Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers (2026)

Safety data is not gender-neutral. A country that ranks well on general crime statistics can still be a difficult place for a woman traveling alone. Street harassment, attitudes toward women’s autonomy, legal protections against gender-based violence, access to reproductive healthcare, and the practical infrastructure of solo travel — well-lit streets, reliable public transport at night, emergency services responsiveness — vary enormously across borders. The standard “safest countries” lists rarely account for these gender-specific dimensions.

This ranking uses a composite safety score weighted for solo female travelers. We combine the Global Peace Index, the Women Peace and Security Index, gender gap data from the World Economic Forum, street harassment surveys, homicide rates disaggregated by gender, and legal framework assessments for domestic violence and sexual assault prosecution. The result is a ranking that reflects actual lived safety, not just headline crime rates.

For general safety rankings without the gender lens, see our safest countries to move to guide. For a broader look at the best countries for women considering relocation, see best countries for women moving abroad.

How We Scored Safety for Solo Female Travelers

Our scoring methodology prioritizes the factors that matter most to women traveling or living alone:

• Women, Peace and Security Index (25%) — The Georgetown WPS Index measures women’s inclusion, justice, and security across 170 countries. It captures legal protections, parliamentary representation, cellphone access, and community safety perceptions.
• Street harassment prevalence (20%) — Data from ActionAid, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and independent surveys on frequency and severity of street harassment experienced by women.
• Gender-based violence rates (20%) — Intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and femicide rates from WHO and UNODC data, disaggregated by gender.
• Legal framework (15%) — Strength of laws against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault, plus actual enforcement and prosecution rates.
• Solo travel infrastructure (10%) — Public transport safety at night, emergency response times, availability of women-only accommodations and transport options, and tourist infrastructure quality.
• Reproductive healthcare access (10%) — Availability of contraception, emergency contraception, and maternal healthcare services for foreign nationals.

Top 12 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers

Country-by-Country Breakdown

1. Iceland — The Safest Place on Earth for Women

Iceland has topped the Global Gender Gap Index for fourteen consecutive years. The country has a population of 380,000, virtually no street harassment culture, and the lowest gender-based violence rates in the developed world. Women walk alone at any hour in Reykjavik without a second thought. The police force emphasizes community policing, and emergency response times in populated areas are under five minutes.

For solo female travelers, Iceland’s infrastructure is exceptional. Public transport is safe and clean. Accommodation options cater to solo travelers. The country’s small size and tight-knit culture mean that antisocial behavior is noticed and addressed quickly. The main downside is cost — Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe — and the harsh winters, with limited daylight from November to February. Explore Iceland’s full profile.

2. Japan — Infrastructure Built for Solo Safety

Japan’s crime rate is extraordinarily low by any measure. Violent crime against foreigners is virtually nonexistent. What makes Japan particularly strong for solo female travelers is the infrastructure designed specifically for women’s safety: women-only train cars during rush hours, women-only floors in some hotels, well-lit streets and convenience stores open 24 hours, and an emergency call system (110) with multilingual support.

The one area where Japan scores lower is workplace and social gender equality — the country ranks 125th on the WEF Gender Gap Index due to corporate and political representation gaps. However, for physical safety and travel infrastructure, Japan is unmatched in Asia. Explore Japan’s full profile.

3. New Zealand — Welcoming and Safe

New Zealand combines low crime rates with a genuinely welcoming culture toward solo travelers. The country ranks in the top five on both the Global Peace Index and the Women, Peace and Security Index. Legal protections against domestic violence and sexual assault are among the strongest in the world, with dedicated courts and support services.

The outdoor adventure culture means that solo activities — hiking, kayaking, road trips — are normalized and well supported with safety infrastructure. Hostels and campgrounds are designed with solo travelers in mind. The main consideration is geographic isolation: flights from North America or Europe are long and expensive. Explore New Zealand’s full profile.

4. Denmark — Equality as Infrastructure

Denmark’s approach to safety is structural. Gender equality is embedded in law, education, workplace policy, and urban planning. Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure, well-lit streets, and 24-hour public transport create an environment where women move freely at all hours. Street harassment is rare and culturally condemned.

Denmark ranks in the top three on the WPS Index and the top five on the Gender Gap Index. Healthcare is universal and includes comprehensive reproductive services. The cost of living is high (Copenhagen monthly budget: $2,500–3,500), but for women who prioritize safety above all else, Denmark delivers on every dimension. Explore Denmark’s full profile.

5. Singapore — Safe at Every Hour

Singapore has the lowest crime rate in Asia and one of the lowest globally. The city-state’s strict law enforcement, extensive CCTV coverage, and well-maintained public spaces create an environment where solo female travelers report feeling safe at any hour. Public transport runs late into the night, and ride-hailing apps provide an alternative for late returns.

Singapore’s legal framework provides strong protections against harassment and assault, with high prosecution rates. The main trade-off is the limited personal freedom — Singapore’s laws are strict on various personal behaviors — and the high cost of living ($2,000–4,000 monthly). Explore Singapore’s full profile.

6. Portugal — Affordable European Safety

Portugal stands out as the most affordable country in the top ten for solo female safety. Lisbon and Porto are walkable, well-lit, and have low harassment rates. The country’s large expat community means that solo women are a visible and accepted part of the social landscape, not an anomaly.

