Stamp important?

If you are looking for the contact details for the below destinations & associations to ask for the stamp, click here .

Members & Industry

“I am pleased with the decision issued today by the WTTC to grant Egypt its Safe Travels stamp. This is a milestone in our bilateral cooperation with WTTC. This decision reflects Egypt's commitment to the safe resumption of inbound tourism with strict comprehensive hygiene safety measures starting July 1, 2020, to its superb, sunny and healthy beaches. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Egypt's resorts in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Coast.”

Dr Khaled El-Enany

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

“Eswatini is pleased join other destinations in being part of the globally recognised WTTC Safe travels protocols and we applaud the initiative by WTTC. These protocols will ensure consistency in tourist expectations and experience globally . COVID-19 has shifted customer expectations to, not only service excellence, but safety has become an imperative for all travellers. It is in this vein that Eswatini has put safety as a priority, as we adapt to the new normal. COVID-19 has not only had devastating effects on people’s lives but also people’s livelihoods. The pandemic has also ravaged economies globally, therefore regaining market confidence is the foundational step towards reopening and reviving the tourism sector in a safe, responsible and organized way. I would like to thank WTTC, Eswatini Tourism Authority and the Tourism Industry of Eswatini for collaborating in reaching this key milestone. Implementation of these protocols is part of our message to tourist far and wide that Eswatini is open for tourism business, we are ready to receive tourists warmly and safely to the Kingdom of Eswatini.”

Hon. Moses Vilakati

Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Eswatini

“Tourism has become one of the most important economic industries in the world today with jobs generated by travel and tourism spread across the global economy. It has a forward and backward effect throughout the value chain, with direct and indirect interlinkages with other sectors such as agriculture, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, building and construction, transportation, among others. It’s time that the world realizes that tourism is key as it’s not just about employment, but about survival and that’s why reopening while guided by coordinated and collaborative protocols, we not only save lives in terms of health but also livelihoods in terms of the economy. We commend the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for their commitment, effort and strategic global leadership in designing and developing the WTTC’s global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols. The protocols shall ensure that Tourism and Travel continue to globally impact the world populace livelihoods and sustain lives. Whilst Magical Kenya's reputation as a top African tourist destination has always managed to place the country as a leader in the industry, our dedication to health, safety and security of our visitors, seamless experience and top-class service is paramount. As Magical Kenya, we are looking forward to welcome all guests and relive our magical moments. Feel safe to travel to a certified Magically Healthy Destination that have health and safety protocols endorsed by the WTTC safe travel stamp. Kenya, the Magic Awaits!”

Hon Najib Balala, EGH

Minister for Tourism and Wildlife, and Chair of the World Tourism Organization Executive Council, Republic of Kenya

"Mauritius has always been viewed as a safe, luxurious and welcoming Destination for the World. We are unfortunately not an exception to the Global COVID-19 crisis. At the wake of a gradual resumption of activities in the Tourism Sector, the Tourism Authority under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, has been pro-active to initiate a set of Mandatory Sanitary Measures for the Relaunch of Tourist activities. We feel privileged and thankful for endorsing these measures and at the same time including Mauritius within the WTTC family. We are adamant that this recognition shall bring light on Mauritius as a Safe Destination for our local stakeholders, our supply International Markets and to the World."

Avinash Gopee

Chairperson, Tourism Authority – Republic of Mauritius

“We would like to thank WTTC for bringing this global initiative to the forefront of the travel industry. We strongly believe that the Safe Travel stamp is a much needed measure to restore confidence in travel and reassure visitors that their safety is paramount. In Namibia, we are graced with breathtaking landscapes that offer visitors the chance to make memories that last a lifetime. Our country is also one of the least densely populated places in the world, which we feel will attract travellers wanting to roam free and be at one with nature post-lockdown. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together to remind the world of the magic and wonder that travel brings.”

Digu //Naobeb

CEO, Namibia Tourism Board

“Rwanda's number one priority is the health and well-being of visitors to our beautiful country. As one of only three countries in the world with endangered mountain gorillas and numerous other primate species, we also have a special responsibility to protect these magnificent animals. The creation of the WTTC Safe Travels global protocols and Stamp represent an important step in the reopening of tourism around the world and Rwanda is proud to adopt these global standards. We are excited to welcome tourists back to Rwanda for safe and memorable experiences - from seeing the Big 5 on safari and exploring Rwanda's lush rainforests to learning about our vibrant culture.”

Belise Kariza

Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board

“Tanzania is indeed well positioned to tap into the growing potential of the ever-expanding tourism industry. The Government of Tanzania re-opened its airspace for travel and together with the tourism private sector developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that all tourism stakeholders have to adhere to prevent the spread of Corona Virus in the tourism related activities in the country. It is in the interest of the tourism industry in Tanzania that tourists stay safe while in the country and also the citizens of Tanzania remain safe. In this regard, Tanzania joined hands with other destinations to applaud the continued efforts by the World Travel & Tourism Council – WTTC in achieving effective tourism recovery through the development of Safe Travels Stamp and its protocols. These protocols advocate for meaningful actions globally, leading to a future way of travelling which is safe, secured and unified providing a meaningful experience to tourists as well as supporting the livelihood of the local people in tourist destinations. With WTTC endorsing Tanzania to use the Safe Travels stamp marks another step to our quest to present to you the safest unforgettable experiences. I welcome all travellers to Tanzania and wish to assure you that Tanzania is safe, open and ready to provide travellers with unforgettable experiences and hospitality. Karibu Tanzania!”

Hon. Dr. Hamisi A. Kigwangalla (MP)

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania

"Tunisia has successfully contained the Coronavirus outbreak. Thanks to the strict and proactive measures undertaken by the government, Tunisia has managed to bring the situation under control. Today, we are proud to be the first country in North Africa to reopen our borders, by June 27th. We are fully committed to the health, safety and security of both our guests as well as our travel and tourism staff, and to that end, we have established a health protocol for each part of the tourism value chain. The Anti-COVID Health Protocol for Tunisian Tourism, which is consistent with WHO recommendations and European Standards, has just been acknowledged with the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), demonstrating that our destination is ready and safe to welcome guests from around the world to enjoy a pleasant and safe experience in Tunisia. We are proud of this accomplishment and of our partnership with WTTC."

Mohamed Ali Toumi

Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Tunisia

“Tourism is very important for Zambia, especially its contribution to revenue generation, job creation and poverty reduction among many other benefits to be accrued from the sector. As Zambia begins its road to tourism recovery, we are pleased to be associated with the WTTC’s Safe Travels global protocols. We are committed to meeting COVID-19 safety requirements that promote restarting tourism without inhibiting our tourism business sector. In this light, we have put in place simple and practical safety protocols for the tourism sector with the intention to enhance the visitor experience as they create their travel memories during this difficult time. The Safe Travels stamp will give travel consumers the confidence to travel to our destination. We pledge to remain compliant with the safety measures, in partnership with the private sector, to ensure both the hosts and travellers are safe and subsequently restore the tourism sector to where it was before the pandemic brought it to a halt.”

Felix S. Chaila

CEO, Zambia Tourism Agency

“We are delighted with this milestone of a Safe Travels Stamp for Ghana. Since 21 March 21, 2020 when our borders were closed, we have worked on creating a safe environment for our Tourism and Travel practitioners. The protocols we have put in place are borne out of a shared responsibility to create a hygienic and safe destination. With the gradual easing of restrictions, we believe these measures will boost confidence in our tourism and hospitality sector. We congratulate the WTTC for instituting these Safe Travels protocols which is a welcome addition to the tourism industry.”

Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana

“These are unprecedented times and in the new normal that we find ourselves, it is welcoming to have an organization like the WTTC help in coordinating and sharing best practices. For us in Ghana, it comes in as a handy instrument in our quest to be a safe travel destination. The protocols we have put in place in Ghana has also been largely informed by the objective of creating confidence of practitioners and clients in the industry. We believe that It will undoubtedly serve to kick-start a new wave of optimism in the sector. The Ghana Tourism Authority is proud that Ghana is going to be one of the countries in Africa with recognized and approved Safe Travels Protocols.”

Akwasi Agyeman

CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority

“We are extremely honoured to be issued the Safe Travels stamp by the WTTC and commend them for this important initiative. This decision reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to maintain the standard safe travel protocols and procedures as we reopen our doors to tourism and international visitors. With the aim of ensuring safety of workers and visitors we will continue to work closely with tour operators, hotels and regional destination marketing organisations to maintain these standards.”

Hailemariam Desalegn

Chairman, Ethiopian Tourism Board, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia

“As destinations all over the world are gradually reopening their tourism sectors, the Gambia, the smiling coast of Africa is at the forefront of these efforts. Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of the Gambia, and as we strive to recover from the devastating impacts COVID-19 has on our economy, tourism is integral in this process. We are delighted to be part of the WTTC Safe Travel stamp and protocols and therefore committed to protecting the health and safety of all players in the travel and tourism sector.”

Hamat NK Bah

Honourable Minister of Tourism and Culture, The Gambia

"Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Government of Madagascar with the private tourism sector has taken the initiative to develop and apply good practices health protocols for each part of tourism value chain. The situation of COVID-19 is currently under control. We thank World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to reward our efforts and to recognise “Madagascar, Treasure Island” as safe destination through the WTTC Safe Travels stamp. Now, Madagascar is proud to join the world community of Safe travel destinations and we believe this stamp is really essential to restore international visitors and tourists confidence in our destination, and reassure them their health safety is our priority. With the stamp, we commit to keep high level of health measures to protect visitors, travel industry employees and whole population."

Joël Randriamandranto

Minister of Tourism, Republic of Madagascar,

“It is an honour to have our State included in the list of destinations using the Safe Travels stamp; we are hugely supportive of the global protocols as the health and safety of our travellers is our priority. The tourism destinations within our state are ready to receive travellers with open arms and to contribute to the reactivation of the sector in the country."

Carlos Mendoza Davis

Governor of the State , Baja California Sur

“Bermuda’s track record on public health is clear. Shortly after the pandemic began, our small country quickly became one of the best performing destinations in the world for COVID-19 testing per capita and one of the most successful at controlling the virus. Since reopening safely and responsibly to tourism in early July, Bermuda instituted a stringent testing protocol—probably the most rigorous anywhere— to keep travellers and our precious island community safe. The WTTC global stamp is third-party confirmation that what we’re doing out here is not only working, but also recognised by our peers. We believe the Safe Travels seal is a calling card to visitors, letting them know from pre-arrival to departure, from ground transportation to dining, that every inch of the Bermuda travel experience is protected. Our meticulous protocols are designed to keep guests and the people who serve them safe, while simultaneously making travel here more frictionless and enjoyable than most thought imaginable.”

Glenn Jones

Interim CEO & Chief Experience Development Office, Bermuda Tourism Authority

“For the Costa Rican Tourism Institute it is a source of tremendous pride to be recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council as a safe destination following review of 16 health and hygiene protocols, which were jointly developed by the public and private sector. We are committed to our tourists and eager that they can travel safely. This recognition, in addition, reinforces the international image of Costa Rica as a tourist destination, which fortunately is robust.”

Gustavo J. Segura

Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica

“Dominica is proud to join the growing number of tourism partners who have embraced the WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp. This is a clear demonstration of our stance with our network locally, regionally and internationally, to ensure that the tourism industry thrives while the requisite health and safety protocols are implemented to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This links in perfectly with our Safe in Nature experience offered to visitors which provides an enjoyable and unforgettable managed experience adhering to all health and safety protocols. We are confident that the complementary Safe Travels stamp will provide the impetus to drive Dominica’s tourism while assuring visitors that they can discover the many wonders of Nature’s Isle safely.”

Honourable Denise Charles

Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Dominica

“Since the break of the pandemic, the Dominican Republic has been firmly committed to reestablish its tourism industry, developing safety protocols to guarantee the safety of all our visitors. As part of this commitment, our public and private sectors have also been working hand in hand to align our protocols with the standards developed by the WTTC, obtaining the #SafeTravels seal. This is a great way to boost confidence and promote the prompt recovery of one of the main productive industries in our country. Our government, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, congratulates the WTIC for instituting this great initiative which will allow the travel and tourism industry to unify around the same global health and safety guidelines to protect travelers on their trips and help the world adapt to this new reality. Ensuring the collective participation and compliance, will be crucial in facilitating the safe restart of leisure and business travel.”

David Collado

Minister Of Tourism, Dominican Republic

“The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp shows that Ecuador has made responsible and technical decisions to encourage travel, guaranteeing everyone’s health and well-being. I invite everyone to visit us and enjoy our Four Worlds, Andes, Amazon, Coast and the Galapagos Islands. Rest assured that in these and all other spots, we are looking after your well-being and minimising risks of transmission.”

Rosi Prado de Holguín

Minister of Tourism, Ecuador

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador led the development of eight biosecurity protocols for the entire Tourism Industry and the Safe Travels stamp recognises the work of our Government and gives a message of confidence to all travellers who decide to come again or visit our country for the first time. Together with our National Seal for the Verification of Biosafety Protocols in Tourism, the WTTC Safe Travels stamp supports El Salvador's commitment to offer a tourist operation in line with the expectations of the new normal. Tourism is the industry that allows us to move around the world and we are focused on offering visitors the best destination experience, but above all, safe. I invite you to cross borders and discover that El Salvador is an ideal place to visit, establish tourist operations, do business and live."

Morena Valdez

Minister of Tourism, El Salvador

"Florianopolis is the Brazilian capital with the best results on fighting COVID -19. All the work and precautions taken, turned Florianopolis an even more secure destination for its citizens and tourists. We are happy to welcome WTTC Safe Travels, and we are aware that this deal is an important step to strengthen and promote tourism in a safe manner, which has been greatly affected worldwide."

Gean Loureiro

Mayor, Florianópolis

“As a tri-island destination, Grenada was able to close its borders and implement proactive measures to keep the islands’ residents and visitors safe following the announcement of the Coronavirus pandemic. Since then the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Health have collaborated and produced health protocols for the Tourism Industry as well as the entry requirements to the country. It is obligatory that Tourism personnel participate in the Infection Control Training and all Tourism enterprises must be inspected and certified in the new protocols. The Grenada Tourism Authority has a Pure Safe Travel approved seal to be issued to stakeholders on the completion of the new requirements. We are delighted that the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has accepted our protocols and that they are of a global standard. This is an important message to share with our visitors as we resume commercial flights to the Maurice Bishop International Airport. We will use the Safe Travels stamp to showcase to the world that we are aligned with the WTTC Safe Travels protocols.”

Dr. Clarice Modeste Curwen

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Grenada

“Nicaragua promotes a Responsible, Sustainable, Inclusive and Accessible Tourism for all; having the Human Being as the center of our policies and strategies. Our priority is the health and well-being of our visitors and our people. That is why we are honored to have received the Safe Travels stamp, demonstrating the alignment of our Biosecurity Protocols for the Tourism Sector with the global standards of the WTTC, to regain the trust of our visitors and offer them authentic and unforgettable experiences. The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes is a non-massive tourist destination, which enchants and captivates its visitors for its originality and authenticity. Full of exuberant natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, virgin beaches in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Colonial Cities and spectacular landscapes; that along with its lively culture and warm, friendly and hospitable people is ready to welcome you with a big smile and open arms in our Nicaragua, Unique and Original, in this new normal.”

Anasha Campbell

Ministra de Turismo, Nicaragua

"We've been working to align Ontario's tourism business protocols with the global standards, and welcome the opportunity to join this global campaign. A global approach to a seamless travel experience is essential to recovery. The Safe Travels stamp will be a great way to provide that signal of trust with our future guests."

Beth Potter

President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

“For us as the Hub of the Americas, restoring confidence for travellers and tourists, will be a key factor for the reactivation of our industry and our economy. The #SafeTravels stamp is a great way of building trust, aligning the protocols we have developed with our Ministry of Health with WTTC standards, so that travellers can have a safe journey through our country.”

Iván Eskildsen

Minister of Tourism, Panama

“Puerto Rico was one of the first destinations in the Western Hemisphere to design and implement an industry-specific safety and health program for the entire destination with the creation of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company Gold Star Health and Safety Seal Certification back on May 4. Today, we are proud to join WTTC’s Safe Travels global protocols and stamp program. Operating guides and certification programs such as these are vital for the reopening of the travel and tourism sector at both a global and regional level, as well as an important recognition that will place Puerto Rico in a highly competitive position as the travel and tourism market reopens. As a destination, we acknowledged early on that consumers will consider the destinations best prepared to provide them with the necessary measures and resources to protect their health and our destination-wide program was developed using the most rigorous standards, best practice cases, as well as guides and recommendations from the agencies and organizations that specialize on the subject. Ensuring collective participation and compliance of the recommended protocols, both by companies and customers, will be key in facilitating the safe restart of leisure and business travelling”.

