Safest Countries in Asia in 2026: A Guide for Travelers and Expats

Asia is a vast and diverse continent, with bustling megacities, remote islands, and everything in between. It’s also home to some of the safest countries in the world, where low crime rates, peacefulness, and political stability only boost their appeal to visitors. 

In this article, we’ll examine the safest countries in Asia. You’ll learn which nations you can travel to without taking any special precautions, and what to consider if you’re planning an extended stay in an Asian country.

What Are the Safest Countries in Asia: The 10 Choices in 2026

The top 10 safest countries in Asia in 2026 are: 

1. Singapore
2. Japan
3. Malaysia
4. Bhutan
5. Mongolia
6. Uzbekistan
7. Taiwan
8. Kazakhstan
9. South Korea
10. Armenia

 1. Singapore 

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.435 (8th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

As one of the 10 most peaceful countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index, Singapore is considered an exceptionally safe country for travelers, with very low crime rates: 

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Robbery	0.29
Serious assault	6.72
Sexual violence (rape)	7.53
Intentional homicide	0.07

Singapore is also one of the safest countries to walk around after dark. Some 98% of Singaporeans (98% of men and 97% of women) say they feel safe outside after dark, compared to the global average of 73%. 

Still, travelers should be aware that crime occasionally happens in Singapore. Two types of crimes foreign visitors should pay attention to include: 

1. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, might occur in areas around airports, public transportation facilities, or hotels
2. Fraud and financial scams, such as rental scams, where perpetrators place a false listing and ask for a deposit only to cease contact, and credit card or ATM fraud 

General advice for staying safe and secure while traveling to Singapore includes honoring local customs and regulations, as failure to follow them may lead to penalties or even criminal culpability. Some things to avoid doing while in Singapore include: 

• Displaying country flags other than Singapore’s 
• Being intoxicated in public 
• Using or owning vapes or e-cigarettes
• Smoking in public unless in designated areas

It’s also important to note that cars rarely yield to pedestrians, so it’s important to be extra careful when crossing roads.

2. Japan

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.489 (10th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

Japan is another country in Asia ranked among the 10 most peaceful in the world, requiring only standard traveling precautions. The country owes its safety to careful planning, strong police presence with community policing (the Koban system), and a culture that emphasizes respect for societal norms. 

The crime rates in Japan are low: 

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Roberry	1.11
Serious assault	18.01
Sexual violence (rape)	3.18
Intentional homicide	0.23

Even though Japan’s crime rates are low, travelers are advised to be especially careful in certain entertainment and nightlife districts in Tokyo, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Kabuki-cho. The risks for travelers in these areas include: 

• Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing 
• Spiked food and drinks incidents, which leave victims more prone to theft, fraud, or sexual assault
• Overcharging, where travelers are charged exorbitant bills in entertainment establishments, leading to disputes and even physical altercations

While public transportation in Japan is generally safe, solo women travelers are at risk of inappropriate touching and other forms of harassment on busy trains and subways. 

General safety concerns to be mindful of when traveling to Japan include:

• The country is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, with frequent earthquakes that can lead to injuries
• Wildlife, specifically bears, have been appearing closer to populated areas in the northern parts of the country
• Certain medications that are legal in travelers’ home countries might be illegal in Japan

3. Malaysia

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.513 (12th in the world)	Level 1 (with Level 2 areas)	Normal security precautions (with regional advisories)

Malaysia is generally a safe country for travelers, thanks to its low rates of violent crime, zero-tolerance regime for drug use or trafficking, and strong commitment to multicultural harmony. 

The crime rates for serious crime in Malaysia are as follows: 

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Robbery	13.06
Serious assault	10.51
Sexual violence (rape)	4.82
Intentional homicide	0.75

Even though Malaysia is safe, visitors should be aware of the following risks:

• Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing
• Robbery and assault by taxi drivers, especially in taxis that operate around the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 
• Gambling scams, where solo travelers are invited to participate in rigged card games
• Financial scams that target companies by offering fraudulent loans
• Fake advertisements for volunteer work
• Romantic and financial scams that target individuals
• Card skimming 

The general safety of Malaysia doesn’t apply to the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including the waters and islands of the southern Philippines. Travelers to those areas should exercise increased caution due to the risk of kidnapping for ransom by terrorist and criminal groups who have been known to target resorts and maritime activities.

4. Bhutan

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.546 (16th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

Bhutan is a safe country where visitors face minimal risk of criminal activity. According to Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) statistics, the number of general crime cases decreased from 2,779 in 2022 to 2,462 in 2025, indicating a decline in reported crime over this period. 

