Holiday danger map reveals the riskiest – and safest – countries where Brits love to holiday
The United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai, is the safest among popular holiday destinations, followed by Portugal and Spain
WHILE sun, sea and sand are top priorities for a summer holiday, safety isn’t too far down the list either.
The country you choose to travel to can have a big impact on personal security though, especially in recent years when terrorism incidents have spread across the West.
So which countries are the safest for holidaymakers to go to this year?
Every two years, the World Economic Forum (WEF) publishes a Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report that looks at the cost of common crime and violence, the number of terrorist incidents, how reliable the local police are and the homicide rate in each country per 100,000 of the population.
Sun Online has taken 20 of the most popular travel destinations for Brits and ranked them on safety, based on the WEF findings.
The United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai, is overwhelmingly the safest among popular holiday destinations, ranking top of the list and just second in the world rankings below Finland.
Spain, the most popular holiday destination for Brits, came third place on the list and 18th in the world, compared to the UK's ranking at 78 globally.
Read on to find out how your favourite holiday destination fared... and what to be careful of when there.
1.United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai, is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world.
The country came second in the entire world for safety and security in the WEF report this year, with a homicide rate of just 0.7 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.9 in the UK.
According to the Foreign Office, more than 1.5 million British visitors travel to the UAE every year.
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The vast majority of visits are trouble-free, and personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but they do happen and UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the country and have issued regular threats.
2. Portugal
Portugal is an extremely popular country with holidaymakers, attracting a record 60 million visitors last year, and a large percentage of those are Brits.
The country is the fifth safest in Europe, after Finland, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland and crime rates are low.
The WEF listed the country as No.1 in the world for its low number of terrorism incidents, although the UK Foreign Office advises that terrorist attacks in Portugal can’t be ruled out.
General crime incidents are low and there is a homicide rate of 0.9 - the same as the UK, but pick pocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars and holiday properties are common in major tourist areas and can be accompanied by violence.
3. Spain
Spain is still considered one of the safest countries in Europe - the country ranked 18 in the world for safety and security, with a 6.9 out of 7 score on the index of terrorism incidence and with a homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 population.
Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but the Foreign Office warns that tourists should be alert to street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques who target money and passports.
Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, and are often done by other Brits.
Terrorists are still likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain in association with ISIS, but domestic terrorism risks from the Basque terrorist organisation ETA have shrunk considerably in recent years.
ETA hasn’t mounted any attacks since 2009, and in April 2017 they declared a “unilateral disarmament” and claimed to have handed in all of their weapons.
4. Netherlands
Amsterdam is an extremely popular city break destination for British tourists and holidaymakers in general, pulling in more than 14 million visitors every year.
The country is also considered to be one of the safest, placing at number 19 in the world rankings.
Their murder rates are low at 0.7 per 100,000 but they place slightly higher at number 52 on the Index of Terrorism Incidence.
Tourists are urged to take care particularly in central Amsterdam, as pick-pocketing and bag snatching are common.
The Foreign Office also warns that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands.
5. Ireland
Most visitors to Ireland experience no difficulties and it ranks at No. 21 in the world for safety.
However, they place at No.101 on the index of terrorism, largely due to domestic incidents.
Tourists should take sensible precautions to protect against bag snatching and pick pocketing though.
The Foreign Office notes that there haven’t been any recent terrorist attacks, they can’t be ruled out.
6. Australia
Australia is is a bucket list destination for many Brits, thanks to its abundance of natural beauty.
The country is also considered to be very safe, coming in at No.22 in the world rankings.
They've had a few terrorism incidents in recent years though, placing them at No.55 on the index of terrorism, and terrorists are very likely to try to carry out more, with a current threat level of ‘probable’.
According to the Foreign Office, the level of general crime is no higher than in the UK, but they warn that there have been some serious sexual assaults against British nationals in Australia.
7. Canada
While its neighbour, the US, ranks considerably lower on the WEF report, Canada is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world - placing at No.23 globally.
They do fare relatively badly in terms of terrorism though - ranking at 84th place, as several incidents have taken place in recent years and more are likely to be attempted.
Tourists are advised to take sensible precautions to protect themselves from petty crime, like not leaving their handbag or luggage unattended as thieves often target tourist hotels.
8. Cyprus
Around a million Brits visit Cyprus annually and the country takes 32rd place on the global safety scale.
They are seen as one of the safest country for homicides, affecting 0.1 per 100,000 of the population, but
police services aren't seen as too reliable though, with a 4.5/ 7 rating that places them at No.63.
Crime against tourists is not common, but visitors should make sure to keep passports, money and other valuables safe. Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but they do occur.
According to the Foreign Office, terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Cyprus.
9. Poland
Poland is increasingly popular among Brits, and is also seen as relatively safe, placing at No.48 globally.
But crime and violence cost local businesses a considerable amount each year and the police are not rated highly for their reliability- earning 84th place in the world ranking of forces.
However, the country scores a joint first place the index of terrorism incidence, with a score of 7 out of 7.
Most visitors to Poland experience no difficulties and serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur and in some cases attacks have been racially motivated.
Tourists should also be wary of street crime and petty theft, and a risk of robbery on trains.
10. Germany
Germany has seen a big decline in safety rankings in the last two years, dropping 31 spots to 51st place.
While the police are seen as very reliable, a series of terror incidents has pushed the country to No. 100 on the index of terrorism incidence and terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks.
Increased security has been put in place as a precaution at public buildings and major events.
Other crime levels are broadly similar to the UK.
11. Greece
Greece has long been a favourite holiday destination among Brits and recent troubles in the country have done little to stem the tide of tourists.