Carla Campos

Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s (Government of Puerto Rico)

“The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) represents a regional destination in British Columbia, Canada, comprising 90 communities and over 4000 tourism industry stakeholders. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we are ensuring that health and safety continues to be of the highest priority. TOTA received the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award in 2018 and we are proud to align with the Safe Travels initiative. In partnership with the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network, TOTA is providing tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, understand the relief programs and reopening protocols, and work towards eventual recovery and long-term resiliency. Our goal is to strengthen the support we offer our stakeholders now and in the future and to reinstill confidence and rebuild trust. TOTA will continue to follow our regional pledge, “Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations”, drawing on Indigenous values as the guiding principles for realizing sustainable tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region.”

Glenn Mandziuk

President & CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

“The WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognizes Tobago as a “safe destination” and is tremendously important for us as a destination promoting the island to potential visitors. Health and safety are the most important concerns for visitors at this time and it certainly endorses our efforts and gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Louis Lewis

CEO, Tobago Tourism Agency

“I am pleased and likewise honored that the Turks and Caicos Islands are among one of the destinations to attain the World Travel & Tourism Councils Safe Travels stamp. This stamp along with our own TCI Assured Program are a testament to our commitment to the safety, well-being and security of our visitors. We continue to work closely with health officials and our tourism partners throughout the sector to develop a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols in light of COVID19 in an effort to restore confidence among travelers. We will proudly display our stamp, a signal of our efforts to ensure the sustainability of our key industry as we continue to meet and gain global standards.”

Hon. Ralph L. Higgs

Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming & Disaster Management, Turks and Caicos Islands

“The stamp, like most highly creative solutions, is a simple, effective and timely tool for the tourism sector. At a time of global insecurity and stress, the stamp builds confidence with travelers as well as with hosting destinations. Hundreds of millions of people around the world will again look forward to enjoying the incalculable benefits of travel and immersing themselves in the recuperative waters, air and environment of our pristine Caribbean.”

Joseph Boschulte

Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands

“Yucatán is an example when it comes to security and best practices, we are now looking to become that example in terms of biosecurity for tourism. We are delighted to be recognised with the Safe travels stamp from WTTC.”

Mauricio Vila

Governor, Yucatan

“Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have implemented the new safety measures for travellers that WTTC has recognised and approved through the Safe Travels stamp.”

Carlos Joaquín

Governor, Quintana Roo

“The world is adapting at a rapid pace as it pertains to having a "new normal". Tourism as we know it has come to a sudden stop. Aruba is rising to the occasion and joining in the effort and evolving as a tourism destination to be better equipped to continue to serve both visitors and locals. Prior to the announcement of re-opening borders, Aruba has been collaborating closely with its business community to proactively and jointly elevate the sanitation and health standards expected of our destination. International collaboration will accordingly fortify the consistent approach we need to implement on the rocky road to recovery, and we believe the WTTC protocols/ stamp will assist in the necessary global consistency. The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), the Destination Marketing and Management Organization, created, in collaboration with the department of health and all tourism partners/ stakeholders, the Aruba Health & Happiness Code (HH Code) - which includes the different (service) providers visitors may encounter during their visit, as such covering the entire supply chain of possible tourism touch points. We wholeheartedly believe this is the sensible step to reassuring visitors that everyone’s health and safety are Aruba’s priority when offering our warm hospitality.”

Ronella Tjin Asjoe – Croes

CEO, Aruba Tourism Authority

“Belize is delighted to be recognized through the WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp. Following the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic, my country’s highest priority has been and remains the health and safety of our guests. Within this context, we have implemented extensive health and safety protocols as part of a Gold Standard Recognition Program for accommodations, tour operators and other industry partners. The WTTC’s Stamp is a milestone achievement for Belize, and is truly a strong testament of Belize’s unwavering commitment to an environment which is safe, secure and provides an authentic and meaningful experience to our visitors!”

Hon. Anthony Mahler

Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize

“The island of Cozumel in Mexico already implements health security measures that generate confidence in travelers who come to its Caribbean beaches. Today Cozumel is a reliable destination in Mexico, committed to the health security of it's visitors and also to promoting tourism recovery in Mexico and the world. Cozumel has proven to be a safe destination. For more than 500 years, since the arrival of its first travelers from the old world, Cozumel has been an island full of hospitality, culture and natural beauties that make all its visitors return to their beaches. In addition to its friendly people and underwater treasures, today Cozumel also offers a health protection plan within all local businesses. More than 600 companies from our island have already registered for the new certification in health protection and prevention in tourist facilities of the Q.Roo State Government, which follows the Safe Travels protocols of the WTTC. The reopening of Cozumel to tourism has already begun. Rest assured that we are working on the island to protect our health, our nature, our culture and continue offering our beautiful island to future generations of world travelers.”

Pedro Joaquin Delbouis

Mayor of Cozumel Island, México

"In a world which has redefined “normal”, health, hygiene, safety and security are now our tourism wealth. Trust and confidence are critical components for the building of a successful and sustainable tourism sector. Being awarded the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp designation reinforces our destination’s firm commitment to providing unique, authentic tourism experiences within well-mapped health and safety processes. We are eager to continue our integrated approach of working closely with our public and private sector tourism and health partners to share our distinctive offerings to the global market. We warmly welcome the world to #visttrinidad!"

Heidi Alert

CEO, Tourism Trinidad Limited - Visit Trinidad

Asia-Pacific

“In recent months, all sectors of Guam’s tourism industry have gone to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of their guests. From our airport, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and much more, we’ve proactively adapted to the global standard and “new normal” of travel. These unprecedented times have helped us recognize that the recovery and resiliency of Guam’s economy relies on our shared responsibility to provide a safe travel experience. The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is proud to announce that our island’s protocols have been recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp is yet another way to demonstrate our commitment to the health of tourists and locals alike. Through consistency in the messaging and implementation of these protocols, we hope to instil confidence in our source markets as we welcome visitors to the island again.”

Carl T.C. Gutierrez

President & CEO, Guam Visitors Bureau

“Indonesia and the World Travel & Tourism Council have a long history of strategic cooperation, including the latest support from WTTC for the development of Guidelines on the Implementation of Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Encironment (CHSE) under “Indonesia Care” national campaign. Parallel to Indonesia’s efforts to restart the tourism industry after the pandemic, we are honored to be part of the Safe Travels stamp that has been designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely.”

His Excellency Wishnutama Kusubandio

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia

“The Philippine Department of Tourism is delighted to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, particularly as we pursue the safe and gradual reopening of our tourist destinations. I wish to thank WTTC for recognising our efforts of putting in place policies concerning health, safety and sanitation protocols, which we have benchmarked with global best practices and aligned with WTTC’s standards. The Safe Travels stamp will further encourage our stakeholders to adhere to health and safety standards, and will also help us rebuild traveller confidence, so we can restart tourism and preserve and sustain jobs.”

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Secretary of Department of Tourism, Philippines

“Tourism in a post-Covid world requires standardisation, stringent health and sanitation protocols and a combined global effort to stop the spread of community diseases; the Safe Travels stamp and protocols launched by the World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) is an initiative that promotes a consistent approach to health and hygiene practices of all travel related activities, while supporting private entities and helping re-build confidence among travellers. By ensuring its own protocols were aligned with these global standards, Sri Lanka recently joined the growing network of Safe Travels destinations such as Indonesia, Dubai, Tanzania, Portugal, Barcelona, Madrid, Turkey, Jamaica, Mauritius and Ontario. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is working on providing the stamp of safety to all private sector travel and hospitality related stakeholders, upon assessment of their adherence to SLTDA imposed Covid-19 safety standards, to empower them to resume operations.”

Kimarli Fernando

Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)

“We are truly pleased to have Fiji’s ‘Care Fiji Commitment’ programme receive recognition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The Care Fiji Commitment programme is a cumulative outcome of the tireless efforts and partnership of the Fijian Government, our national tourism body, Tourism Fiji, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce, and tourism industry stakeholders – all to ensure we are in a state of readiness. This globally-consistent approach to recovery enforces our common, destination-wide health and hygiene standards to equip the Fijian tourism industry and businesses with the tools they need to safely welcome visitors back to Fiji. Being accorded global recognition gives travellers the added layer of assurance that Fiji is not only the best holiday destination, but the safest.”

Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Fiji

Obtaining the "Safe Travels" recognition by WTTC constitutes a real satisfaction for the destination The Islands of Tahiti. This recognition is important in view of the efforts made since July 2020 by all of our public sector, our tourism professionals and our populations, to offer our visitors a healthy, safe and secure environment to stay in, all while preserving the experience of an authentic Polynesian hospitality. Our scattered islands, the typology of our accommodation (bungalows) naturally offer the space and the change of scenery that are appropriate during this difficult time, with an inclusive and sustainable tourism. Our tourism companies and our people are happy to be able, since the deployment of the vaccination, to welcome visitors with solid, proven protocols and preserving all the “mana” (energy/spirit), and all the generosity that characterizes us.

Honorable Nicole Bouteau

Minister of Tourism and Labor, in charge of International Transportation and Institutional Relations, French Polynesia

"We are delighted that Mongolia has officially joined the Safe Travels Protocol implemented by the WTTC when the global COVID-19 pandemic is completely changing the business environment and consumer behavior. In addition to increasing the economic turnover of the air transport, trade and service sectors, creating jobs and supporting people's livelihoods, the recovery of tourism plays an important role in promoting global cooperation and enhancing the protection of cultural heritage through the flow of travelers. It is very important in the "new normal" that all products and services purchased during the trip meet international sterilization, disinfection and safety standards to inspire tourists to travel and ensure its' safety at all times. The Government of Mongolia is working to revitalize the tourism sector in a short period of time, to establish tourism as our leading economical industry by strengthening the public-private partnership as well as intensifying the cooperation of international, regional professional organizations and experts."

Urtnasan Nyamjav

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has approved the use of the TAT's Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) logo in tandem with the WTTC ‘SafeTravels Stamp’. Together, they share a common objective to ensure that all visitors feel safe as Thailand continues to open its tourism industry to international travel during the new normal. We would like to thank the WTTC for acknowledging the high standards of the Amazing Thailand SHA and its comprehensive health, safety and hygiene protocols required for certification, which is a part to prove Thailand is a trusted destination and are backed up by regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance. The SafeTravels Stamp has reaffirmed the Amazing Thailand SHA and serves to further motivate travel-related enterprises in Thailand to maintain their health and safety standards, as the country rebuilds traveller confidence while also protecting the Thai workforce that serves them.”

Yuthasak Supasorn

Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand

"The foundation of restoring consumer confidence in travel lies in destinations being proactive about health and safety protocols. The Marianas is pleased to be a part of the WTTC Safe Travels global protocols, building on a strong foundation laid by our government and public health officials in ensuring the protection of our island community and the visitors who wish to experience life in The Marianas. Our island spirit of "Un Familia (One family) Un Guinaiya (One love), and Tipiyeew (Unity)” has served The Marianas well in bringing government, businesses, and our community together to successfully keep our shores safe. We look forward to extending that spirit to our visitors through WTTC's recommended standards and we are grateful for the partnership."

Priscilla M. Iakopo

Managing Director, Marianas Visitors Authority

"First of all, we wish to congratulate the WTTC for this initiative. Right now, Barcelona's priority is focusing on the adoption of the appropriate security measures and protocols to make our visitors feel safe through the establishment of the BCN Safe City project and other innovative tools. Public and private sectors are working closely together to offer security and confidence to the tourism and travel industry in their activity at Barcelona. We are leaving a reactivation of demand and a great interest in traveling to our Mediterranean and innovative city. Therefore, and in order to strengthen that trust, we consider the global protocols designed by the WTTC to be essential, which will allow the travel and tourism industry to align around the same global health and safety guidelines that will help protect travelers on their trips."

Marian Muro

Director General, Tourism Barcelona

“Tourism is a cause, it brings a better future for all, and we can solve crises and challenges together. In this regard, we welcome the Safe Travels initiative by WTTC that will ensure a swift recovery of the Travel & Tourism Sector and restore the trust of the travellers. The COVID-19 crisis in our country undoubtedly has shown that only united - the government, the business, and the citizens, with timely held measures can limit the spread of the virus. Bulgaria has always been an attractive tourism destination and we will continue to welcome tourists with the same hospitality and warmth."

H.E. Mrs. Nikolina Angelkova

Minister of Tourism, Bulgaria

“Croatia is very proud to work with WTTC during these difficult times. As a popular European and Adriatic destination, we are doing our best to face all difficulties and to secure stability and safety for the local population and for all the travellers who have decided to visit us this year, despite the current circumstances. To make the new normal possible, we have gone to great lengths to prepare the necessary safety-protocols and measures. We sincerely believe that aligning with the WTTC global protocols will be the next important step in securing and stabilising not only the current season but will also represent another important next step for the sustainable and smart future development of this very important economic sector.”

Nikolina Brnjac

Minister of Tourism and Sport, Croatia

“The Icelandic Tourist Board has implemented Clean & Safe guidelines for tourism businesses who are working hard to adhere to government and public health and are committed to achieve traveler confidence and ensure safety. The guidelines are aligned with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), to whom we want to express our gratitude for their effort in establishing and developing the new global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols. As the tourism industry starts to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and people feel like travelling again it is important that tourism companies are ready to welcome their guests/customers in a safe and responsible way. Global collaboration with harmonized guidelines are vital and help us in achieving this goal as to restore the public‘s confidence in the tourism sector for future travel. Iceland will continue to be a desirable, optimal and safe destination and we want to welcome our future travellers so that they feel safe and relaxed while creating good memories. The Clean&Safe logo together with the Safe travels stamp will help us to achieve that.”

Skarphedinn Berg Steinarsson

Director General, Icelandic Tourist Board

"In the city of Madrid we are fully committed with the health, safety and security of our visitors. In the evolution we are leading for tourism recovery, it is crucial that our industry implement measures and protocols to regain confidence in travel. We support and applaud this WTTC Safe Travels initiative as it matches the needs of travellers and tourism sector, with clear safety and health recommendations, allowing businesses to easily provide their clients a visual identification that the Safe Travels protocols are being implemented."

Almudena Maillo

Concejal Delegada, Turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid

“Monaco is a destination that guarantees the maintenance and commitment to a high level of health security throughout its territory. Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Monegasque authorities are constantly being vigilant. Coming to Monaco is not only about going to a beautiful destination, but it is demanding excellence at all levels. To this effect, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority and the Monaco Welcome Office issued an ambitious label for summer 2020: the “Monaco Safe” label. This Label guarantees that each labeled establishment fully meets all the health safety criteria decreed by the Monegasque Government in order to fight against the spread of Covid-19 and protect residents, employees and visitors. Random checks are frequently carried out on site by the government health services, thus making it possible to optimize the protocols in place. Monaco aims to be an innovative, accessible, safe destination that guarantees success. Therefore we have gone even further by joining the WTTC Safe Travels initiative. We look forward to being part of this community because not only is it our duty to ensure everyone's safety, but we also see an opportunity to consolidate global synergies in the Travel & Tourism sector.”

Guy Antognelli

Director, Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority

"Unpredictable nature, images interchanging as you walk just like in a movie, such a great diversity in a small area, and the proximity of the sea and the mountains... This is what we want for tourists to experience again while visiting Montenegro. That is why we are pleased to be part of the Safe Travels initiative and are confident that implementing this WTTC global initiative will rebuild trust and foster tourism recovery. Following health and hygiene protocols, recommendations and measures by Montenegrin tourism stakeholders in order to provide safe travels, is just an additional way to show our commitment to create unforgettable memories for tourists."

Ana Tripkovic Markovic PHD

Director, National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

"Portugal has been commited in reassuring our tourists they will always have the best experience in our country. This stamp, together with our “Clean & Safe” program, is one step further in reassuring everyone that we take care, our destination is focused on recovery and trust is at the core of our business."