Violent crime is uncommon in the country. Travelers can experience petty crime, such as theft and purse snatching, only occasionally and mostly in the capital, Thimphu.

However, road safety is a major concern for travelers to Bhutan. The road conditions can be dangerous, especially in the mountains and during the winter and rainy season, making car and motorcycle accidents one of the leading causes of injury and death in the country. 

Stray dogs can also pose a safety risk in Bhutan and may carry rabies. 

5. Mongolia

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.692 (34th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

Mongolia is a country where poor infrastructure and precarious weather conditions present a bigger threat than people. The sparsely populated rural areas and a strong hospitality culture among the nomadic community all contribute to the country’s low crime rates:

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Robbery	16.34
Serious assault	0.29
Sexual violence (rape)	18.93
Intentional homicide	5.64

Still, tourists and visitors to Mongolia should be aware of certain types of crime that happen in the country, such as: 

• Petty crime in crowded areas such as open-air markets, public transportation, the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar, and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery
• Violent crime, which isn’t common but occasionally happens in major cities, especially in the days leading up to the major national holidays
• Criminals posing as police officers and robbing foreigners, as well as attacks and robberies by taxi drivers 

As for the general safety tips when traveling to Mongolia, the two most important ones to observe are:

1. Driving in Mongolia can be hazardous, and the country experiences a high number of road accidents due to low driving standards and dangerous road conditions 
2. Because of the country’s size and variety of conditions, extreme weather warnings are a frequent occurrence, with possible events including flooding, dust storms, blizzards, strong winds, and heatwaves

6. Uzbekistan

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.726 (37th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions (with regional advisories)

Uzbekistan is generally safe for travelers. The country maintains a strong police presence, with special police units dedicated to tourist safety. As a result, the country had a low crime rate of 407 crimes per 100,000 population in 2025. 

However, travelers to Uzbekistan should avoid its border areas:

• The Afghanistan border, which has been closed since 2021, carries the risk of terrorist attacks
• Travelers to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan should stick to roads and other paved surfaces due to the risk of landmines

As for the crimes travelers should be mindful of in Uzbekistan, the three types that are commonly featured in government warnings include: 

1. Petty crime, which is common in Uzbekistan, especially at night in Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Ferghana
2. Break-ins and burglaries, which occur even in upscale neighborhoods
3. Robberies by criminals impersonating police officers

The general safety advice for travelers in Uzbekistan is the following: 

• Driving in Uzbekistan can be a hazard due to poor road conditions in rural areas and general disregard for traffic laws 
• Having your passport at all times is mandatory, as the police may ask you to present it
• Unmarked taxis should be avoided, especially by female travelers
• Merchants might ask for credit card PINs or try to photograph cards, which is a safety risk

7. Taiwan

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.751 (42nd in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

Taiwan is often cited as a safe travel destination for women, even when traveling solo. The overall crime rates in the country are very low, especially for violent crime:

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Roberry	0.36
Sexual violence (rape)	0.27
Intentional homicide	0.58

The reason Taiwan isn’t higher on the list is the prevalence of other crimes, specifically theft (223.24 per 100,000) and fraud (506.34 per 100,000).

While petty theft occurs occasionally, tourists should be on the lookout for the following types of fraud: 

• Credit card and ATM fraud 
• Telephone and email scams
• Other scams that target travelers’ personal information 

For a safe stay in Taiwan, travelers are also advised to:

• Avoid riding motorcycles and scooters, and be careful when in traffic due to instances of reckless driving
• Avoid drinking when driving, as the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Taiwan might be significantly lower than in their home country
• Avoid being a passenger in a car driven by someone who has consumed alcohol, as passengers can also be fined if a driver is caught with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit

8. Kazakhstan

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.771 (44th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

Kazakhstan is considered a safe country to visit with a low overall risk for travelers. The country’s crime rate is declining thanks to a strong police presence and stable governance, reaching 596.1 crimes per 100,000 population in 2025. 

Travelers to Kazakhstan are rarely victims of violent crime, though it is advised to be careful when visiting popular nightlife spots. There have also been reports of violent thefts in expat communities in Atyrau and Aktau. 

The most useful precautions for travelers to Kazakhstan include: 

• Being mindful of possible petty crime and theft in or near areas frequented by tourists in Astana and Almaty 
• Avoiding public Wi-Fi due to the threat of cybercrime 

Foreigners should also be aware that:

• Posting social media posts and images that disrespect the country’s religion, culture, and especially national symbols is illegal
• Foreigners might be required to present their passports when exchanging foreign currency
• Foreigners are required to have an original ID or passport with them at all times
• Drinking alcohol in public or acting inebriated can result in a fine or a night in a police station cell

9. South Korea

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.839 (57th in the world)	Level 1	Normal security precautions

South Korea is a safe country to visit, combining a low crime rate with highly developed, traveler-friendly infrastructure. The country also has extensive public CCTV coverage, further deterring criminal activity.

