Montreal Leads Zurich and More in 2027 Travel Safety Rankings as Nine European Cities Make Global Top 15

Montreal leads Zurich and more destinations in the 2027 travel safety rankings, highlighting the growing importance of security in international tourism. Nine European cities make the global top 15, while leading destinations across Canada, Asia, Australia and the United States also secure prominent positions. The results provide travellers with a useful perspective on destination safety when planning holidays, city breaks and international journeys. For airlines, tourism operators and hospitality businesses, the findings offer another way to understand traveller priorities. However, these rankings reflect assessed safety conditions rather than guaranteed protection, making official travel guidance essential when planning future international trips.

World’s Safest Cities in 2027: Montreal Takes the Lead as Europe Secures Nine Positions

The Safest Cities in the World 2027 ranking places Montreal at the top of an international comparison conducted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Published on 28 October 2026, the study reflects the experiences and safety perceptions of American travellers who visited the destinations assessed. Switzerland’s Zurich takes second place, followed by Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Tokyo represents Asia in fourth position, while Iceland’s Reykjavik completes the leading five destinations. Nine European cities feature in the top 15, giving the region the largest geographical representation. However, the assessment is a travel safety comparison rather than an official government certification. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Complete Ranking of the 15 Safest Cities for International Travellers

How the 2027 Travel Safety Rankings Were Calculated

The ranking began with 38 domestic and international cities popular among travellers from the United States. More than 1,500 survey participants identified destinations they had visited, allowing assessments to reflect actual travel experiences. The study then combined these responses with external safety indicators, including Numbeo, the Economist Intelligence Unit and GeoSure Global. Its assessment considers different aspects of personal security, transport, health and the experiences of particular traveller groups. Importantly, the survey was conducted in August 2026. This means its results cannot account for every subsequent change in local conditions, government warnings or travel disruption. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

1. Montreal moved from 16th place in 2026 to first in 2027, recording the most substantial rise among the leading cities.
2. Zurich leads European destinations, supported by its strong performance across transport, health and personal safety assessments.
3. Nine European cities account for 60% of the top 15, although the candidate destinations were not globally exhaustive.
4. Tokyo and Singapore are Asia’s highest-ranked representatives, occupying fourth and seventh positions respectively.
5. Reykjavik dropped from first to fifth, demonstrating that rankings can change between annual surveys without necessarily proving worsening security conditions.

Canada Tourism Safety: Montreal Strengthens Its Position as a Leading North American City Destination

Canada holds the highest position through Montreal, which achieved 82.18 points. The city climbed 15 places from the previous year, reflecting a major improvement in its position within the survey. Montreal combines urban tourism, cultural attractions and access to the Saint Lawrence River, making it suitable for international city breaks. The ranking particularly recognises its favourable neighbourhood safety assessments. However, visitors should consider traffic congestion and bridge crossings when arranging airport transfers and sightseeing journeys. The United States Department of State currently places Canada at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, reinforcing the distinction between a favourable travel environment and the need for normal safety awareness. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Switzerland Travel Safety: Zurich Secures Europe’s Highest Ranking for 2027

Switzerland’s Zurich ranks second worldwide and first among European destinations, with 81.03 points. Its position reflects favourable assessments of public transport, neighbourhood security and healthcare accessibility. Zurich also ranks first in the study’s separate categories for violent crime safety, transport safety and health measures. These results make the city relevant to travellers considering independent holidays, business trips and rail-based European itineraries. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc rather than the euro, an important consideration when estimating daily travel costs. Zurich’s high prices also underline that destination safety and affordability are separate factors. International visitors should therefore assess transport, accommodation and currency requirements before departure. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Netherlands Tourism: Amsterdam Combines Urban Accessibility With Strong Safety Ratings

Amsterdam occupies third place globally with 80.81 points, advancing from fourth position in the previous ranking. Its established canal network, cultural institutions and extensive cycling infrastructure contribute to an urban environment that supports different forms of independent sightseeing. The city also performs strongly in the study’s assessments of personal safety and transport. However, visitors must distinguish an overall positive ranking from individual risks in crowded public spaces. Cycling routes, pedestrian crossings and local regulations require particular attention. For international travellers, Amsterdam offers opportunities to combine cultural tourism with onward rail journeys across the Netherlands and neighbouring European countries, making practical journey planning an important part of the experience. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Japan Tourism Safety: Tokyo Leads Asian Cities in the Global Top Five

Japan’s capital, Tokyo, ranks fourth worldwide with 79.91 points and represents the highest-ranked Asian city. Its position improved from ninth in the previous assessment. The report identifies favourable neighbourhood ratings for personal safety, after-dark conditions and healthcare accessibility. Tokyo also places second for transport safety, highlighting the importance of its extensive metropolitan railway network in urban travel. International visitors can use the city as a starting point for journeys to other Japanese destinations. Nevertheless, station transfers, local regulations and emergency information remain essential considerations. The US State Department lists Japan at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, supporting its generally favourable travel assessment. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Iceland Travel Safety: Reykjavik Remains Among the Top Five Despite Falling Four Places