Rita Marques

Secretaria de Estado, Visit Portugal

"Turismo de Portugal congratulates WTTC for this Protocol for Attractions which reinforces our initiative "Clean and Safe Stamp” and brings an additional and useful tool for our stakeholders. It’s very important that all destinations in the world are prepared to welcome tourists in a safe and transparent way."

Luís Araújo

Presidente, Turismo de Portugal

“A fast and effective recovery of the Travel & Tourism industry will require a coordinated approach. The northern capital is the first Russian city to adopt the protocols recognised through the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, and our main priorities as a major tourist centre, is ensuring safety and reducing risk factors during the journey. “We are confident that the Safe Travels stamp will serve as a signal of trust and confidence and will be an opportunity for the city to attract many more visitors."

Sergey Korneev

Chairman, Committee for Tourism Development of Saint Petersburg, Russia

"Seville applauds the Safe Travel initiative of the World Travel Tourism Council –WTTC, presenting the sector with a series of global protocols aimed at restarting the travel and tourism industry. It will undoubtedly serve to restore confidence to the traveler, but on everything, so that he can travel safely again. We are living an unprecedented situation affecting our life styles, business models and economic sectors, being the Meetings & Events Industry specially hit by this turmoil. The WTTC Safe Travel protocols for Convention Centers, Meetings and Events are a consistent framework for the revitalization of our activity focused on health, hygiene, physical distancing and safety across all relevant functions. Its implementation will provide coherence and orientation to destinations and countries, but will also act as a guide for different international key players, such as, travel providers, operators, retail, different tour operators ... etc. and finally, the traveler. For all these reasons, Seville, which is working on the elaboration of an ambitious Tourism Promotion Plan 2020/2021 that reformulates the municipal tourism policy with the purpose of recovering activity, unconditionally supports the initiative of the WTTC and recognizes its leadership and invaluable help in the recovery work worldwide in these difficult and exceptional times for the sector."

Antonio Jiménez

Director Gerente, Congresos y Turismo de Sevilla

"The Slovenian Tourist Board is proud that Slovenia is one of the first countries in the world with recognized Safe Travels Protocols approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Our instant reaction, strong will to help the tourism recover as soon as possible, and our common efforts with all the stakeholders have resulted in the GREEN & SAFE label, which represents Slovenia’s commitment to responsible, green, and safe tourism. Slovenian destinations are already among the most sustainable and trustworthy in the world. Together with the GLOBAL SAFETY STAMP this upgrades our sustainable practices with new responsibilities towards local communities and everyone who comes for a visit. The GREEN & SAFE development and communication platform is becoming the common key to Slovenia’s improved reputation as a tourist destination. Our commitment to sustainability, natural and cultural sights that do not attract mass tourism, clean and preserved nature, as well as care for the well-being of local inhabitants and visitors led us years ago to begin addressing new challenges in tourism. Today, in the era of the COVID-19, the high hygienic and safety standards approved by the World Tourism & Travel Council and good communication about our sustainability and boutique character are our new normal, and we are 100 % committed to respecting that. I am furthermore convinced that safety and sustainable measures are not only an obligation but also an opportunity and common mission of the Slovenian tourism and travel industry."

Msc. Maja Pak

Director General, Slovenian Tourist Board

“Turkey has been a role model for the world during COVID-19 with its well-established health system and treatment methods. We have also pioneered setting the direction for safe tourism with a certification program for normalization of tourism and we are now glad to see WTTC bringing the efforts to a global level."

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy

Turkish Minister, of Culture & Tourism

"This is very good initiative of WTTC to make these protocols for every link in tourism product value chain. One of NTO Ukraine core activities is quality management and implementation of international standards into practice for sustainable tourism development in Ukrainian destinations. Implementation of WTTC protocols and distribution of Safe Travel Stamps is perfect instrument for safety and security management and also great marketing tool which attracts attention and differentiate socially responsible businesses from others."

Ivan Liptuga

President, National Tourism Organization of Ukraine

“Safety is a basic need for every traveler – in times of Covid-19, it becomes more important than ever. Vienna, having received several awards as one of the world's most livable, safest and smartest cities, is proud to be part of the "Safe travels" initiative. Vienna's participation is not only an internationally clearly perceptible message to travelers and thus an asset in destination marketing, but also signals the commitment and promise of quality of Vienna’s Visitor Economy to all guests. Vienna thereby joins a high-quality league of top destinations that give priority to the well-being of their guests. We are proud to be part of it. I thank the World Travel & Tourism Council for this initiative!”

Norbert Kettner

Managing Director, Vienna Tourist Board

“The European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) acknowledges the WTTC’s protocols to promote consistent standards across short-term rental industry on health, safety, and by doing so, rebuild trust and confidence with travelers to travel again when the circumstances allow it. The safety and well-being of our guests, employees, hosts, entrepreneurs, property managers, property owners and the wider community remains our top priority. The EHHA members will continue to develop and enhance their platforms, tools, and educational resources, in line with EU’s, Member States, ECDC, WHO guidance and WTTC protocols and to help their hosts, property managers, property owners and employees to adjust to consumer and communities’ needs—all to keep protected. The EHHA stands ready to further work with WTTC on the topic and is grateful for WTTC for giving an opportunity for the sector to share its best practices.”

Carlos Villaro Lassen

Secretary General, European Holiday Home Association

"We need common guidelines for the elaboration of health and safety protocols developed by and for the industry, to help travel companies of all sizes and in all parts of the world to offer their customers a safe and enjoyable travel experience taking into account the Covid-19 constraints. We thank the WTTC for taking the initiative and putting together these guidelines in consultation with industry partners in such a short time!"

Pawel Niewiadomski

President, ECTAA – The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations

“We are delighted that businesses certified to We’re Good To Go can also automatically register for WTTC’s global Safe Travels stamp, recognising the standard of protocols and processes we have in place in the UK. This is also a testament to the hard work and commitment of tens of thousands of businesses right across the country who have adapted and innovated to safely meet new ways of working and are already good to go’.”

Sally Balcombe

CEO, VisitBritain

"It is Honor for Republic of North Macedonia to be included in the list of destinations using the Safe Travel Stamp. The Ministry of Economy on behalf of the Tourism Department congratulates the WTTC for instituting this grate initiative which will allow the travel and tourism industry to unify around the same global health and safety guidelines to protect travelers. We are hugely supportive of the global protocols as the health and safety of our travellers is our priority. Our tourism destinations are ready to receive travelers and to contribute to the reactivation of the sector in our country."

Kreshnik Bekteshi

Minister of Economy, The Republic of North Macedonia

Middle East

“As we reopen Dubai’s doors to tourism and welcome our international visitors back to the city, our foremost priority is their wellbeing, achieved through stringent hygiene and safety protocols that have been deployed across all tourist touch points. The WTTC's Safe Travels stamp endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety. We trust that our efforts not only provide an optimised experience for our visitors, but also secure their health and that of their families, further cementing the confidence that our guests have had thus far in Dubai, and encouraging people from every corner of the world to visit one of the safest cities in the world this summer.”

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri

Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

“We in the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities appreciate and support the WTTC initiative of making travel and tourism a safe activity. Protecting the health of Jordanians and our visitors is a top priority for the Government of Jordan.”

Dr. Emad Hijazeen

Secretary General, Jordanian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

"The Safe Travel Protocols and the Global Safety Stamp are demonstrative of WTTC’s efforts to revitalize the travel and tourism industry during the wake of COVID-19 and in the years to follow. Ras Al Khaimah is proud to work alongside the WTCC to help guide the discussion on this decade defining issue. Taking cues from WTTC and combined with our close relationship with key partners has allowed for some of the quickest and most scalable measures in the region to date, beginning with a Stimulus Package all the way to the GCC’s first Stay Safe certification program, which was further amplified by Bureau Veritas, the global leader in risk mitigation. With all these measures in place, we are witnessing an uptick in domestic travel and preparations are well underway to welcome international markets as travel corridors open up. WTTC has been instrumental in this process by providing consistency in global protocols and rebuilding trust and confidence in the travel experience."

Raki Phillips

CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

"As Chair of this year’s G20 Tourism Track, we are putting public-private cooperation at the heart of international efforts for a swift recovery. The WTTC’s new Safe Travels global protocols are an essential step on that path to recovery, by helping to provide consistency and reassurance for travellers. In Saudi Arabia, the health and safety of our citizens and visitors is paramount. We have been working closely with the WTTC on the New Normal Task Force and believe the final protocols of the Safe Travels Stamp will be an important milestone for the global tourism sector."

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb

Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia

“Visitors to Sharjah can travel with confidence to the emirate to enjoy our unique experiences and stunning landscapes, knowing that our health and safety measures are comprehensive and our hotels and captivating attractions conform to the highest of international standards and the WTTC’s Safe Travels global protocols. As a popular family destination, the emirate of Sharjah takes the health and safety of its visitors and residents extremely seriously and the Safe Travels Stamp is an invaluable asset in moving forward and building recovery. Sharjah proudly welcomes visitors, old and new, in safety with our traditional warm welcome.”

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

Chairman, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority

“The State Committee for Tourism Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan welcomes and appreciates the efforts of the World Travel and Tourism Council to develop and disseminate information on health and cleanliness measures and has implemented protocols that follow the Safe Travels recommendations, recognising their importance for generating traveller confidence and global industry alignment. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Uzbekistan has developed immediate measures to ensure the safety of all tourists, including compensation mechanisms to cover the expenses for medical treatment for every tourist in case of health problems that visit our country. We are confident that together with our national system “Uzbekistan. Safe travel Guaranteed”, the WTTC Safe Travels protocols will raise safety standards in Uzbekistan to a new level and serve as the basis for the quickest possible revival of international tourism. Uzbekistan welcomes international Travel & Tourism cooperation with governments and international organizations. I believe that, through joint efforts, we will successfully overcome the current difficulties and reach new heights in global tourism development.”

Aziz Abdukhakimov

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development

“While the world is shifting to a new normal and the industry is seeing a tremendous transformation we at Kazakh Tourism strongly believe in a single voice of the businesses and governments in these trying times. Customers across the globe expect safety and comprehensive protocols at various tourism outlets and therefore a single approach that derives from the tourism businesses who form the core of WTTC is much needed now than ever before. Kazakh Tourism welcomes the #SafeTravels initiative by WTTC. The industry protocols developed based on WHO and CDC recommendations are timely and will help gain trust of the travelers. We understand it will take years to see the industry recover but by working together and implementing the #SafeTravels stamp we are one step closer to the goal.”

Yerzhan Yerkinbayev

Chairman, Kazakh Tourism National Company

“We welcome WTTC’s global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols and its contribution to restoring confidence. This is key to build trust and we will only succeed if we work together. Public and private sector collaboration are of the essence here and we are happy to be working together with WTTC on the post COVID-19 recovery, and value its contribution to UNWTOs Global Crisis Committee, where we gather other leading private sector bodies, our members and key UN agencies. We are united in the common goal of tourism’s comeback to generate benefits going far beyond our sector. Trust and tourism will catalyse consumer demand, investments and jobs, thus generating opportunities for all.”

Zurab Pololikashvili

Secretary-General, UNWTO

“Our industry has been brought to a standstill. A balanced and effective restart and recovery of the global travel and tourism sector depends on collaboration among the key participants in this ecosystem and we welcome the ambitious approach taken by the WTTC. Collaboration will help to establishing a globally-consistent approach to recovery which will be the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to enable travel and foster economic recovery while also reassuring the travelling public that health and safety remain the overall priorities.”

Angela Gittens

Director, ACI World

“The travel industry’s priority for recovery must be to protect the well-being of travelers and to rebuild their trust that health and safety measures are being consistently applied throughout their travel experience. We applaud this initiative by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to develop global health and safety protocols for the new normal within every travel industry sector. IITA worked with the WTTC to adapt the protocols for the tour operator segment. We urge tour operators to adopt these standards and work with partners that also adhere to the WTTC’s health and safety protocols to reassure travelers that they can expect the same level of safety at all points throughout their trips. IITA members - U.S. inbound tour operators, suppliers and destination marketing organizations – are committed to best practices and protocols focused on health, hygiene and physical distancing to enable a robust recovery as conditions for international travel improve. ”

Executive Director, International Inbound Travel Association

Previous Chair

“We see green shoots of hope emerging as our global community turns its attention toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. But we know that travellers will only venture out into the world again when they feel it is safe to do so, making it critically important that we give them the confidence and peace of mind they need. The global protocols WTTC has laid out are designed to align the travel and tourism industry around consistent health and safety guidelines that will help protect travellers wherever their journey takes them.”

Chris Nassetta

President & CEO, Hilton

"Hello, I’m Alex Zozaya, Chairman of Apple Leisure Group and Vice Chairman of the WTTC for Latin America and the Caribbean, as all of you, I’m deeply concerned about the travel today all over the world, we must regain the trust on the traveler, we have to avoid the confusion and the uncertainty that prevails in the market today. The WTTC has created these universal protocols, that hopefully, as us, you will embrace happily. Thank you very much for your support."

Alex Zozaya

Executive Chairman, Apple Leisure Group

"Safety and collaboration have never been more important, so its outstanding to see the travel industry work together as one to ensure the health and wellbeing of travellers, workers and community members."

Darrell Wade

Co-founder and Chairman, Intrepid Group

“The Bicester Village Shopping Collection is delighted to lend its Shopping Protocol methodology to the important Global Protocol initiative that the WTTC is leading. As we face a new reality, it is fundamental to place the health and security of customers, partners and staff at the core business operations. So too, public and private must work together to share best practise and establish universally recognised guidelines to re-instil the trust and confidence of regulatory bodies, the traveller and, to accelerate travel and tourism recovery.”

Desirée Bollier

Chair & Chief Global Merchant, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection

"The Tourism industry has for objective to maximize the encounters between people, products, and information, in turn creating value at the local, regional, and international level. It is essential for us to establish global common protocols focusing on health and hygiene to maintain its value. Also, tourism as a human-centered industry, we always have to make the safety and wellbeing of travelers and associates our top priority. I have strongly believed that WTTC Safe Travels global protocols would be ideal common guidelines for all stakeholders of the tourism sectors in the age of new normal."

Hiromi Tagawa

Chairman of the Board, JTB Corp

"For us and our partners, the safety of travellers is always our top priority. We are more than happy to see that WTTC is setting global standards to ensure a safe experience and bringing confidence back to all travellers. Whenever you are ready to take your next trip, we are here to support you."

CEO, Trip.com Group

Executive Committee

“As we move from crisis management to recovery, it is critical that we put the health, safety and security of travellers and our Travel & Tourism workforce at the heart of what we do. At Expedia Group, we back the WTTC's efforts to work across the industry on regulations and guidelines to get people travelling safely again so we can all experiene the magic of travel again.”

Ariane Gorin

Group President, Expedia Business Services

“Our industry faces an existential threat. We need to define new protocols and measures to get people’s confidence to travel again, for leisure and business. WTTC is best positioned to help work with us and governments to define those together. We believe WTTC is best suited to work with all governments, the WHO and other necessary organisations to agree how we are going to operate in the new ‘abnormal’. Let’s put our differences aside, come together and expeditiously with WTTC define these new protocols and measures, get them in front of governments, get them signed off and let’s get out there, convincing people to travel again with all of us.”

Brett Tollman

Chief Exectutive, Travel Corporation

“This important measure not only gives our sector greater clarity on COVID-19 response best practice, it will also give greater confidence to travellers when booking a hotel and thus help the tourism sector recover more quickly. That’s why at Hotelbeds we will back this initiative and additionally are working on including information about this in our distribution for travelers to consider when reserving a hotel.”

Carlos Muñoz

Managing Director, Hotelbeds

"The global travel industry is united in its desire to support a safe, healthy and responsible return for travel. However, for this to be achieved, the industry and governments across the world must now unite around a consistent set of clear, practical and meaningful protocols, which are backed up by medical evidence and give travelers the confidence they need to once again take to the skies. We applaud the World Travel and Tourism Council for taking the lead on developing the Aviation Global Protocols and are proud to have contributed to their formation."

CEO, Travelport

“As an industry, we have always made the safety and wellbeing of guests and colleagues our top priority. IHG is proud to support the WTTC in shaping this best practice guidance in areas such as cleanliness and hygiene, all underpinned by the most relevant training and preparedness for hotel teams. This important work illustrates how our industry can come together to provide the reassurance and confidence that will be so important as people return to travel.”

