According to a new study that examined safety, visa rules, English use, social support and tourism services, the list of the most welcoming cities in the world highlights how ease of entry and clear information shape traveler choices.
How the ranking was compiled
The eSIM provider Holafly evaluated 200 urban areas – half of them the world’s most visited spots, the other half the most populous. Each location received scores for safety, visa‑free access, English proficiency, tourism help desks and online searches for terms like “friendly” or “welcoming”. The weighted results, current through June 15 2026, produced an overall index for each place.
Singapore tops the welcoming cities list
Singapore earned the highest overall score, 81.83.
Its safety rating was 77.7 and it offers 41 dedicated tourism and information points. Travelers from more than 160 nations can enter without a prior visa, a factor that cuts uncertainty for first‑time visitors.
For those landing in an unfamiliar country, simple entry rules and readily available guidance can make a big difference. The island‑nation’s blend of security, accessibility and visitor services positions it as a benchmark for other destinations.
London came in second with a score of 65.04. The capital hosts 54 tourism and information outlets, the most among the top ten. Online interest was evident, with over 61,700 searches for “friendly London” and “welcoming London”. The United Kingdom’s long‑standing appeal to global travelers is reinforced by these service levels.
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Sydney ranked third, scoring 64.80. A safety figure of 66.1 and strong English proficiency helped it climb the list. Easy communication aids everything from finding a hotel to asking for directions, which can be essential for visitors handling a new environment.
The Hague secured fourth place with a score of 63.68. As the Dutch government’s seat and a hub for international bodies, the metropolis naturally interacts with diverse visitors. Its placement also gave the Netherlands two entries among the top ten, ahead of several larger global hubs.
Hong Kong placed fifth, achieving 63.55. It was the highest‑ranked Asian city after Singapore. Performance across safety, visitor services and entry ease contributed to its position, showing how multilingual support can smooth a traveler’s experience.
Boston entered the ranking at six with a score of 63.39. Home to major universities and multinational firms, the American metropolis draws a steady stream of international guests. Its showing suggests that size alone does not dictate hospitality; a mix of measures determines how well a destination supports newcomers.
While the study offers a snapshot of current conditions, future shifts in visa policies or tourism infrastructure could reshuffle the rankings. Cities that invest in multilingual signage and streamlined entry procedures may climb higher, whereas those that see safety concerns rise could slip.