Portugal’s legal protections against domestic violence have been strengthened significantly in recent years. The healthcare system provides universal coverage including reproductive health services. Monthly costs for a comfortable solo lifestyle run EUR 1,200 to 1,800 in Lisbon, less in Porto or the Algarve. Explore Portugal’s full profile.

7–12: Quick Profiles

Switzerland combines ultra-low crime with exceptional emergency services and public transport. Safe at all hours in all cities. Expensive ($3,000–5,000/month) but uncompromising on safety. Profile.

Norway ranks in the WPS top three. Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø are safe for solo women at any hour. Strong legal framework, progressive culture, high cost of living. Profile.

South Korea has low violent crime and excellent infrastructure including women-only facilities in gyms, saunas (jjimjilbang), and transport. Spy camera harassment (molka) remains a concern, with enforcement improving significantly since 2019. Profile.

Austria offers very low crime rates, efficient police response, and safe public transport in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Strong EU legal protections apply. Profile.

Ireland is English-speaking with low crime and a strong community culture that makes solo travelers feel welcomed rather than vulnerable. Dublin and Galway have active solo traveler scenes. Profile.

Slovenia is a hidden gem — compact, safe, affordable by Western European standards, with Ljubljana consistently rated one of Europe’s safest capitals. Strong legal protections and low harassment rates. Profile.

Europe vs. Asia: Safety Comparison for Solo Women

Practical Safety Tips by Region

Europe

• Stick to well-lit main streets in unfamiliar areas after dark, even in safe countries. Peripheral neighborhoods can feel isolated.
• Download local emergency numbers and taxi apps before arriving. EU-wide emergency number is 112.
• Hostels with female-only dorms are available in every major European city and are often the best way to meet other solo female travelers.
• Portugal, Spain, and Slovenia offer the best safety-to-cost ratio in Europe for solo women.

East Asia

• Japan’s women-only train cars are marked with pink signage and operate during morning and evening rush hours. Use them.
• South Korea’s public restrooms in newer buildings have anti-camera detection systems. Report any concerns to police immediately.
• Singapore’s MRT system is safe at all hours. The last train runs around midnight; ride-hailing fills the gap.
• Language barriers in Japan and South Korea can feel isolating. Translation apps (Google Translate, Papago for Korean) are essential tools.

Countries to Approach with Extra Caution

Some popular travel destinations score well on general safety metrics but present specific challenges for solo women. This is not a list of countries to avoid — millions of women travel these destinations safely every year — but awareness matters:

• India: Extraordinary cultural richness but consistently high rates of street harassment and gender-based violence, particularly for solo women.
• Egypt: Historically significant but among the highest street harassment rates globally. Solo female travel is manageable but requires constant awareness.
• Turkey: Istanbul and coastal resorts are generally safe, but regional variation is significant. Conservative areas require cultural sensitivity.
• Morocco: Increasingly popular but persistent street harassment in some cities, particularly for women traveling alone.

These assessments are based on aggregate data and do not describe every individual experience. Many solo women travel these countries without incident by researching areas, connecting with local women’s networks, and maintaining situational awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest country in the world for a woman traveling alone?

Iceland, by virtually every measure. It tops the Global Gender Gap Index, has the lowest gender-based violence rates among developed nations, and offers infrastructure where women move freely at any hour. Japan ranks second for physical safety and solo travel infrastructure.

Is Asia safe for solo female travelers?

Parts of Asia are among the safest places in the world. Japan and Singapore rank in the global top five for solo female safety. South Korea and Taiwan are also excellent. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam are generally safe in tourist areas but require more awareness. The continent is vast, and generalizations are not useful — evaluate each country individually.

Are hostels safe for solo female travelers?

Hostels with female-only dorms are widely available and consistently rated as safe. Look for hostels with electronic keycard access, lockers, and good reviews from solo female travelers. In the countries on this list, hostel safety is not a significant concern. In countries with higher risk profiles, reputable hostels with female-only options provide an important safety layer.

How do I stay safe at night in a foreign city?

Stick to well-lit streets with other pedestrians. Use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street. Share your live location with a trusted contact. Research the specific neighborhood before going out. In the countries ranked above, major city centers are safe at night, but peripheral neighborhoods vary. Ask your accommodation staff about areas to avoid.

Should safety be the primary factor in choosing a travel destination?

It should be one of several weighted factors. A country that scores perfectly on safety but poorly on cost, healthcare, or lifestyle may not be the right fit. WhereNext’s scoring algorithm weights safety heavily but also considers cost of living, healthcare, visa accessibility, infrastructure, and personal priorities. Use the personalized quiz to find your balance.

Final Thoughts

Solo female travel has never been safer or more accessible than it is in 2026. The countries ranked above do not just avoid danger — they actively create environments where women thrive independently. Iceland’s structural equality, Japan’s purpose-built safety infrastructure, New Zealand’s welcoming adventure culture, and Portugal’s affordable safety all represent different models of what it looks like when a society invests in women’s security.

The data is clear: the safest countries for women tend to also be the best countries for quality of life, healthcare, and progressive governance. Safety is not just the absence of danger. It is the presence of systems that prevent it. When you choose your next destination, let that principle guide you.

WhereNext weights safety, gender-specific metrics, healthcare, and cost of living in every country score. Use the country explorer to filter by the dimensions that matter most to you, or take the personalized quiz for a tailored recommendation that factors in everything from safety to sunshine.