Chief Executive, InterContinental Hotels Group

"WTTC is playing an essential leadership role in our industry by establishing the best practices in health and safety needed to respond to this unprecedented crisis and rebuild consumer trust and confidence. The continued advocacy, the #TOGETHERINTRAVEL campaign to show how travel brings us closer together, roll-out of global protocols and many other efforts by the WTTC and its members are all key to accelerating the recovery of the industry. Together we will set a new benchmark to guide operations as we restart and ensure the traveler experience is as safe and secure as we can make it."

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and Geoffrey J W Kent

Co-Chairman and CEO, Founder and Co-Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent

“Restoring consumer confidence will be the single biggest barrier the travel industry needs to overcome in a post-pandemic world. The Global Hospitality Standards from the WTTC will help provide a source for reliable cleaning protocols that applies universally, providing Virtuoso clients and all travelers a higher degree of assurance before booking their next trip.”

Matthew D. Upchurch

Chairman and CEO, Virtuoso

“Shun Tak, being a committed investor in regional transportation, integrated hotel and destinations across Hong Kong, Macau and China, fully supports WTTC’s efforts in driving the rebound of the tourism sector. We stand in solidarity with WTTC to embrace travel and tourism once again, under the valuable guidelines set out in the ‘Global Guidance’, putting safety, health, security and sustainability as priorities as we unite to revitalize our industry.”

Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Group

"Travel and Tourism is an important cornerstone to society. Through travel we enrich our knowledge and our lives, making the world a better place. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we operate, but it does not extinguish our need to roam the planet. WTTC, governments, and the travel industry know that Travel & Tourism is a major economic engine driving growth, development, sanitation, health and education. Through WTTC’s leadership and with the collaboration of the travel industry we see a rebirth of travel in stages over the next few years. Thought leaders in the industry have created innovative ideas to modify travel, removing barriers and concerns. We see a strong re-emergence in international mobility with purpose and thoughtfulness, engaging all stakeholders in its design and direction. Our company is focused on supporting the needs of travellers, governments, and the travel industry. Our goal is to simplify and promote healthy and safe travels by providing trusted, integrated mobile tools and professional services. We believe that enabling a touchless, seamless journey will make it easier for travellers to start exploring the world again."

Robin Ingle

CEO, MSH Ingle International, Travel Navigator, Novus Health

Global Member

"The desire to travel is deeply rooted in humanity. The industry will rebound and is critical to supporting the social and economic recovery of communities. Airbnb welcomes the WTTC's work to create health and safety protocols that protect communities and support governmental efforts to reopen economies."

Brian Chesky

Co-founder and CEO, Airbnb

“Airports are one part of many organizations that form the travel and tourism ecosystem, to serve business and humanity’s need to connect. Together, we must work towards recovery from this crisis. That is why collaborating with partners like the WTTC on protocols for the new travel experience is important to us. A standardized approach, led by governments with input from industry, will allow us to ensure all safety measure are in place and is a critical step in building confidence in travellers, governments and ensuring resiliency for our industry.”

Deborah Flint

President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

"COVID-19 has paralysed the travel industry and changed our way of living, however, it is encouraging to see that some countries are managing to reduce infection and contagion, allowing them to return to business. While we are slowly getting back to a "new normal", we cannot forget the virus is still amongst us and all of us in the industry have to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of contagion and make our customers feel safe. The Health and Safety Travel Protocols addressed by the WTTC are vital for the entire travel industry, as they will allow us to usher in an era of responsible tourism and allow people to resume discovering, exploring, and enjoying the world safely."

Enrique Ybarra

Founder, President and CEO, City Sightseeing Worldwide

“We need to make sure that the travel industry speaks the same language and each consumer understands what safety means in hotels, regardless of their location. Having a common worldwide protocol will allow consumers to recognise the same safety standards wherever they travel. “The WTTC Safe Travels protocols will make this same language possible for the benefit of everybody in this industry. This is the reason why Radisson Hotel Group fully supports this initiative and is looking forward to helping expand the WTTC Safe Travels protocols as much as possible, across the globe.”

Federico J. González

President & CEO, Radisson Hospitality

“We have to congratulate the World Travel & Tourism Council for its leadership and publishing these global guidelines for the re-opening of our industry. This pandemic has done significant damage to the value of our industry and we must lead this process of recovery and ensure people that the hospitality sector is safe with the best operational guidance and protocols to make our sector unique. The WTTC will help to renew the consumer’s confidence in travel which is the most important goal now to every one of us.”

Frank Rainieri

Chairman and Founder, Grupo Puntacana

"Safe Travel and Health Confidence are the new priorities, and are here to stay; the pandemic is a common concern for companies and destinations throughout the world, and it is a shared responsibility for us to work together and offer global health & safety standards against COVID-19. We therefore welcome the Global standards approved by WTTC, that belong to all of us."

Gabriel Escarrer

Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Meliá Hotels International

“TBO Group congratulates and applauds WTTC’s effort in providing our industry with the Safe Travels initiative. During these unprecedented times, health and safety have gained the utmost importance for travellers globally. These guidelines will assist various segments of the travel business in accelerating their recovery. TBO takes pride in its superior customer service and will continue to educate its 70,000 travel agent partners and associates with the new travel protocols.”

Gaurav Bhatnagar

Co Founder, TBO Group

"The new Global Protocols provide an important framework to facilitate government and industry collaboration via a consistent set of guidelines to restore traveller confidence. The WTTC's Safe Travels & Seamless Traveller Journey initiative have greater urgency and an expanded role due to COVID-19. Health safety becomes a critical factor and combines the previous seamless travel goals with touchless processes, thereby helping the recovery of global travel."

Gordon Wilson

President, WorldReach Software

"Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports are getting ready to reconnect the world to Chicago and Chicago to the world. The Chicago Department of Aviation is working hard to safely welcome passengers to our airports and we are following many of the same WTTC Safe Travels protocols to ensure everyone traveling through our airports are protected. Following these increased health, safety, and security guidelines ensures that we are all working together to provide a safe travel experience. We will return to the airports in safe and healthy ways and together travel will once again become a normal part of our lives."

Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA)

"We are living in difficult times. This pandemic is hitting all our industry very hard. We have to remember that this is a pandemic, it’s not an endemic problem, it’s not a systemic problem, it’s a pandemic which means it has a beginning and it has an end. The end will be when we have the vaccine. It is very important that, in the meantime, we work together – the public and the private sector, to have protocols, to have new ideas, to make our tourists and our clients have sanitary tranquility; confidence to travel. We have to give back confidence to all the people who travel, to all the people who work and have to visit other countries or cities and we do that working together. WTTC is promoting very good initiatives and I really think that’s the way to do it. We have to work together. We, as a private sector, know how to deal with our sector, and the public sector should listen to us. We want to help. Please, let us help you."

Kike Sarasola

Founder & President, Room Mate

“At Hyatt, our top priority for welcoming guests and colleagues back to our hotels is doing it safely, with their health and holistic wellbeing in mind. With our Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment, we are taking broad action to build on our existing rigorous safety and cleanliness protocols in an effort to provide safe environments. As we look towards recovery for the travel and hospitality industries, it’s crucial that we collectively work to instill confidence and take steps designed to ensure peace of mind for travelers. As such, we are a proud supporter of WTTC’s Safe Travels initiative to advance traveler health and safety – throughout this pandemic, and beyond.”

Mark Hoplamazian

President & CEO, Hyatt

“As a leading forum of the travel and tourism industry, we are fortunate to have WTTC taking an important role in the formulation of trusted and clear travel standards in a post COVID-19 environment. Travel has become such an essential component of our daily lives, whether on business, vacation, or for personal reasons, that I am certain that we will soon be growing and thriving again. In the meantime, Vision-Box works closely with our clients and industry stakeholders to implement touchless identification and contactless clearance solutions that will enhance the safety and security of all travellers and staff members throughout the travel and tourism sector. Moving forward in this unprecedented time, the strength of our ongoing partnership with WTTC is key to recovery and success. Integrity, values and expertise drives our shared commitment to make our world a better place and we look forward to our mutual support, both personally and professionally.”

Miguel Leitmann

Chief Executive Officer, Vision-Box

“This crisis has shown the importance of global coordination to overcome the vulnerability of the tourism industry and become more resilient. We cannot work with heterogeneous measures depending on each country: we must face the new scenario with global standards that guarantee the sustainability of our sector. It is very important to keep an eye on the medium and long term, and incorporate health safety as a new pillar of global sustainability. Health and environment will be the key axes of a resilient tourism policy.”

Sabina Fluxá Thienemann

CEO, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

"Welcoming, protecting and taking care of others is at the very heart of what we do as hoteliers. The dedication of owners and teams during this period is exemplary and our industry is doing everything it possibly can to meet accommodation needs as effectively as possible. Accor is proud to support the WTTC Safe Travels initiative thus building trust and getting the world back to traveling in the safest conditions."

Sébastien Bazin

Chairman and CEO, Accor Group

“Tourism recovery is vital to prevent millions of people from being driven into extreme poverty. Rajawali Property Group, one of the leading hotel investment and development companies in Southeast Asia, fully supports WTTC global initiatives to bring together governments and private sectors to put in place critical global standards and protocols to ensure safe travel, accelerate global tourism recovery, and reshape travel & tourism industry for the future.”

Shirley Tan

Group CEO, Rajawali Property

“We see the early signs of our industry's resiliency, but we also believe that restoring consumer confidence is the greatest accelerant to increasing traveler demand. Safety has always been top a priority for travelers, and the need to feel safe will only become more important in the months and years ahead. As the owners and operators of hotels reopen, travelers will want know what steps these properties are taking in order to keep them healthy. Tripadvisor applauds the WTTC and its Safe Travels initiative as the industry launches a common framework aimed at creating a safe, healthy and secure environment for guests during their stay. As a company, Tripadvisor will continue its work in partnership with the WTTC and others within the tourism industry to help travelers easily find health and safety information that gives them the confidence to plan their next trip.”

Steve Kaufer

CEO and Co-Founder, Tripadvisor

“Chimelong sincerely supports WTTC’s Safe Travels protocols and its efforts in the revival of our industry. It is crucial to regain confidence and establish trust amid the post COVID-19 recovery. Jointly collaboration to put in place global standard benefits both public and private sector. We are delighted to work together with WTTC to usher in the rebound and continuous prosperity of travel and tourism.”

Chairman & CEO, Guangdong Chimelong Group Co., Ltd

"We would like to thank WTTC for their deep understanding of the aviation industry and for their worldwide support. At this moment I think the most important issue is that all members involved in tourism join forces and cooperate. I believe it is to overcome this crisis. Through WTTC’s widespread initiatives, we would like to work not only with the aviation sector but also with the tourism industry as a whole."

Yuji Akasaka

Representative Director, Executive President, Japan Airlines

Regional Member

"Restoring travel confidence is a major pillar to the recovery of our industry. Rajah Travel Corporation fully supports the WTTC in its leadership in engaging the private sector for the development of Safe Travel protocols across the value chain. We all benefit from WTTC's strong advocacy with global and national institutions to prioritize travel and tourism in the recovery plans. The WTTC initiatives during this crisis are instrumental in how we re-shape our product offerings, business solutions and service to ensure and promote safe, secure, and seamless experience among our global customers and stakeholders."

Aileen Clemente

Chairman and CEO, Rajah Travel Corporation Inc

"We are committed to do what it takes to secure a great and safe experience for you and your family."

Carlos Berdegue

CEO, El CID Resorts

“Thank you WTTC for the invitation and for motivating us as an industry to keep thinking of the future and the importance of our job, it is a pleasure for us to participate in the compelling creation of the hospitality global standards. Thanks to the effort of WTTC of implementing global guidelines and consistency, we can assure to our clients that hospitality will be back soon, thank you and please never stop travel.”

Enrique Calderón

COO, Posadas

"There is no doubt that, safe travel is the priority through this extraordinary time so as to revitalize tourism and travel industry. We are strong believers in that, we need common guidelines to rebuild the trust of travellers that health, hygiene and all safety measures are being consistently applied throughout their travel experience globally. Theral, we are appreciated to see that WTTC is setting global standards to guide a safe experience and bringing confidence back as well. We are determined to implement compelling protocols for health, hygiene and social distancing."

Erkan YAGCI

Chief Executive - Tourism Group, ZAF Group

“In these difficult and uncertain times it is critical to have strong and informed leadership to provide a consistent industry response which will effectively earn the trust and confidence of our travellers. The WTTC has provided this with resources and tools we used to implement a robust health and safety protocol. The WTTC Safe Travels Global protocol stamp immediately informs our customers that they can have confidence in returning to our resort for a healthy and safe vacation.”

Ewald K. Biemans

Owner & CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

"For the first time in recent history we face a shutdown of travel as we know it. Most Countries have closed borders and emptied hotel rooms. The good news is that no pandemic will take away our deeply rooted desire to explore and discover and we will travel again soon. Because a global problem requires a global solution, we fully support the WTTC and their initiative of consistent, global safety guidelines, which will allow our guests to travel and feel safe."

Hugo Desenzani

CEO, Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas

"WTTC has standed as a the “go to instution” in this Pandemic, and is taking the lead on the defining actions the industry has to take, to successfully overcome this problem, by designating worldwide standards both for the well being of our staff members, and as well, for the peace of mind of our clients."

José Chapur

CEO, Palace Resorts

“In the current COVID-19 situation our hospitality industry has been affected, adversely. Post covid-19, we hope to create standards in health, safety, and security, within our industry. Dusit hotels and resorts support WTTC to create these standards, we look forward to inspiring travel again to Dusit hotels and resorts, with convenience, with value and with experience; and we look forward to welcoming our guests back to our properties in the post Covid-19 world. Thank you!”

Mr. Lim Boon Kwee

“VIA Outlets supports the WTTC Safe & Safety initiative as part of our commitment to guarantee the safety of all our guests. By joining this initiative we would also like to acknowledge and support the WTTC in the leadership and cohesion of the private-public collaboration in the recovery of this pandemic. In a moment of fragility for all of us, and very particularly the travel & tourism industry, the WTTC has done a tremendous job to put together the interests of the private sector in the forefront together with the public institutions. We believe the new normal will be a time for collaboration among all of us. In addition, as destination retailers we feel part of the travel & tourism industry as we do welcome many travellers from all over the world in each of our 11 destinations within Europe. Rest assured we will be working hand in hand with you to establish the confidence in travel for all our guests.”

Otto Ambagtsheer

CEO, VIA Outlets

“The pandemic will not prevent people from exploring the world. Setting the ‘Global Protocols’, WTTC plays a vital role in bringing about recovery, evolution and sustainability in the tourism sector worldwide. Usunhome Group looks very much forward to working with fellow members towards a brighter future.”

Chairman, USUNHOME Group

“The WTTC has worked diligently to create solid, clear standards to serve as a global industry wide standard for the new post-Pandemic health and safety protocols . It is vital that we collaborate to adopt one set of universally agreed upon protocols to maximize everyone’s health and safety while avoiding duplication of efforts, confusion, and competition along health and safety lines.”

Zachary Rabinor

Founder, President & CEO, Journey Mexico

Destination Partner

"How destinations present their various tourism products as safe to visitors will be the difference between success and failure. In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the Convention Centres, Meetings and Events portion of the WTTC global protocols. Event venues, hotels, restaurants, arts and cultural entities, retail and transportation assets all need to collaborate at unparalleled levels to assure consumers that the entire tourism value chain is safe and secure. A coordinated approach to safety and cleanliness will be the winning formula."

Stacy Ritter

President & CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB

“We are honored to have participated in the co-creation of the WTTC's Protocols for the Meetings & Events industry. At Maritz Global Events, we have always prioritized the well-being of our participants, while always understanding their emotional need for human connections.”

David Peckinpaugh

President, Maritz Global Events

"As our customers are dreaming about travel and making decisions about when and where to book, and our millions of dedicated partners are opening up their doors to welcome guests again, these industry-wide hygiene protocols are an important first step to helping restore confidence for consumers and communities alike. Combined with our own efforts to help showcase the specific cleanliness initiatives being implemented by our partners around the world, the WTTC's Safe Travels standards are a complementary standard that brings additional consistency and clarity. Whether it's a city apartment for a weekend getaway, a holiday house on the coast or a business hotel, our mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world - and to feel safe and secure doing so."