Iceland’s Reykjavik ranks fifth worldwide with 78.90 points, following its first-place finish in the 2026 ranking. Although its position has fallen, the city remains among the leading destinations assessed for international travel safety. Its relatively compact urban geography gives visitors access to cultural attractions and services within a manageable area. However, Iceland’s wider tourism experience frequently involves excursions beyond the capital, where weather, road conditions and natural hazards become particularly important. The report also identifies volcanic activity as a consideration for travellers. Iceland currently carries a Level 1 US travel advisory, but visitors should continue checking official environmental and transport warnings before excursions. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Norway Tourism Safety: Oslo Advances Into the World’s Six Safest Cities

Norway’s Oslo ranks sixth with 76.45 points, rising from 17th place in the previous study. This improvement makes it one of the most notable upward movements in the 2027 results. Its assessment reflects favourable safety conditions, including healthcare access and personal security across different traveller groups. Oslo also provides connections to other Norwegian destinations through rail, road and domestic flights. While the city ranks highly, the report identifies pickpocketing and bag theft around its central railway station as practical concerns. Tourists should therefore secure personal belongings when changing trains and travelling through busy transport areas, especially when managing luggage during multi-destination itineraries. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Singapore Travel Safety: Southeast Asia Secures a Place Among the World’s Seven Safest Cities

Singapore occupies seventh place worldwide with 76.41 points, rising from 14th in the original publisher’s 2026 city ranking. The destination’s strong safety assessment complements its role as a major international aviation and tourism hub. Visitors commonly use Singapore for short city stays, regional stopovers and connections to destinations across Southeast Asia. The ranking also places Singapore fifth in the combined assessment of safety for women, LGBTQIA+ travellers and people of colour. However, local laws and public conduct regulations require careful attention. Singapore currently holds a Level 1 advisory from the United States Department of State, although that does not remove the need to follow local legal requirements. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Italy Travel Safety: Venice Enters the World’s Top Eight for International Visitors

Italy’s Venice ranks eighth globally with 75.39 points, improving from 11th in the previous assessment. Its canals, historical architecture and pedestrian-oriented environment attract visitors seeking cultural experiences and short European holidays. The safety study identifies favourable assessments for women’s safety and access to healthcare, while also acknowledging petty crime concerns. Visitors should remain attentive in crowded sightseeing areas and around transport boarding points. Venice’s tourism model also requires practical awareness of water transport, walking routes and applicable visitor regulations. Italy currently has a Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution US travel advisory, showing why a city’s positive survey ranking must be considered alongside national security guidance. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Australia Tourism Safety: Sydney Remains a Leading Southern Hemisphere Destination

Australia’s Sydney occupies ninth position worldwide with 75.34 points. Although it has moved down from sixth in the previous ranking, it remains the only Australian city in the study’s top 15. Sydney offers a combination of metropolitan tourism, waterfront attractions, coastal experiences and international flight connectivity. The report highlights strong neighbourhood safety assessments and favourable urban liveability characteristics. However, visitors planning outdoor activities must consider environmental conditions, coastal safety and wildlife hazards. Australia currently carries a Level 1 US travel advisory. Travellers should still follow official local warnings, particularly when visiting beaches, national parks or locations outside Sydney’s central tourism districts. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

United States Travel Safety: Honolulu and San Francisco Represent Two Different Tourism Experiences

The United States has two cities in the ranking. Honolulu stands tenth with 75.31 points, while San Francisco occupies 14th with 73.15 points. Honolulu’s inclusion reflects its position as a major Pacific leisure destination, although the report identifies storms as a relevant travel consideration. San Francisco offers a contrasting urban tourism experience, with waterfront attractions, cultural districts and extensive transport connections. Its safety assessment varies between neighbourhoods, making location-specific research important. Both cities demonstrate that a national destination cannot be assessed through one safety profile. Travellers must consider local conditions, the purpose of their visit and the journeys connecting airports, accommodation and attractions. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Ireland Tourism Safety: Dublin Strengthens Its Appeal for European City Breaks

Ireland’s Dublin ranks 11th globally with 74.58 points, slipping one place compared with the previous edition. The Irish capital remains an important cultural and urban tourism destination, with museums, historic streets and international transport connections. The study identifies favourable neighbourhood assessments while reminding travellers to protect payment cards and belongings during everyday activities. Dublin’s place in the ranking also coincides with positive official tourism accommodation figures for Ireland. Eurostat reported that the country recorded a 14.6% increase in tourism accommodation nights during the first half of 2026, compared with the same period in 2025. This is national tourism growth, not evidence that the safety ranking caused additional visits. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

Denmark Tourism Safety: Copenhagen Remains Prominent Despite a Sharp Ranking Change