The country places 53rd on the list of the world's safest places though, mainly due to its 105th place on the index of terrorism incidence and the fairly low reliability of police services.
However, it shares top spot with Cyprus for the low homicide rates of 0.1 per 100,000 of the population.
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but petty theft is common in crowded tourist places.
Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are generally rare though.
Terrorist attacks in Greece also can’t be ruled out and there have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions.
12. France
17 million Brits visit France every year, but the country has struggled recently due to terror attacks in 2015 and 2016, meaning it has dropped five spots on the safety and security scale to No.67.
They have a relatively low homicide rate of just 1.2 per 100,000 of the population though, and the police are considered the 29th most reliable in the world.
Tourists should take sensible precautions against street and car crime and be wary of pickpocket gangs.
There have also been several victims of serious assault on the Metro in Paris.
There have been a number of high profile terrorist attacks since 2015 across France and terrorists are very likely to try to carry out more attacks, so the French government has reinforced its security measures.
13. Italy
Italy is very popular with Brits, but safety and security has deteriorated in the country in the last two years, with the country dropping 22 places to No.70 on the safety scale.
This drop is driven by lower perceptions of police reliability and greater fear of terrorism and crime.
Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime like bag snatching and pickpocketing in big city centres.
Hire cars can be targeted by thieves, and robberies from cars are reported in Rome, Milan and Pisa.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Italy and there are isolated cases of domestic terrorism.
14. United States
Florida, Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas are all hugely popular holiday destinations for Brits, with millions travelling across the Atlantic every year, but the co
untry is also considered relatively unsafe.
Security concerns relating to terrorism , gun use and petty crime are of concern to many tourists.
The US placed at No.84 on the Safety and Security index, largely due to their spot at 114 on the index of terrorism and their 76th place on the homicide scale, with it affecting 3.9 in 100,000 of the population.
Tourists are warned to take sensible precautions to protect against petty crime, especially in rental cars.
Violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists, but visitors should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks and holidaymakers should be vigilant at all times.
15. Cape Verde
Crime affects all islands of Cape Verde and the nation ranked at No.86 globally on the safety and security scale, but the number of incidents affecting British nationals is generally low.
Burglaries and muggings have been reported on the main tourist islands of Sal and Boavista though and the homicide rate is high compared to other Brit holiday spots, at 10.6 for 100,000 of the population.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cape Verde, and the country ranks at No.1 on the 1 Index of terrorism incidence, attacks can’t be ruled out.
16. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular holiday destination among Brits, particularly in Sunny Beach.
But the country is one of the least safe of all the top holiday destinations, at No.89 on the safety scale.
The local police are considered very unreliable, with a world ranking of 103 and a score of 3.5/ 7.
There have been several reports of tourists targeted by thieves and pickpockets in Sunny Beach and other resorts and an increase in burglaries from hotel rooms and residential properties.
The Foreign Office has also have received numerous reports of pick pocketing, muggings and assaults of British nationals by prostitutes and their minders.
Terrorist attacks in Bulgaria also can’t be ruled out, and last December, the government announced heightened security measures in all cities, winter ski resorts, and places where large gatherings happen.
17. Mexico
While Mexico has significantly improved security in tourist areas, there are huge problems with crime around the country.
The country ranks at No.113 on the safety scale, in part due to their 104 spot on the index of terrorism.
They also rated very poorly for reliability of police services, with a No.128 ranking, as well as a No. 123 ranking for homicide, with 15.7 occurrences per 100,000 of the population.
Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased in recent years but the government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations.
Crime and violence are serious problems though, and the security situation poses risk for foreigners.
Women travelling on their own should be particularly alert when travelling on public transport as there have been incidents of rape on urban buses, and street crime is also a serious problem.
18. Turkey
Due to its location, Turkey has struggled to maintain effective security, earning a ranking of 116 globally.
It fares particularly badly on the index of terrorism incidence, with a ranking of 126 and a score of 1.0/7.
The Foreign Office advise against all travel to a number of locations on the Turkish borders and terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the country.
In terms of other safety concerns, sporadic demonstrations take place, some of which became violent.
The situation calmed following an attempted coup in July 2016, but a state of emergency is still in place.
Generally crime levels are low, but street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in Istanbul and several cases of rape have been reported to British consular staff in coastal tourist areas.
19. Thailand
The political situation in Thailand is unpredictable and sometimes volatile, which has led to the country sliding in the safety and security rankings to No.118 in recent years.
There have been several instances of civil and political unrest, resulting in large demos and violence.
Tourists are warned to be on their guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers in busy areas.
Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks have also been reported in popular tourist destinations, like Koh Samui and the Krabi province, and drink spiking has claimed both male and female victims.
Terrorists are also very likely to try to attack, with bomb and grenade attacks occurring indiscriminately.
20. Egypt
Security concerns, and terrorism in particular, remain the largest challenge for Egypt's tourism sector, with it now ranking at No.130 on the global scale.
Since January 2011, Egypt has experienced significant political turmoil, which has sometimes involved violent protests and resulted in a number of deaths.
Westerners, including Brits, have been killed, raped and sexually assaulted in crowds.
The crime rate in Egypt is generally low, but over the years people have suffered armed robberies, muggings, sexual assaults, rapes, break-ins to accommodation and cars, and car-jackings at gun point.
The Foreign Office advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai and several other areas, as well as all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh.
Now fresh fears have been ignited after two tourists were killed near the beach resort of Hurghada.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt, with the main threat from ISIS extremists.
For more detailed advice on travel to Egypt, read our guide here.