Glenn Fogel

CEO, Booking.com

13 Safest Countries in the World: Data Ranked (Travel Guide)

This is the big one, the list of the safest countries in the world. You’ll see where each country ranks, which region they’re from, and some travel advisories and things to do if you’re planning a visit to any of these nations.

The safest country in the world is Iceland. This is based on data from the Global Peace Index. It compares conflict, safety and security, and militarization. Other safe countries include New Zealand, Ireland, and Denmark.

PLEASE NOTE:  The following information on safety is not my personal opinion or from my personal experience. This comes from the 2022 Global Peace Index Report from Vision of Humanity ( Download PDF report ), which ranks 163 countries around the world. Any travel warnings listed below have been found on  travel.state.gov .

Safest Countries in the World: Ranking System

The Global Peace Index uses three main factors (which are divided into 23 indicators) that are assessed, then a score is given. The countries can then be compared based on this standardized set of criteria.

As a quick summary, here are the 3 main sections that determine each country’s score:

• Ongoing Domestic and Internation Conflict:  Duration and intensity of conflicts, number of deaths, and relationship to neighboring countries are some of the factors looked at.
• Societal Safety and Security:  Political instability, refugees, terrorism, violent crimes, murders, number of incarcerated, and police are some examples of this section.
• Militarisation:  Military expenses, armed services personnel, how much contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities are some points that contribute here.

The lower the score, the safer the country is considered, and the higher it is on the list. Here’s a handy map to visualize the safety of all the countries listed in the GPI.

The guide is part of a series covering regions around the world. Learn more about the  safest countries in Africa ,  Central America , South America , Latin America , Europe , and Asia .

Safest Country in the World: The List

Here is the list of the 13 safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Please note that tourist figures come from the site worlddata.info.

• Safety Score: 1.107
• Population: 372,295 (2021)
• Capital City: Reykjavík
• Tourists Per Year: 2.2 million (2019)
• Region: Europe

Iceland is considered to be the safest and most peaceful country in the world. This European island nation has lots of things to do for the outdoor enthusiast.

You can go hiking at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, see the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, or check out the cool sights and sounds of the capital, Reykjavík.

Iceland is at a level 1 travel advisory , with no special warning.

2. New Zealand

• Safety Score: 1.269
• Population: 5.123 million (2021)
• Capital City: Wellington
• Tourists Per Year: 3.89 million (2019)
• Region: Oceania

New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud, comes in as the second safest country in the world, and the only one coming from Oceania. You can find quite a few adventurous things to do here.

You can go skiing during the Southern Hemisphere winter (starting in June and going until November), go swimming in Lake Wakatipu or soak in nature at the Bay of Islands.

New Zealand is at a Level 1 travel advisory , to exercise normal precautions.

• Safety Score: 1.288
• Population: 5.028 million (2021)
• Capital City: Dublin
• Tourists Per Year: 10.95 million (2019)

The Republic of Ireland is the 3rd safest and most peaceful country on Earth. Taking up the majority of the island of Ireland (with Northern Ireland taking up the rest), Ireland is a beautiful country that I had the privilege of visiting in 2015.

You can visit such sights as Killarney National Park, the Rock of Cashel, or the Guinness Storehouse.

As a country so high on the GPI, it’s no surprise that Ireland is at a Level 1 travel advisory.

• Safety Score: 1.296
• Population: 5.857 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Copenhagen
• Tourists Per Year: 33.09 million (2019)

At number 4 worldwide is the Scandinavian country of Denmark. You can check out the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, as Denmark is the birthplace of the writer Hans Christian Anderson, who was the author of the Little Mermaid.

You can also visit such centuries-old castles as the Kronborg Slot or Amalienborg Palace.

Despite being so high on the Global Peace Index, Denmark has a Level 2 travel advisory , due to possible terrorism.

Here’s more about living in Denmark .

• Safety Score: 1.3
• Population: 8.956 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Vienna
• Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million (2019)

Austria is considered to be the 5th safest country in the world, and the 4th one in the top 5 coming from Europe. There are lots of things to do if you visit the landlocked Central European country.

You can see many different historical buildings like Schönbrunn Palace, go hiking and skiing in the Austrian Alps, or try the local cuisine like the Vienna Schnitzel.

6. Portugal

• Safety Score: 1.301
• Population: 10.3 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Lisbon
• Tourists Per Year: 17.28 million (2019)

Coming in at number 6 of the safest countries in the world is Portugal. With beautiful weather most of the year, you can enjoy quite a lot in Portugal.

You can try wine tasting at the UNESCO-protected Douro Valley, enjoy beach life at many locations like Costa Nova or Ofir, or explore the local culture at fado (Portuguese music from Lisbon) houses.

Portugal is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

7. Slovenia

• Safety Score: 1.316
• Population: 2.107 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Ljubljana
• Tourists Per Year: 4.7 million (2019)

The 7th safest country in the world is Slovenia. Nestled in between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia may not be the first place you think of visiting in Europe, but it definitely should be on your list.

You can check out cool sights like Ljubljana Castle, go underground biking or kayaking at Mt. Peca, or explore Lake Bohinj.

8. Czechia (The Czech Republic)

• Safety Score: 1.318
• Population: 10.7 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Prague
• Tourists Per Year: 37.20 million (2019)

Czechia, or the Czech Republic, is the 8th safest country in the world. This landlocked European country, might not be big in size, but it still has a great deal to offer tourists.

You can explore the architecture of Prague, enjoy the outdoors at Šumava National Park or Lake Mácha, or relax at the spa city of Karlovy Vary.

Czechia is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

9. Singapore

• Safety Score: 1.326
• Population: 5.94 million
• Capital City: Singapore (City-State)
• Tourists Per Year: 19.12 million
• Region: Asia

Singapore is the 9th safest country in the world and is our first of two countries from Asia. Being a city-state, Singapore is the smallest country on this list, but don’t let the size of this Southeast Asian nation fool you.

Whether it’s checking out its many gardens, strolling and shopping thru Clarke Quay, or soaking up some of the outdoors at the Southern Ridges, Singapore has lots to offer tourists.

The travel advisory for Singapore is a Level 1 , or to exercise normal precautions.

• Safety Score: 1.336
• Population: 125.68 million
• Capital City: Tokyo
• Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million

Rounding out the top 10 safest countries in the world is Japan, and is the second of 2 countries from Asia. There’s plenty to do in the Land of the Rising Sun.

You can try the local cuisine like sashimi (my personal favorite) and udon, go go-karting around Tokyo or explore the cultural capital of Japan in Kyoto.

Japan is at a Level 1 advisory , which is an update from its previous advisory in the Safest Asian Countries article. It had previously been at a level 3 advisory due to COVID-19 restrictions.

11. Switzerland

• Safety Score: 1.357
• Population: 8.698 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Bern
• Tourists Per Year: 11.82 million (2019)

The 11th safest country in the world is Switzerland. Sometimes known as “the playground of Europe”, you can have quite a good time (if not an expensive one) in the country.

You can explore the Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe; visit the picturesque Interlake; or take in the largest alpine lake in Europe, Lake Geneva.

Switzerland is at a Level 1 travel advisory.

Here are 10 pros and cons of living in Switzerland .

• Safety Score: 1.389
• Population: 38.25 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Ottawa
• Tourists Per Year: 32.43 million (2019)
• Region: North America

Coming in at number 12 for the safest countries in the world is Canada, where my wife and I currently live. The second largest country in the world, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Great White North.

You can visit the scenic streets of my hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland; go on a boat tour at Niagara Falls in Ontario; or explore the Rocky Mountains bordering Alberta and British Columbia. There’s no shortage of things to do from coast to coast to coast.

You can find beautiful lighthouses , waterfalls , and beaches in Nova Scotia , Canada.

Canada is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

13. Hungary

• Safety Score: 1.411
• Population: 9.71 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Budapest
• Tourists Per Year: 61.4 million (2019)

Closing out our list of the 13 safest countries in the world is Hungary. This Central European country boasts many wonderful destinations for visitors.

You can relax on the shores of Lake Balaton, check out Buda Castle in Budapest, or feast on local cuisines like goulash and chicken paprikash.

Like nearly all of the other countries on this list, Hungary is at a Level 1 travel advisory.

Safest Countries in the World: FAQ

What is the safest country in the world.

Iceland is the safest country in the world , with a GPI score of 1.107. Other safe countries include New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria. All of these countries score 1.3 or lower on the Global Peace Index.

What is the most stable country in the world?

Iceland is the most stable country in the world. New Zealand has also been stable a stable country. These two countries have been ranked 1st and 2nd on the Global Peace Index since 2018.

With that said, most of the other countries in the top 13 have maintained similar positions over the last few GPI reports.

Hungary is an exception, having just reached the top 13 in the 2022 GPI, rising steadily over the previous reports.

What country gets the most tourists in the world?

France gets the most tourists of any country in the world, getting 217.88 million tourists in 2019. The United States had 165.48 million visitors, China had 162.54 million tourists, and Spain had 126.17 million tourists in 2019.

France has a score of 1.895 and is at number 65 worldwide for the safest countries in the world. The United States is ranked 129th (score of 2.44), China is ranked 89th (score of 2.01), and Spain is ranked 29th (score of 1.603).

What is the most dangerous country in the world?

The most dangerous country in the world is Afghanistan , with a score of 3.554, ranked 163 out of 163 countries.

Other dangerous countries include:

• Score: 3.394
• Score: 3.356
• Score: 3.275

Unsurprisingly, all 4 countries have a Level 4 travel advisory, Do Not Travel.

Remember to do more extensive research when traveling, as this list is just a snapshot of each of the countries mentioned.

Where would you like to travel, whether somewhere on this list or otherwise? What was your experience like?

Let us know in the comments below!

Hello, I'm Joshua Diegor . My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I've traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries.

I'm a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel .

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The 50 Most (& Least) Deadly Travel Destinations

Published on December 1, 2022 by Matthew H. Nash

One crucial factor when planning an international trip is safety. From homicide rates to natural disaster risk, some countries pose a greater threat to safety than others. Our research team crunched numbers on seven safety risk factors for 50 of the most-visited countries to create our “Travel Safety Index” .

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Stay in the loop with our cutting-edge data analyses

Ranking Factors

The 50 countries included in our study were selected based on how popular they are among tourists. To determine the deadliest places in the world for tourists, we looked at the following ranking factors:

Please note: Due to ongoing conflicts in the region, Russia and Ukraine were omitted from the study.

1. Homicide Rate (0-100 points) – The number of intentional homicides per 100,000 people.

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

2. Road Traffic Death Rate (0-100 points) – The estimated road traffic death rate per 100,000 people.

Source: World Health Organization

3. Poisoning Death Rate (0-100 points) –  The mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisonings per 100,000 people.

4. Unsanitary Conditions Mortality Rate (0-100 points) – The mortality rate that is attributed to unsafe sanitation, unsafe water, and a lack of proper hygiene per 100,000 people.

Source: World Bank

5. Life Years Lost Due to Communicable Diseases (0-100 points) – The number of life years lost due to infectious diseases (adjusted for disabilities) per 100,000 people.

Source: Our World in Data

6. Life Years Lost Due to Injury (0-100 points) – Age-standardized and disability-adjusted life years lost due to injuries (including conflict, violence, and self-harm) per 100,000 people.

7. Natural Disaster Risk (0-50 points) – An index created by the German non-profit Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, the World Risk Report scores countries based on the risk of a natural disaster such as earthquakes, floods, or cyclones as well as the ability of the country to handle a disaster should it occur.

Source: WorldRiskReport

Study Limitations

An individual’s exposure to risk while traveling largely depends on the type of travel they choose and which areas of a country they visit. For example, going to a destination and staying in an all-inclusive luxury resort will often carry significantly less risk of bodily harm than staying in an area known for high crime, injury, or natural disasters. It’s impossible to account for every variable that a traveler may experience when analyzing countries as a whole. This study attempts to aggregate data taking into account a variety of factors to determine a nations overall risk profile.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Places to Travel?

Below are the 20 deadliest travel destinations:

• South Africa
• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• United States

#1 Most Deadly Country: South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful and exceptionally biodiverse country that attract millions of international tourist each year. However, it also tops the list of the most deadly countries for tourists. Out of the 50 countries studied, South Africa has the highest homicide rate (36.40 per 100,000 people) and the highest number of life years lost due to communicable diseases (23,778 years per 100,000 people). The country also has the sixth-highest road traffic death rate (22.22 per 100,000 people).

South Africa scored an F in six of the seven factors used in our research study. The U.S. Department of State indicates:

“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and ‘smash-and-grab’ attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.”

Why is South Africa so unsafe?

Approximately 68 people are murdered in South Africa every day. Why this occurs is a complicated question to answer, but many believe it boils down to the following reasons:

• Poverty and income inequality
• High amounts of gang violence and organized crime
• Weak, slow judicial system

Other factors like the prevalence of easy access to firearms, alcohol abuse, unemployment, and corruption have also been cited as causes for the extremely dangerous crime and hazardous living conditions within South Africa.

#2 Most Deadly Country: India

India is second on the list of most deadly countries for tourists. While the country has a relatively low homicide rate and poisoning death rate, they are the top country for deaths from poor hygiene conditions, at 18.6 per 100,000 people.

Not only is India extremely populated, but it is also has extreme income inequality, with a massive gap between the country’s richest and poorest citizens. This wealth gap means that many of India’s over 1.3 billion people live in poverty and dangerous living conditions, with an estimated 60% of its citizens surviving on little over $3 a day.

Shoddy infrastructure, substandard health, and sanitation conditions are just some of the issues that Indians face on a daily basis, with the lowest classes being forced to navigate the worst of it.

Most and least deadly by category

South Africa has the most documented incidents of homicide by a relatively large margin, with 36.4 homicides per 100,000. Mexico, the country with the second highest homicide rate, has 29.1 homicides per 100,000, and Brazil has 27.4 homicides per 100,000. The homicide rate drops significantly from there, with the remaining countries reporting 10.00 or fewer per 100,000. Notably, the US has the 7th highest rate of homicide when compared to these 50 countries.

The countries with the highest homicide death rates are:

Road Deaths

Vehicle transportation is unavoidable for most travelers, and unsafe road conditions can provide a considerable safety hazard in many countries. According to the CDC , 1.35 million people globally are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year, making this a real danger and a serious consideration when traveling to countries with more lax driving laws and poorly maintained infrastructure.

The Dominican Republic has a road death every two hours, which accounts for a significant portion of Dominican Republic deaths per year. Reasons for the dangerous road conditions are attributed to “a lethal mix of alcohol, speed and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The countries with the highest road traffic death rates are:

Poisoning Deaths

Romania, China, and South Africa are all outliers when it comes to poisoning deaths. According one study by the NIH , China had 16,179 unintentional poisoning deaths in 2016 which made up 31% of the world’s total of 52,077 poisoning deaths that year. The details and causes of poisoning incidents in China is scattered which suggests these numbers may be underreported.

The countries with the highest poisoning death rates are:

Mortality Rate from Unsanitary Conditions

Anyone who has had traveler’s diarrhea or another food-borne illness will know how vital sanitation is when it comes to a vacation. There are ways to prevent illness from unsanitary conditions, but it’s not entirely possible to eradicate the threat of sickness in all regions.

While India is a developing country and is modernizing quickly, there’s still much progress to be made in terms of general hygiene. An estimated one in ten deaths in India is attributed to poor hygiene conditions. Similarly, South Africa is having significant issues with clean water access and available sanitation services for its citizens, though this does appear to be improving.

The countries with the highest death rates from poor hygiene:

• South Korea

Communicable Disease Deaths

Covid-19 has shown us that infectious diseases are extremely serious, but many other diseases around the world also have devastating impacts and cause countless deaths every year. These include diseases like dengue fever, malaria, measles, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, and more. It’s always a good idea to check with your medical provider before traveling to a new region because they will have data available to ensure you are immunized against local diseases as much as possible and can take other preventative measures such as wearing insect repellant.

South Africa has over double the number of life years lost due to communicable diseases as India. Some of the diseases affecting South Africans include HIV, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and more, according to the CDC.

The countries with the highest number of years lost from communicable diseases:

Life Years Lost to Injury

Injury in life is inevitable. You can’t prevent a broken arm or a sprained ankle anywhere in the world, but some regions are more prone to accidents or injury. This can be for various reasons, including infrastructure problems, inaccessible walkways, poorly maintained hiking paths, and much more.