Denmark’s Copenhagen occupies 12th position with 73.52 points, following a second-place ranking in 2026. This significant change illustrates how annual safety assessments can produce different outcomes even for established destinations. Copenhagen remains attractive for cultural tourism, waterfront sightseeing and urban travel supported by public transport and cycling infrastructure. Its safety credentials extend beyond the overall list: the study places Copenhagen first in the separate assessment based on LGBTQIA+ travellers’ responses. Visitors should nevertheless respect local rules, particularly in residential and community areas. The city’s ranking offers a useful reference for holiday planning, but it does not replace neighbourhood-specific information or official destination guidance. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Spain Tourism Safety: Barcelona Retains Global Recognition Amid Its Busy Visitor Economy

Spain’s Barcelona ranks 13th worldwide with 73.44 points, compared with seventh position in the previous study. Its inclusion is relevant to travellers interested in Mediterranean city breaks, architecture, cultural attractions and coastal experiences. The study recognises positive overall safety conditions but identifies pickpocketing in crowded areas as an important concern. Visitors should also avoid becoming involved in unexpected demonstrations. Spain’s wider tourism performance provides useful context. Eurostat recorded 513.6 million tourist accommodation nights in Spain during 2025, making it the largest EU destination by this measure. Nevertheless, accommodation volumes do not measure personal security, and visitors should evaluate Barcelona’s individual neighbourhoods and travel conditions separately. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

France Tourism Safety: Paris Returns to the Global Top 15 for 2027

France’s Paris completes the ranking in 15th place with 72.45 points, improving from 18th in the previous year. Its return to the leading group is significant for a destination renowned for museums, architecture, cultural tourism and international air connections. The report identifies favourable safety assessments in selected neighbourhoods while also emphasising tourist scams as an important risk. Visitors should remain vigilant around major attractions, railway stations and crowded public transport. France recorded 471.7 million tourism accommodation nights during 2025, according to Eurostat, demonstrating the scale of its visitor economy. However, this national figure does not establish Paris-specific safety outcomes or prove increased travel demand resulting from the ranking. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection+1

How the World’s Safest Cities in 2027 Could Influence Global Tourism and Airline Travel

Travel safety has implications beyond destination selection. It affects decisions about airport transfers, accommodation locations, public transport, insurance and the activities included in an itinerary. For airlines, a favourable destination ranking may provide useful context when communicating the appeal of connected cities. Tour operators can use these findings to develop more informed destination guidance, while hotels can explain neighbourhood conditions and transport accessibility. However, a high ranking does not establish additional passenger demand, higher airline capacity or increased tourism spending. Those outcomes require separate evidence from airport statistics, airline schedules and official tourism figures. The study is therefore best interpreted as a comparative planning resource.

Official European tourism statistics provide additional market context. Eurostat reported 1.321 billion overnight stays in EU tourist accommodation during the first half of 2026, representing growth of 1.7% compared with the same period in 2025. Foreign visitor accommodation nights increased by 2.5%, compared with 0.9% for domestic visitors. Eurostat

In October 2026, Eurostat also reported that tourism accommodation nights booked through major online platforms reached 258.8 million during the second quarter of 2026, increasing by 5.3% year on year. These statistics demonstrate continued activity in the European accommodation market but do not establish a causal connection with destination safety rankings. Eurostat

Travel Safety and Tourism Market Comparison

What International Travellers Should Check Before Visiting the Safest Cities in 2027

A favourable city safety ranking offers a helpful starting point, but practical preparation remains important. International travel involves a combination of destination conditions, journey arrangements, immigration requirements and individual circumstances. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends checking current destination advice, entry requirements, health risks and insurance coverage before travelling. This approach remains relevant even when a city receives a strong safety assessment. Travellers should also distinguish the risks associated with city centres from those encountered during regional excursions or airport transfers. Updated official advice provides more timely information than a survey completed several months before departure. GOV.UK

1. Review government travel advice: Check the latest official information before departure and during the trip.
2. Research airport transfers: Compare recognised public transport services, licensed taxis and confirmed accommodation transfers.
3. Protect belongings: Take particular care in crowded attractions, railway stations and major transport hubs.
4. Understand local regulations: Review relevant laws, visitor restrictions and entry requirements before travelling.
5. Arrange suitable insurance: Ensure the policy covers the destination, length of stay, planned activities and relevant medical circumstances.

The UK government also advises travellers to examine policy exclusions and check whether official travel warnings could affect insurance coverage. GOV.UK

Conclusion

Montreal Leads Zurich and More in the 2027 Travel Safety Rankings, while Nine European Cities Make the Global Top 15, highlighting the importance of destination security in international tourism. The results demonstrate how established urban destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia compare through traveller assessments and supporting indicators. For holidaymakers, safety remains an important consideration alongside accessibility, affordability and cultural experiences. Airlines, hotels and tourism operators can use these findings to understand travel preferences and support informed planning. Ultimately, the ranking offers useful guidance, but reliable travel decisions must also reflect updated government advice and individual circumstances.

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