Canada Tops BHTP’s 2027 “World’s Safest Places” — What Travellers and Immigration Applicants Should Notice
Major update and why it matters
On Oct. 28, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) published its 2027 World’s Safest Places ranking and placed Canada first. Canada earned an overall score of 82.47 and moved up four places from 2026. For people planning travel, study, work, family reunification, or longer-term relocation, this recognition matters because safety perceptions affect destination choice, visitor confidence, and Canada’s reputation as a place to live and study.
How the ranking is constructed
BHTP’s ranking relies primarily on a survey of American travellers who rated countries they had visited in the previous five years. Those responses are combined with external data from several established indicators: the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, GeoSure Global, the World Health Organization, the Equaldex Equality Index, and the Global Terrorism Index. BHTP states its survey responses are weighted most heavily in the final score.
This mixed approach blends traveller experience with objective measures of peace, health, equality, crime, and terrorism risk. That mix matters when interpreting the results.
Canada’s strengths in the 2027 ranking
Key points from the BHTP release:
– Canada ranked first in the sub-category “Safety for women, LGBTQIA+ travellers and people of colour.”
– Canada placed second for health measures, safety from violent crime, and safety from terrorism.
– Montreal was named the safest city for travellers in BHTP’s companion city ranking, scoring 82.18 and rising from 16th place last year.
– Canada is one of eight countries in BHTP’s “Safe Travel Hall of Fame,” for averaging a top-10 position since 2018.
Top 10 countries for travellers in BHTP’s 2027 ranking
1 — Canada — 82.47
2 — New Zealand — 81.31
3 — Australia — 80.82
4 — Iceland — 78.85
5 — Japan — 78.73
6 — Austria — 78.48
7 — Ireland — 77.87
8 — The Netherlands — 77.09
9 — Denmark — 76.63
10 — Portugal — 75.63
Why this matters for immigration stakeholders
A high placement in a travel-safety ranking can influence:
– Perception and destination choice for tourists, international students, and prospective migrants.
– Recruitment and marketing by governments and institutions promoting study, work, or settlement pathways.
– Confidence among groups who prioritize inclusive and safe environments, especially women, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and people of colour.
– City-level reputations, as shown by Montreal’s rise to the top of the city list.
What this ranking does not do
BHTP’s ranking signals traveller perceptions and uses external indices; it does not change immigration policy, visa rules, entitlements, or official safety regulations. Its impact is reputational and informational rather than regulatory.
Practical takeaways for travellers and applicants
– Use the ranking as a positive signal, not a guarantee. Continue to check official travel advisories, health guidance, and program-specific entry requirements.
– Canada’s top mark in safety for historically vulnerable traveller groups is relevant for applicants prioritizing inclusive environments.
– Montreal’s designation as the safest city for travellers may factor into initial settlement, study, or travel plans.
– Treat BHTP’s result as one input among many: combine it with eligibility checks, cost-of-living, labour-market considerations, and official government guidance.
Methodology notes and limitations
– The ranking places substantial weight on a U.S. traveller survey, so it reflects the experiences and perceptions of that respondent group.
– External indices broaden the assessment beyond perception to include measures of peace, equality, health, and terrorism risk.
Numbers and dates to keep on record
– BHTP release date: Oct. 28, 2026 (2027 World’s Safest Places ranking).
– Canada overall score: 82.47 — ranked 1st.
– Montreal overall city score: 82.18 — named the safest city for travellers.
– Canada moved up four places from 2026.
Final thoughts
BHTP’s 2027 ranking placing Canada first is a notable reputational achievement rooted in traveller sentiment and supported by multiple external indices. It’s a useful signal for travellers, international students, and prospective newcomers — especially those who value safety and inclusion — but should be combined with practical checks and official guidance when planning travel or immigration.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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