South Africa has the highest years of life lost due to injuries, with many of those injuries coming from interpersonal violence and road traffic incidents. Saudi Arabia likewise reports many injuries, with most reported injuries affecting young males. These injuries were largely traffic-related.

The countries with the highest number of life years lost to injury are:

• United Arab Emirates

World Risk Index

Natural disasters are increasingly becoming a regular part of our modern life due to the impacts of climate change , and it would be unwise to fail to consider the likelihood of natural disasters when picking a travel destination. Not only should the location be factored in, but also the season. For example, many counties have significant and deadly monsoon and hurricane seasons, which can threaten tourists and locals alike.

The most dangerous country when it comes to natural disaster risk and readiness response is the Philippines, according to the annual World Risk Index. The Philippines garnered a score of 46.8. The second and third most dangerous countries are India and Indonesia, followed by Mexico and China. Notably the US and Australia ranked 7th and 8th respectively.

The countries with the highest natural disaster risk:

What Are the Safest Countries for Tourists to Visit?

Based on data for 50 of the most-visited countries in the world, these are the fifteen safest countries for tourists and their Travel Safety Index scores:

• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Czech Republic

#1 Safest Country: Singapore

According to our index, Singapore is the least deadly country for tourists. With a very low homicide rate, road death rate, and natural disaster risk, Singapore is an excellent choice for travelers in terms of safety.

What makes Singapore so safe? Well, crime does not pay in Singapore. The consequences for committing crimes in Singapore are incredibly high, even for “smaller” crimes. This, combined with high surveillance and police presence, makes Singapore the world’s safest country for travel.

This, of course, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take universal safety precautions, even in Singapore. For some top travel safety tips, see the end of the article.

#2 Safest Country: Denmark

Denmark’s high safety ranking likely won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Denmark’s reputation. The low crime rate is often attributed to strong social safety nets that keep its citizens out of poverty, which decreases petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. Denmark also has a robust police presence, a (relatively) transparent government, and high-quality technological surveillance, which makes Denmark an uncommonly safe place to live and travel.

This level of safety and community trust made Denmark go viral recently when people on social media discovered footage of Danish mothers and fathers leaving their newborns outside to sleep in their strollers while the parents go into shops and cafés. This is a common practice and is often believed to help babies and infants sleep comfortably and develop better immune systems. The idea of trusting the general public with an infant seems like madness in many other parts of the world. This goes to show the level of safety and transparency within Denmark.

Tips for staying safe while traveling, no matter the destination

• Never travel without doing your research – Each destination, from the most to the least deadly, will have its share of challenges and hurdles. Looking up common scams in your destination city or country will help you stay sharp and mindful of dangerous tactics.
• Check the natural disaster risk for your region – Many places around the world, from Louisiana to Mumbai, are more prone to natural disasters at certain times of the year. Knowing if your destination is experiencing monsoon season, hurricane season, extreme heat or cold, and other potentially dangerous natural disasters will keep you and your family stay safe and help you avoid potentially high-risk areas.
• Practice universal safety precautions – Just because you might be in a “safe” country, don’t let your guard down. Crime, unsanitary conditions, and injuries can happen anywhere, and tourists are often targeted everywhere in the world.
• Invest in high-quality safety travel gear – Things like RFID neck wallets, money belts, and sturdy luggage locks will help keep you and your family’s items safe around pickpockets.
• Register your trip with your local embassy – Your government having a way to find you and help remove you from a dangerous situation is incredibly important. If you plan to travel internationally, see if your country has a way to report your trip before embarking on your adventure. The United States has STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), Canada has Registration of Canadians Abroad, and other countries have equivalent programs for their citizens.
• Save your embassy’s information – Speaking of embassies, know your country’s embassy information before traveling internationally. Whether you write down the embassy phone number and address on a piece of paper or add it to your phone’s cloud service, having a way to access your country’s representative embassy while traveling abroad could be lifesaving in the event of an emergency.
• Travel with a friend or family member – Solo travel can be a fun, freeing activity. But it can also open you up to more potential risks. Traveling with friends and family is often a safer alternative to solo travel.
• Don’t keep all of your cash in one place – Having all your funds in a central location could be disastrous should an emergency arise. If you get robbed, your wallet goes missing, or you get separated from the rest of your group, it’s essential to have emergency money to fall back on. Keeping extra cash in your phone case, in your shoe, or somewhere else inconspicuous may seem silly, but it could bail you out in a pinch.
• Be careful where you eat – Not all countries enforce strict sanitation standards regarding food and beverages. Check reviews, go to restaurants suggested by friends and family, and practice precautions when eating out (particularly when it comes to street food).
• Know the risks of your destination and travel accordingly – If, for example, you do some research and find that your destination may not have the safest water, you can bring a Grayl or filter bottle. Knowing what to expect by planning ahead can save money (and discomfort) during the trip.
• Have your medical information (securely) available – Nobody wants to think about the possibility of hospitalization or injury while on vacation, but it can and does happen. Memorizing your blood type, having a list of your medications and dosages, as well as any allergies and other pertinent medical info available for medical professionals to review is critical should an emergency arise.
• Hire a guide – While guides can’t reasonably protect you from all danger, they can use their local knowledge of the country to keep you safe. Many guides will provide translation services, ensure you eat in safe restaurants, and can help you avoid dangerous neighborhoods.
• Keep a family member or friend aware of your travel plans – Having a friend or family member back home know your travel itinerary could be incredibly helpful if something goes wrong.
• Listen to your intuition – If something doesn’t feel safe, seems too good to be true, or otherwise sets off “alarm bells” while traveling, trust your instincts and remove yourself if it is safe to do so.
• Always travel with insurance – You never know what can happen while traveling. Whether you’re traveling domestically or across the world, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Travel insurance is often fairly inexpensive ( often costing less than $100 for a two-week trip ) and can save thousands in emergency expenses. See some of our guides here: Antartica , Belize , Costa Rica , Cruise , Dubai , and Europe .
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• World Health Organization
• Our World in Data
• WorldRiskReport
• CNN: Seeing the new India through the eyes of an invisible woman
• Business Tech: New data shows shocking rise in violent crime in South Africa
• CNET: India spent $30 billion to fix its broken sanitation. It ended up with more problems
• The Economist: Why it is so hard to fix India’s sanitation
• Borgen Project: 10 Facts about Sanitation in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: The high burden of injuries in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: Burden of traumatic injuries in Saudi Arabia

• Destinations
• Mexico Travel News

12 SAFEST Countries To Travel Right Now In 2023 (According to GPI Rank)

Basic travel wisdom includes an awareness of the dangers and risks inherent in any destination. Countries with historically high terrorism, crime, and violence rates are less likely to be candidates for your next vacation.

The Institute for Economics & Peace is a non-profit international think tank dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has recently released the latest report in which they rank countries worldwide as the safest according to the Global Peace Index .

The index considers political and social stability, personal safety and security, public health, economic strength, and access to essential services.

The rankings from many public safety surveys are based on data collected over the past ten years. These surveys are conducted by IEP’s network of over 350 experienced researchers in the public, private and civil sectors. These researchers conduct the world’s most extensive surveys on global conflict, terrorism, militarism, organized crime, weapons proliferation, and corruption. To calculate the GPI, the researchers consider 23 indicators that cover the issues mentioned above.

The results are then compared to previous years’ results to identify and measure any critical changes in these indicators.

Here are the top 15 safest countries to visit according to IEP Global Peace Index Report 2022.

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Most dangerous countries in the World in 2023

This tiny island country in the North Atlantic Ocean is a favorite vacation destination for many Europeans.

Its capital city, Reykjavik, is geothermally active and is a popular tourist hot spot, especially among golf enthusiasts.

The country has a functioning and well-organized democracy. Its economy depends on fisheries, tourism, hydroelectric power generation, and aluminum smelting. Iceland has very low crime rates and high rankings in personal safety surveys.

Tourists can visit the famous Blue Lagoon geothermic spa or take advantage of the many hiking trails available. The northern lights are a popular attraction for star-gazers and photographers. Iceland also has a rich cultural heritage and hosts many festivals and concerts.

The people are friendly, easygoing, and welcoming.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand has a strong economy, with a small but growing population and a high standard of living.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The number of visitors during the summer season is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. Personal safety is high in this country.

People feel safe even in urban areas. While its islands are secluded and beautiful, New Zealand can also be accessed by ferry or plane. It is a favorite vacation destination for many Australians and English couples.

The government is dedicated to protecting the rights of its citizens. Work is being done to improve the country’s infrastructure and prevent terrorism.

This western European country’s history dates back to the early Christian era. It has played a significant role in Western civilization. It has a stable democracy and high rankings on the Global Peace Index.

The country’s economy is among the fastest growing in Europe, thanks to its expanding technological sector, which includes pharmaceuticals and life science. Ireland’s main tourist attractions are the many castles dotting the landscape and historical sites like Newgrange. A passage tomb was built 5,200 years ago. T

ourists who enjoy the outdoors can hike in the Wicklow Mountains or view more than 1,000 plant species at the world-renowned Gardens of Ireland.

The friendly people and communities are havens for artists and musicians.

The crime rate is low, and the country has no history of internal conflict.

In Denmark, life is comfortable and peaceful. The country abolished its army to focus on developing social welfare programs, education, and cultural heritage. It has many protected national parks where you can enjoy scenic views or go hiking or biking.

One of its major attractions is the Scandinavian Contemporary Museum in Roskilde, which offers modern art and furniture exhibits.

Denmark also has a steady supply of fresh water and electricity. Law enforcement is effective, and there are few violent crimes, making it very safe.

This central European country is known for its diverse tourism options, including skiing, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as historical sites like the Great Alp Pipeline War and Salzkammergut Residency Palace. Its capital, Vienna, is a popular destination for European travelers.

According to the World Bank, people in Austria enjoy an excellent standard of living. The country has a modern infrastructure, including highways and a new high-speed rail line connecting Vienna to Berlin.

The country also has low crime rates, corruption, and economic control measures. The head of the state is the Federal President. The government has high rankings in personal safety and transparency.

6. Portugal

Portugal ‘s rich and diverse history dates back to the Ice Age. It is located in the West Europe region.

Portugal’s economy has recently been growing due to its expanding telecommunications, technology, clean energy industries, and functioning democracy.

It also has low levels of corruption and good political participation rates. Its main tourist attractions include the religious sites of Lisbon, a UNESCO world heritage site built by the Northern civilizations, such as crusaders and royal families over centuries.

Crime rates in the country are low, and people feel safe traveling in urban areas. There is no threat of terrorism, and the country is known for religious tolerance.

7. Slovenia

Slovenia has a vibrant society and an excellent quality of life. The economy is robust and has many financial institutions. Several universities with arts and sports facilities are free and open to the public.

The country has a strong record of respecting freedom of the press, religion, and political rights.

The capital is Ljubljana, a rich cultural hub that attracts tourists all year round. The city has been undergoing significant changes in terms of urban development. It is also a major center for research and development.

The country has excellent public services, including public health and education. Crime is low, and there are few reports of theft or personal violence.

8. The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a stable democratic government with a strong economy. It has many students and boasts the highest percentage of the OECD countries for tertiary enrollment.

The country has many natural landscapes to enjoy, including mountains and forests. Popular tourist destinations include Ostrava Salt Mines, Prague Castle, Karlovy Vary Spa City, and Cesky Krumlov Castle.

Prague has recently been voted one of the most livable cities in the world due to its low crime rates and modern infrastructure. It is also famous for its beer. The communities and societies in the country are safe, with social acceptance and high levels of personal freedom.

The best way to see this country is on foot or by bicycle.

9. Singapore

Singapore’s economy is one of the most diversified in the world. It has a modern infrastructure and facilities, including clean water, electricity, and reliable Internet connectivity. You can access online media and participate in online activities without restrictions or censorship.

The economy is growing rapidly because of its growing business sectors, especially technology-based service industries such as software design, management services, and digital.

The country has a very efficient government and excellent strategic management. Singapore has outstanding institutions of higher learning, with many internationally-recognized educational programs.

The government boasts a high standard of personal freedom, and people can make their voices heard. Terrorism is practically absent from the country, and there is no threat of war.

Japan has low crime rates, especially when compared to other Asian countries. The economy is also one of the most stable in Asia, with relatively low unemployment rates.

Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities. The city has many museums and exhibitions, and its many international film festivals held annually also attract tourists worldwide.

The culturally rich cities of Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, and Osaka are famous for their ancient shrines, UNESCO world heritage sites, and traditional Japanese gardens.

11. Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its wealth and high standard of living. Its population is a little over 7 million. Its economy centers on banking and finance investments in business services and management consultancy.

Switzerland is also famous for its jewelry and watch-making industry. Its major tourist attractions include the Alps, lakes and waterfalls, museums of science and technology, and several castles.

The Swiss people are often regarded as very friendly, open-minded, and easygoing. Financial services are among the best in the world, and the country is famous for its excellent treatment of workers.

It has a progressive society, with female executives and a diverse religious community.

Canada is a developed country with modern facilities, including clean water and electricity. It is one of the most powerful democracies in the world, with a well-developed legal system. Its population is over 35 million, and it has low unemployment rates.

Canada has some of the largest gold deposits and petroleum and natural gas reserves.

The government ensures a free press, education, and religion. Ottawa is the capital of Canada, while Toronto and Montreal are the primary tourist destinations. The country has a health care system that is free and accessible to everyone, with public education and welfare.

Canadians are considered polite people who are welcoming to outsiders.

Safer Travel

Destination Specific Travel Safety Information | CRF Est: 2002

Travel & Safety Information

Comprehensive travel safety information for over 350 popular tourist and backpacker destinations . Safer Travel provides; travel safety tips, useful contacts, areas to avoid and common crimes as well as suggesting must-see highlights and attractions.

Part of Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation. Supporting young travellers since 2002

Charity Founder Richard Stuttle has written…

Chasing rainbows – the stolen future of caroline ann stuttle.

On the 10th April, the Stuttle family received the worst news possible. The headline in the newspaper read ‘English backpacker thrown to her death in Australia’.

The book is an insightful real-life story of ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. A turbulent journey and the devastating impact of the murder of Caroline Ann Stuttle. The story is told from her brother’s perspective, after a phone call at 4:30 a.m. in the French Alps changed his world forever…

Recently added Cities

We are adding new cities and updating information every week.

Bern (or Berne) is the capital city of Switzerland and is the 5th most populated. Bern’s historic old town is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to the notable cathedral, which is considered to be the largest in the country.

Patras a city located in Western Greece and the third most-populated city in the country. Nicknamed the ‘Gate to the West’, Patras is an important commercial and business hub and provides many routes of trade to Western Europe. Culture-wise, Patras offers a range of festivals and museums, giving travellers a variety of activities to choose from.

Zakynthos, or more commonly known in the UK as Zante, is an island in the Ionian Sea. It is one of the country’s biggest islands and is a very popular tourist destination as it even has its own airport. The island has the nickname “The Flowers of the Levant” and is especially popular with party holidays.

Athens is the capital city and the largest city in Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with history dating back to around 3,400 years ago. After the Olympic Games in 2004, Athens has had several different infrastructure projects funded in order to improve quality of life, such as a great metro system and a new motorway. In 2015, the city was voted the third best European city to visit by the European Best Destination.

Copenhagen is the capital and most-populated city in Denmark. Originally a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen has now flourished into a thriving cultural and economic hub. The city is a popular destination for city breaks, as people are attracted to the stunning harbour and wide variety of luxury restaurants.

Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark and is located to the north of the country. The city is the perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture, with some of its best attractions being located in some very unique buildings. Aalborg also has a very vibrant culture with unique street art murals scattered all across the small city.

Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and is located on the east coast of Jutland and is next to the Kattegat Sea. Aarhus is the largest city in the Jutland region and is also one of the oldest cities in the country. The city has several viking museums, as well as a notable theme park, Tivoli Friheden.

Bruges is located in Belgium and is the seventh largest city in the country in terms of population. It is located in the Flemish region in the north-west of the country. Bruges has a lot of medieval architecture, making it a very popular city for medieval festivals and events. The city is famous for its textile industry, which has even inspired several films.

Osaka is a city located in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. The third most-populated city, this metropolis is considered to be one of the biggest financial centres in Japan, and with a vibrant multicultural atmosphere to boot. An essential visit for your trip to Japan.