Still, travelers should be careful when visiting the following areas, due to a higher incidence of crime: 

• Tourist areas, open markets, and metropolitan areas, as those are the places where petty crime tends to occur
• Nightlife areas such as Itaewon, due to a higher incidence of assault, including sexual assault

Foreign visitors are also advised to report any instances of sexual assault to their embassies, as well as to the police. 

General advice for safe travel to South Korea includes:

• Pedestrians are advised to use underground or above-ground pedestrian crossings where possible, due to a high rate of fatal road accidents
• Driving after consuming alcohol is discouraged, as South Korea might have a lower blood alcohol limit for drivers than the traveler’s home country
• Demonstrations, strikes, and other types of protests are common, but foreigners are legally not allowed to take part in them
• Foreigners are required to carry their passports with them, although checks are uncommon

10. Armenia

Global Peace Index	U.S. Travel Advisory	Canada Travel Advisory
1.825 (51st in the world)	Level 2	Normal security precautions (with regional advisories)

Armenia is generally a safe destination for most travelers, with the notable exception of its eastern border with Azerbaijan. Due to ongoing tensions between the two countries, travelers should avoid visiting the border region.

Armenia has low rates of violent crime: 

Type of Crime	Rate (per 100,000 population)
Robbery	2.32
Serious assault	9.11
Sexual violence	10.05
Intentional homicide	2.19

Crimes that have been reported by travelers to Armenia include:

• Pickpocketing and bag-snatching 
• Theft from cars and burglaries
• Incidents of sexual harassment of single female passengers by taxi drivers

Additional risk factors travelers should note when visiting Armenia include:

• Local drivers exhibit poor driving habits, often breaking traffic regulations, driving over the speed limit, or driving while intoxicated 
• Drunken and disorderly behavior in public is generally not tolerated and can lead to an arrest
• Protests tend to occur regularly in Armenia, and while generally peaceful, they should be avoided by travelers 

How To Plan a Long Stay in Asia

When traveling to Asian countries for a short stay, safety is the main concern. If you plan an extended stay to obtain residency or citizenship, or establish a base for a business, the complexity of your situation increases significantly, bringing additional factors into consideration.

Some of these factors can include:

Factor	What To Consider
Tax efficiency	Whether the country has personal income taxes, corporate income taxes, and capital gains taxes, and what the rates are for your main source of income
Wealth and asset protection	Whether the country recognizes trusts and how strong its banking protections are
Healthcare access and quality	How available is high-standard private healthcare, and whether international insurance is accepted
Residence or citizenship pathways	How easy it is to get residency, and whether there are investment-based programs with a streamlined process
Global mobility	How much visa-free travel access comes with becoming a citizen and getting the country’s passport

In addition to the complexity of the decision-making process, executing a second residency strategy in an Asian country can involve practical challenges. You would be required to navigate a foreign legal system with demanding bureaucratic requirements, often conducted in the local language. Any mistake can result in spending additional time and resources on the process. 

Working with professionals with on-the-ground experience can significantly reduce the risks of delays, rejected applications, and avoidable costs. For a tailored strategy and hands-on support with execution, contact Nomad Capitalist. 

Build Your Base in Asia With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is a consultancy company that specializes in residency and citizenship planning and asset protection. We’ve helped more than 1,500 clients establish residency abroad, structure their tax exposure, and access global investment opportunities.

Our core service is the Action Plan, a strategic guide for achieving your global mobility and wealth-preservation goals. Starting from your current circumstances, we build a step-by-step blueprint that matches your priorities and desired timeline. 

Here’s what partnering with Nomad Capitalist looks like: 

1. We ask you to fill out a form to help us determine whether we’re a good match
2. We schedule a 45-minute onboarding call to learn more about your situation and objectives
3. Our agents develop an Action Plan and present it to you for approval
4. We implement the Plan over 12 months, managing the administrative parts of the process
5. You continue receiving support from us even after the Plan is implemented

If you’re looking for the safest country in Asia to establish a regional base, Nomad Capitalist can help you make the choice by considering all the relevant factors. We can also assist you with obtaining residency in the country and advise you regarding tax structuring. To get started with the process, contact Nomad Capitalist today!