Which countries are safest for expats in 2026?

The Global Peace Index 2026 was published in June 2026. It ranks 163 independent states and territories. It uses 23 indicators across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarization.

The top ten in 2026 are Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan. Iceland has ranked first for 19 consecutive years. Canada ranks 14th.

Several popular expat destinations rank lower. Spain ranks 27th, the United Kingdom 39th, Uruguay 43rd, Costa Rica 62nd and Panama 81st. Mexico ranks 139th and Colombia 141st.

Peace is not the same as personal safety. The index includes war, militarization and political terror, not only crime. A country can rank low for its foreign wars while many of its towns feel calm.

A national score also hides local differences. The US State Department's Mexico advisory of 29 May 2026 sets Level 2 overall. It rates each state separately, from Level 1 to Level 4.

For example, Aguascalientes is at Level 2, exercise increased caution, while Guerrero is at Level 4, do not travel. The same pattern of uneven risk holds in many countries.

Use the national rankings as a first screen. Then look at crime data and official advice for the city and neighborhood you are considering.