Antwerp is a city in Belgium and is the capital of the Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. The city can be found along the river Scheldt, which goes directly into the North Sea. Antwerp is a very important city for industry and business, with the city’s port ranking the second busiest port in Europe, and one of the top ones in the world.

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is located in the centre of the country. The city is home to over 80 different museums, so there is something for every kind of interest. Brussels is also one of the greenest capital cities in Europe, with over 8000 hectares of green space.

Kyoto is the capital city of the Kyoto region in Japan, which is located on the island of Honshu. Kyoto is home to around 2,000 different temples and shrines, so this naturally attracts a lot of tourists curious about the architecture. It also hosts many different traditional festivals and parades, such as the Gion Matsuri, which is one of the biggest festivals in Japan.

Choose a Country

Each country gives an overview travel safety related information, from there visit a city for specific safety tips and advice written by people who have actually been there.

• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Featured Travel Tips

Over the years we have collected many great travellers tips, this means many moments of ‘Oh, if I had only known!” can be avoided. Here are a featured selection of top travel tips collected from experienced travellers from around the world.

• Local language – If travelling to a non-English speaking country, try to learn a few phrases. You will find you get a lot more respect from the locals.
• If you're in York during the summer, book a Hot Air Balloon flight for unforgettable views of York and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
• Research before you go – knowledge of the country or city you are travelling is essential. Make sure you are aware of what to expect when you arrive.
• Taking offence – Travelling you will meet a lot of like-minded people, but not everyone will want to be your friend. Be confident, don’t take what people might say personally.
• Take some time to walk up the 275 step narrow, spiral staircase in York Minster  for breathtaking 360 views of the city and a great sense of achievement.
• Follow your instincts – You will know if something feels right. Always listen to yourself and don’t be dragged with the crowd.
• Travellers Questions 3

Travellers Questions

Are there any places i should avoid visiting.

We would never say don’t go anywhere. It’s your choice . What we would say is make sure you are prepared and you know what you might expect during your visit. As long as you have done your research you can make yourself as safe as possible in the places you are visiting.

What should I take with me backpacking?

Firstly remember, whatever you take you will have to carry with you for the whole travelling experience. Don’t take anything you can’t afford to lose or can’t replace. At a minimum make sure you have the follow, the rest you can buy.

• Phone and adapters
• Notebook and pencil
• Lock for your bag
• Clothes and laundry bag
• Comfortable shoes and flip flops
• Water bottle
• Toiletries and painkillers
• First aid kit

What are the safest countries in the world to visit?

The Institute for Economics and Peace released its Global Peace Index for last year, this is their ranking of the world’s safest countries.

• New Zealand
• Czech Republic

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The Top 10 Safest Countries In Europe To Visit in 2024

D reaming of a European adventure but prioritizing safety? It may be difficult to decide where to travel with so many nations to choose from. Living in or visiting a nation that is deemed “safe” is undoubtedly a luxury, but when it comes to vacations and international travel, it’s sometimes an afterthought. Planning your vacation might go more smoothly if you are aware of which nations are considered safe for visitors to visit before booking your trip. The following list compiles the top ten safest European nations to go to in 2024, along with some key safety indicators like crime rates, political stability and healthcare systems. Let’s find you the perfect European haven for your next unforgettable escapade.

Why Does Travel Safety Matter?

There’s usually a list of “must-haves” that a country has to have, regardless of whether you visit or plan to live there permanently. We are all familiar with the typical must-haves: stunning scenery, advanced infrastructure, a wide range of activities, etc. All of the aforementioned elements are important to Nomad Capitalists, but we also give top priority to things like tax breaks, a welcoming business climate, and investment opportunities.

However, safety is the one consideration that takes precedence over all others. Even if the nation became the most developed, tax-free investment destination, people would still be afraid of touching it with a rod if they felt insecure. Fortunately, Europe continues to be the world’s most tranquil continent.

The Top 10 Safest Countries In Europe to Visit

A safe environment consists of several layers. Not every safety talk touches on issues of law and order or violent crime statistics. Safety also includes general perception, healthcare and the political environment. In light of everything, the safest nations in Europe are:

Iceland has remained on top of the list of safest countries in Europe for ten years in a row. Known as “the land of fire and ice” because of its untamed terrain, it is regarded as one of the safest regions in Europe because of its persistently low crime rate, excellent standard of living and unnecessary reliance on unarmed police.

Iceland boasts robust social networks and a deep sense of community. Nearly 98% of Icelanders claim to know someone they can depend on in an emergency. One of the key benefits of living on an island with a tight-knit community is that crime rates remain low because people know one another and can support one another in situations of need. It is also the third happiest nation in the world, based on the World Happiness Report.

Even if you’re traveling alone, the nation is among the safest countries in Europe for female travelers. Schedule a visit to this secure European nation to increase your chances of seeing the fabled Northern Lights. Make a reservation for the Blue Lagoon for a tranquil activity where you may let your thoughts drift away and harmonize with the opulent surroundings.

Denmark is the second safest country in the world and Europe, and it is also the birthplace of the concept of utter contentment (Hygge). But this nation is renowned for more than just safety; it has a lot to offer visitors, whether they are traveling alone or with a big group of friends. Some of the attractions are LEGO, the Tivoli Gardens and even enjoying a nice Carlsberg beer. You’ll be departing with tales from one of Europe’s safest nations that someone like Hans Christian Anderson would be proud of.

Books, legends and a pint of Irish Guinness. The time has come to get to know  the Emerald Isle if an Irish tour isn’t the last thing on your mind. The Republic of Ireland is ranked third among the safest European nations by the GPI. It is distinct from Northern Ireland, a constituent of the Kingdom of Great Britain.

This little country takes great pleasure in its lush surroundings, its musical talents and its ability to pour the ideal pint. The nation also offers one of the lowest corporation tax rates in all of Europe. We’ve even highlighted Ireland as a great travel destination for single female travelers because of its comparatively low crime rate and low threat levels. Leave Dublin behind and immerse yourself in the fabled tales of bygone eras in other counties like Cork and Limerick; you never know what you could find. Furthermore, the Irish passport is regarded as one of the strongest five passports globally for its excellent freedom of travel.

Austria, which is renowned for its regal and ancient castles and palaces, comes in second place among the safest nations in Europe. But it’s not only architecture, either. Classical music enthusiasts can honor well-known composers like Mozart and Beethoven by swaying along in Vienna. Should your tour happen to arrive in the winter, you may enter the magical Christmas markets and experience a sensation equivalent to being within a joyous snow globe. Find out more about the best places to travel to in Europe during the winter.

Portugal, which completes the top 5 safest countries in Europe, enjoys cordial relations with its neighbors, a very low crime rate, and its armed forces. The country in southwest Europe has high levels of safety, in part because of the presence of security officials. Portugal is also safe politically, as its connections with other nations are cooperative.

In addition, the nation experiences over 300 days of sunshine on average, so visitors may be lucky to experience pleasant weather while touring. Take a tour of Portugal in the spring or summer and return feeling rejuvenated. Leave Lisbon behind and explore the city before expanding your horizons to include the other towns. Saying “yes” to a vacation in this secure European nation is the only thing left to do.

Slovenia is a country with breathtaking scenery, untamed lakes and elaborate cave networks. Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, was voted the Open City of Europe in 2016 because of its completely car-free city center, abundance of open areas and changes to the traffic laws that promote environmental health and sustainability.

But having beautiful scenery by itself doesn’t guarantee a place among the ten safest nations in Europe. Slovenia excels in several areas besides environmental safety. With almost 90% of recorded criminal charges being theft, it ranks high among the countries with the lowest levels of crime in the world. Slovenia deserves a spot on your next trip destination since it has a plethora of medieval castles, lots of recreational opportunities, and the cleanest atmospheres you’ll ever experience.

Switzerland

An excursion to Switzerland is sure to leave you craving more cheese, chocolate, and timepieces. Its long-standing neutrality has played a key role in keeping Switzerland safe, stable, and free of all bloodshed. The Swiss people are an exceptional nation because they have always lived in a tranquil environment free from instability or the threat of conflict. The nation has been able to focus on more vital issues like social welfare and growth because of the prolonged era of peace. Switzerland is now at the top of the Human Development Index.

Were you aware that Switzerland maintains one of the largest rates of gun ownership worldwide? Despite being known for being a major exporter of weapons, it has managed to keep its crime rate extremely low. That’s the extent to which the government’s gun control measures work.

The Czech Republic

Czechia, or The Czech Republic is a well-liked travel destination with a rich cultural heritage and a high level of security within Europe. There is little chance of terrorist threats, communities frequently coexist peacefully and the cost of medical services and other necessities is comparatively lower.

Finland is a deserving destination to be included in the list of the safest European countries. The country is proud to share the statistic that 11 out of 12 misplaced purses are given back to their owners. This country is a delight in every season, home to Lapland, the largest island in the world, and untamed wilderness.

Furthermore, Finland is the second-safest nation according to the Women’s Peace and Security Index, making it a safe sanctuary for lone travelers. Therefore, you can confidently pack your bags and reserve your next trip to this stunning nation if you’re a woman hoping to view the northern lights. If you like to avoid crowds, consider taking a trip in the fall, right before the holiday season.

The Republic of Croatia

Croatia ranks bottom among the ten safest European nations, surrounded by historic walls and terracotta roofs. Even when it came to the safest places to walk at night—which is frequently a top concern for women traveling alone—it came in second. Croatia is a strong candidate for any upcoming European trip plans you may have, given its Mediterranean climate.

Safe Travels!

Now that you are aware of the safest countries in Europe, pack your bags and embrace the peace of mind! Whether you crave the rugged beauty of Iceland or the charming canals of Amsterdam, Europe offers a wealth of safe and unforgettable travel experiences. Remember, this list is a jumping-off point, and further research can help tailor your choice to your specific interests.

While these countries consistently rank highly in safety, it’s important to remember that vigilance is key anywhere you travel. Staying informed about current events, researching specific destinations, and practising common sense will go a long way in ensuring a smooth and secure European adventure. With a little planning and this handy guide, your European adventure is sure to be as safe as it is spectacular.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

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By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Dozens of Israelis and Palestinians were wounded  after an Israeli teenager's disappearance led to riots in the West Bank. Israeli forces later found the boy’s corpse, and the military said, without providing evidence, that he had been “murdered in a terrorist attack.”

A coalition of a dozen liberal organizations and labor unions sent a letter to the White House demanding that Biden end military aid to Israel until it lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza , the latest indicator of shifting mainstream Democratic opinion on the war.

The Israeli military announced what it called a precise operation to kill members of Hamas in Gaza , a day after a strike there killed three sons  of one of the most senior leaders of the group.

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

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#protect2024 Secure Our World Shields Up Report A Cyber Issue

CISA Briefs World Travel Organization Expedia with Advice on Security

With the holiday travel season approaching and CISA just having launched its year-round cyber information campaign  Secure Our World , it seemed the perfect opportunity to have Region 10 advisors present to a global audience of travel professionals.

Bringing expertise from the cybersecurity and protective security worlds, three of CISA Region 10’s advisors presented to a worldwide audience recently at the Expedia Group in Seattle. 

With the CISA presentation being internally broadcast to scores of offices across the globe with tens of thousands of employees, Washington State Protective Security Advisors, Jana Spring and Noe Cavazos and Washington State Cybersecurity Advisor Alex Salazar shared vital information about travel using both physical and cybersecurity tactics to stay safe.

Expedia, which is an online travel agency based in Seattle, WA, reached out to CISA because they wanted to hear security advice from experts in the field and how to enhance personal and cyber safety, they said. They also asked CISA to discuss the importance of protecting data and devices while traveling.

“This presentation is important for CISA because Expedia is a not only a national, but a world leader in online travel,” said Cybersecurity Advisor Salazar. “They have to safeguard thousands of traveler information profiles and by presenting our cyber resilience goals for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, CISA was able to amplify this message globally.”

Protective Advisor Cavazos started by detailing personal security measures such as being aware of your surroundings and staying in well-lit, public areas. Advisor Salazar then shared cybersecurity tips focusing on CISA’s recent year-round campaign, Secure Our World and the four most important steps to staying cyber safe; Use Strong Passwords, Enable MFA, Recognize and Report Phishing, and Update Software.

The presentation concluded with Protective Security Advisor Spring detailing the convergence of cyber of protective security. She shared the importance of aligning the physical and cyber protection strategies to bring a more robust approach to the overall protection of a company. She also emphasized that many attacks occur in both spaces and understanding how the two relate will only enhance a company’s resiliency.

“It was important their staff understand how the two work together in staying safe as you travel during the upcoming holiday season,” said Spring.

CISA Region 10 officials anticipate future opportunities to assist Expedia and other regional businesses in improving their respective cybersecurity and protective security footprints.

“Any time you can present to a Fortune 500 company with a rather large international component you want to take that opportunity to share your most vital information,” added Advisor Cavazos. “We look forward to further developing our relationship with Expedia Group.”

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More From Forbes

Ranked: the 20 safest airlines in 2023, according to airlineratings.com.

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AirlineRatings.com has just released its annual list of the 20 safest airlines in the world . The list ranks the largest and best-known carriers—as well as the safest low-cost airlines.

It’s been a rough few years for the airlines, from the massive slump in air travel caused by the pandemic to high-profile scenes like last week’s meltdown for Southwest Airlines , which canceled thousands of flights across the U.S. during the holiday season and has sparked an investigation by the Department of Transportation.

But if there’s any good news when it comes to the airlines, it’s the safety of air travel today: “I would say the airline system is incredibly safe,” says Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com , which monitors the safety and in-flight product for 385 airlines.

AirlineRatings.com has released its annual list of the safest airlines in the world, as well as the ... [+] United States.

“The Covid pandemic has put [an] enormous strain on airlines across the globe with lengthy delays and flight cancellations testing even the most faithful and forgiving passengers,” says Thomas. “From a safety perspective, airlines have done a remarkable job in getting their pilots and cabin crew to operational flying, and their maintenance engineers are the unsung heroes who have looked after the aircraft. There have been no accidents over the pandemic period attributable to Covid.”

In coming up with its list, AirlineRatings.com considered a range of factors, including fleet age, serious incidents, fatalities, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, industry-leading safety initiatives and more.

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“Our top twenty safest airlines are all standouts in the industry and are at the forefront of safety, innovation and launching of new aircraft,” says Thomas. “In fact, the safety margins between these top twenty airlines are very small—they are all outstanding airlines.”

Thomas says the site only looked at serious incidents in making its determinations. “All airlines have incidents every day and many are aircraft manufacture issues, not airline operational problems,” says Thomas. “It is the way the flight crew handles incidents that determines a good airline from an unsafe one. So just lumping all incidents together is very misleading.”

Qantas Airlines has been named the safest airline in the world.

Coming out on top this year is Qantas, which has been named the safest airline for 2023. It replaces last year’s winner, Air New Zealand.

It’s not the first time that Qantas has won: The 100-year-old Australian carrier was named the world’s safest airline from 2014 to 2017. In 2018, it was in the top 20 when AirlineRatings awarded 20 airlines jointly . Then it won again for three years in a row: 2019, 2020 and 2021 .

A number of U.S. carriers also made the top 20 list. Alaska Airlines came in first among the U.S. carriers, followed by Hawaiian Airlines, United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

“No big surprises this year with the major airlines continuing to pour resources into their pilot training and aircraft,” says Thomas. “The burden has been far greater than normal, bringing aircraft back from storage and [doing] additional training to get pilots back to work after Covid.”

AirlineRatings’ annual report also included the 20 safest low-cost airlines, with the carriers listed alphabetically. U.S. carriers Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and Westjet made the cut.

Scroll down to see both lists: the world’s safest airlines and the safest low-cost airlines.

Alaska Airlines has been named the safest U.S. carrier.

The Top 20 Safest Airlines For 2023

• Air New Zealand
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Alaska Airlines
• Virgin Australia/Atlantic
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• United Airlines
• Lufthansa/Swiss Group
• British Airways
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines

JetBlue has been named one of the world's safest low-cost airlines.

The 20 Safest Low-Cost Airlines For 2023

*in alphabetical order

• AirAsia Group (AirAsia, AirAsia X, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia India)
• Jetstar Group

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Travelling solo? Three Australian women share their experiences and tips for going it alone

There can be many barriers getting in the way of travelling — the cost, getting time off and rearranging care commitments.

But for many women there can be an added barrier — having no one to go with.

There seems to be more of a stigma about women travelling alone than men. 

Because it's not just loneliness or the potential awkwardness of being alone that can put some women off travelling solo — it's also about safety.

'Geography of fear' creates a barrier for women

Catheryn Khoo, professor and researcher of hospitality and tourism at Torrens University, says safety is an issue for everyone, not just women.

"It is more the social discourse around safety that is a huge barrier for women wanting to travel solo," Dr Khoo told the ABC.

"The media perpetuates danger by reinforcing.

"It creates the geography of fear for women and incites self-doubt."

But Dr Khoo says there are many good reasons for women to travel on their own.

"Women find themselves tied to the responsibilities attached to their roles as women, mothers, daughters, wives, and partners.

"But when they go on a solo journey, they no longer have to fulfil these roles.

"They live only for themselves and only have themselves to take care of."

And when they share these experiences, it can also empower other women to break the stigma. 

"Women who have actually travelled solo are creating a social acceptance of doing so, which gives others courage to do the same," Dr Khoo says.

"For these women, the motivations are personal growth, self-discovery, empowerment, and independence."

We spoke to three women about their experiences travelling alone. 

'Yearning for adventure'

Eleea Navarro has climbed Mount Fuji, ridden bareback with Andalusian horses in Spain and braved the heat of the Sahara Desert. 

And she did it all on her own.

"I feel confident travelling by myself," Eleea tells the ABC.

"And the thing that still pushes me to travel is the thrill of the unknown, my yearning for adventure, wanting to connect with new people, and wanting to get to know myself better.

"The beauty of going solo is that the only person you have to convince is yourself."

'Liberating' and 'overwhelming'

Travelling abroad was never a possibility for Chelsea Golding's family when she was growing up.

But now she's in her 20s, things are different. 

So when the timing felt right in 2023 she decided it was "now or never" and went on a solo trip through South-East Asia for three months.

"Going off on my own for the first time was definitely a shock to the system," Chelsea tells the ABC.

"It went in waves where it was the most liberating feeling, to something that felt quite overwhelming.

"But I would absolutely do it again, it was an amazing experience."

Writing the next chapter

For Donna Manders, the catalyst for her solo adventure was a little different.

After her divorce a few years ago, she found herself experiencing a lack of identity, not knowing who she was or where she fitted in. Even though she had love and support from her children, family, friends and work colleagues.

"I felt like I still had so much to offer and that I was only halfway through my life story," Donna tells the ABC.

"The usual commentary around situations like this, a middle-aged, divorced woman with grown children, is 'just keep going as the best is behind you now'.

"But that didn't feel right to me."

So, with an unexplainable desire to push herself, Donna decided to take a leap of faith and write the next chapter of her life story.

She travelled for two and a half months through Italy, England, and Scotland solo.

"Although it was a journey of emotions along the way, I learnt how capable and resilient I actually am," she says.

"I learnt to trust my intuition, lean into the solitude and silence, so I could finally hear myself."

But it wasn't all sunshine

Eleea says being able to travel is an incredible privilege, but warns that it is romanticised online.

"Just like in real life, you're likely to get exhausted, ripped off, sick, injured, financially stressed, overwhelmed, lost, confused, or lonely.

"I've experienced everything from intense food poisoning while on a 10-hour bus commute, being scammed by a dilapidated half-built resort in Hoi An, and getting bitten by bed bugs from a cheap hostel in Budapest.

"I was also depressingly lonely for days on end on one of my first solo trips to Vietnam.

"I resorted to crossing my fingers as people walked past, hoping they'd talk to me."

Donna says that although she felt excitement and joy, there were times where she felt isolated, lonely and sad, but was able to navigate her way out of those feelings with a few tools.

"I repeated my favourite affirmations, listened to music — this is where your favourite playlist comes into the picture — wrote in a journal, and just learnt to trust myself."

Chelsea recalls times where she was shouted at and experienced catcalling in Malaysia.

"There's probably nothing I could have done in that situation to make it less confronting, as I was already dressing modestly to respect the customs."

What are their safety tips?

Eleea recommends walking with confidence and trying not to look like a tourist.

"If you're following directions on maps, try putting one headphone in your ear to listen to the audio cues, instead of constantly looking down at the map on your phone," she said.

"This helps you stay more aware of your surroundings and look more confident, like a local."

Eleea says she also wore a plain ring on her wedding finger as a deterrent from unwanted attention.

Here's some more tips from our three solo travellers:

• Learn the language and customs of your destination 
• Give friends and family members your full itinerary
• Never go overseas without travel insurance
• Dress simply and don't wear expensive jewellery to avoid unwanted attention
• Keep in touch with a good support network, even if they're back home
• Switch on a 'find my phone' setting on your smartphone
• Travel light with your luggage so you confidently carry everything without help
• Book accommodation near public transport
• Project a sense of being in control, especially in crowded places and public transport areas
• Be wary about giving out the address of your accommodation
• Get an e-SIM or local SIM card that allows you to make calls and access the internet
• Call family of friends while walking out at night on a quiet road
• Carry your valuables in bum bag strapped around your waist or a crossbody bag
• Wear a backpack on the front of your body when in crowded places or on public transport

How to overcome solo travel fears

Do your homework before you start booking.

" Join a supportive online community that supports women's travel," Dr Khoo says.

"This will mitigate perceived risks, and eliminate fear, doubt, and anxiety.

"You can also read the empowering literature on solo travel and be inspired by the stories."

This was something Donna couldn't recommend enough.

Chelsea and Eleea recommend staying in hostels as a way to meet fellow travellers and build a sense of community away from home.

"I would often meet friends in my hostel dorm or on free walking tours on my first day in a new destination," Eleea says.

"I usually opt for the largest mixed gender hostel dorm available, as it's typically the cheapest and the most likely place to meet new friends.

"And most importantly, don't be afraid to say hello to somebody and start a conversation."

Prepare yourself for a certain level of discomfort, Chelsea says. 

"You can plan as much as possible but there will always be an element that you can't predict or feels out of your control.

"So being willing to be uncomfortable is necessary."

But Eleea believes overcoming these minor discomforts can make you more confident and resilient person.

"Plus if nothing goes wrong, then you have no funny stories to tell when you get home."

'Best thing I've ever done'

Donna says travelling on your own takes confidence and courage.

It helps you gain perspective and can reveal strengths you never knew you had. 

This is why Donna says it's the "best thing I've ever done". 

"I highly recommend it to anyone, especially middle aged women who may think their story is over.

"Don't be put off by your age.

"If you want to do it, give it a go."

For Eleea, solo travel has altered the course of her life in the most positive light.

"I have never regretted a trip, even if things weren't perfect.

"I feel so lucky to have the passport and freedom to see the world, and I try to appreciate and immerse myself in every moment."

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

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A guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Latin America

With museums, culture, nightlife, family outings and safe spaces to  relax in, Latin America has much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival superpowers, are the dominant languages. The ancient empires, Aztec, Incan, Mayan and others, still make their presence known — from the archaeological highlights of museums to the living spectacles of carnivals, parades and religious celebrations, like the macabre Day of the Dead and the continued worship of goddesses like Yemanjá brought from the West African coast.

The region’s powerhouse cities are where LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture and political progress are most visible, from the Beaux-Arts streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular natural setting of mountains and beaches. Indeed, it’s these sandy stretches many tourists come to Latin America for, whether they’re seeking the golden shores of the Caribbean coast or the dramatic, mountainous landscapes that butt against the Pacific, creating conditions that every surfer dreams of.

One of the most thrilling of all Latin American destinations, glamorous Buenos Aires should be the starting point of every Argentine adventure. It’s also one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues — it passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK. Peppered with French Beaux-Arts architecture, Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by grand boulevards and marble-embellished monuments. Visitors will find hundreds of bookshops to explore, the most famous of which, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a former theatre. There are cafes, museums and a glittering opera house. To walk along any street, especially the Nueve de Julio, is a dizzying experience.

Where to go at night in Argentina? Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Things don’t get going until past midnight, with locals out long after sunrise. Club Amerika in the Almagro neighbourhood is the city’s largest nightclub and a centre point of LGBTQ+ nightlife. El Lugar Gay is a small, men-only budget hotel located in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, an area known for its Sunday antiques fair and tango performances.

Where to see Argentinian culture? Though a controversial figure in Argentina, former First Lady Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains one of the country’s most well-known figures — a Dior-clad gay icon to many LGBTQ+ locals, with stars like Madonna, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige having portrayed her. Her myth, mystery, legend and wardrobe are explored at Museo Evita in the elegant Palermo neighbourhood.

Where to go with family in Argentina? This nightlife-oriented city has plenty for queer family gaycations, from watching the famous ‘cat ladies’ take care of felines in Recoleta Cemetery to the Abasto neighbourhood’s Museo de los Niños , with educational science activities for children. Argentina’s Patagonian region makes an excellent option for skiing or hiking trips in Bariloche. Those of drinking age will enjoy Mendoza, an important wine region, where the Malbec grape reigns supreme.

Few places in Latin America rival the powerhouse experience that is Brazil. One of the largest countries in the world, this South American nation pulsates with a landscape as diverse as its people, with thousands of miles of beachfront, metropolitan cities, mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to name just a few points of interest. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose what to start with first in Brazil, and many LGBTQ+ travellers make repeat visits.

Where to go at night in Brazil? Rio is an effervescent metropolis and former capital where neighbourhoods jostle between mountains and beaches, the giant art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain rising above it all. The highlight of the year is Carnival — the largest such celebration in the world — in February or March, depending on the Easter calendar. It’s all about the beaches here and two are main centres of LGBTQ+ life — Ipanema, especially its Rua Farme de Amoedo gay beach, and the densely urban Copacabana beach, where locals and visitors alike pose for sunset photos with the curvaceous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. A Brazilian cultural highlight is in Rio’s Flamengo Park, which is home to the Carmen Miranda Museum , celebrating the actress whose oversized fruit-covered headdresses inspired many a drag queen.  

Where to explore in Brazil? Visitors will find urban charm in São Paulo, with its contrasting wealthy and impoverished neighbourhoods operating within walking distance of each other. Every May, it hosts a massive gay pride parade with millions of spectators lining Avenida Paulista. Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, is a hotspot for Afro-Brazilian culture. Statues of Yemanjá, mother of orishas (divine spirits) in the Yoruba religion, are everywhere — a nod to the area’s past. A visit to Pelourinho is a highlight for many, its cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings stretching to stunning vistas.

Where to go with family in Brazil? For LGBTQ+ family travellers with kids, no trip to Brazil is complete without visiting Iguazú Falls, a series of waterfalls in the country’s south where it edges against Argentina and Paraguay. Several times larger than their North American counterpart, legend says Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing them.

Visitors to Mexico should start in its glorious capital, filled wih museums and cultural venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Beaux Arts facade and art deco interior, or the fascinating National Anthropology Museum. Once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city is centred around the massive Zócalo, a square where Spanish buildings were constructed over ancient temples and pyramids.

Where to see the best of Mexican nightlife? Only in Zona Rosa — literally the Pink Zone — can travellers find such a dense concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Near the Angel of Independence monument along Avenida de la Reforma, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues popular with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals abound, along with some of the city’s best hotels.

Where to see Mexican culture? The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the bohemian Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood. Known as the Casa Azul, this tribute to the bisexual artist has been open to the public since the late 1950s.

Where to explore nature in Mexico? Mexico’s coastlines offer a wide array of beaches to explore. Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán peninsula are among its jewels and the source of much of the country’s income from tourism. Storied Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America’s most popular LGBTQ+ beach destinations, overlooks the Pacific.

Peru is geographically diverse, with beaches, mountains and the western stretches of the Amazon jungle, making it a must-visit spot for nature-seeking travellers.

Where to see the best of Peruvian nightlife? Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic paradise, with native cuisine like ceviche, a raw fish and citrus dish, and drinks such as the pisco sour a popular choice. The country’s large and influential Japanese population has also impacted the culture and the cuisine. The main LGBTQ+ area is garden-like district Miraflores, the name of which means ‘look at the flowers’. Sadly, two prominent gay nightlife spots, Lola Bar and Discoteca Legendaris, have recently closed; luckily, a number of new joints are in the works. However, ValeTodo DownTown , a bar central to the strong gay residential presence here, remains open and thriving.

Where to go on an outdoor adventure in Peru? One of the reasons many visitors come to Peru is to trace the country’s ancient Incan roots. Two of the world’s most coveted bucket-list destinations are in Peru: the ancient Andean temple complex Machu Picchu with its stunning views, and Cusco, which was a capital of the Incan Empire. Visitors will come across colonial buildings representing the Spanish conquest built on top of ancient temples, the periods of architecture instantly recognisable via differing stonework. A rickety train traverses a stunning mountain pass to connect Cusco and Machu Pichu, allowing for day trips. More adventurous travellers can hike the various Inca Trails over several days, finding lesser-known historic ruins along the way.

While certain parts of Latin America might be known for a degree of brashness, travellers will   find a more reserved destination when they visit Chile. Santiago, the capital, stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, and sits either side of the Mapocho River.

What to do at nighttime in Chile? The gay heart of Santiago is in the quaint district Barrio Bellavista, much of which dates to the 1920s. Chile is a former Spanish colony, and these influences can be seen in much of the area’s architecture, from the terracotta shingles to the white stucco walls. At night, the district comes alive with music and partying, as locals and visitors head to clubs, restaurants and bars, many with live music. The neighbourhood is dominated by San Cristóbal Hill and its statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the city, connected by a not-always-functioning funicular.

Where to see Chilean culture? Argentina’s Mendoza on the other side of the Andes might be South America’s better known wine region, but Chile has one of the continent’s largest. What makes it even more ideal for visitors to the capital is that there’s no need to fly to a second destination. The wine region surrounds Santiago, most of it within an hour-and-a half drive by car or organised tour to Casablanca Valley, the Maipo region or the Central Valley, where wineries like Concha y Toro create magical elixirs from Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.

Related Topics

• LGBT-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
• FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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'Avoid unnecessary travel': Indian Embassy urges citizens in Israel to stay calm

Tel Aviv:The Indian mission in Israel on Sunday issued a fresh "important advisory" for its nationals after attacks on the Jewish State by Iran with hundreds of projectiles, advising them to stay calm and adhere to safety protocols.

In an unprecedented attack, Iran and its proxies launched 330 missiles and drones on Israel on Saturday in retaliation to an alleged attack by Israel on a diplomatic installation of the Islamic Republic in Damascus in which several people were killed, including two top commanders.

"In light of the recent events in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities," the Indian mission said in the "important advisory" advisory posted on its social media handles.

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"The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and it is in touch with the Israeli authorities and Indian community members to ensure the safety of all our nationals," it added. It also urged Indian nationals to register with the embassy at a given link.

The Indian embassy had also issued an advisory on Friday amid growing speculation of a retaliatory attack by Iran advising its nationals to "avoid unnecessary travel, remain calm and follow safety guidelines issued by the local authorities".

It was the first time that the Islamic Republic launched an attack on the Jewish State from its own soil. Despite the barrage of projectiles fired on Israel, none of the countries have taken any steps so far to evacuate their nationals, even though some of them, including the US, have issued advisories.

Schools and other educational institutions in Israel have suspended their activities till Monday but government offices and private businesses largely are functioning as usual with the government instructing all to follow guidelines being issued by the Home Front.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson said that 99 per cent of the roughly 330 missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted, but that "the threat is not over".

Iran has warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate, adding that US bases would be targeted if Washington backs any Israeli military action against Iran.

The United States, France, Britain and Jordan are said to have helped intercept the projectiles fired by Iran.

"We intercepted, we stopped [the attack]. Together we will win," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a tweet on Social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Hamas called the Iranian attack a "natural right".

Iranian threat had led to worldwide diplomatic initiatives to thwart a possible further conflagration in the region already struggling with Israel's offensive in Gaza following a terror attack carried out by Hamas in its territory on October 7 and also regular exchange of fire between the Jewish state and Lebanese Shia faction Hezbollah, which joined the war in solidarity with Hamas.

Houthis, considered Iran's proxy in Yemen, and other factions seen as close to Tehran have also from time to time carried out attacks against Israel and assets of other countries that seem to be supportive of the Jewish state, disrupting international waters and global trade routes.

Some analysts believe that the United States, preparing for elections, will not be supportive of an Israeli retaliation as it can shake up the oil market and cause further economic turmoil that can adversely impact President Joe Biden's re-election bid.  

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