LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Advisories

Comprehensive safety information for LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide. Our advisories cover legal status of same-sex relationships, anti-discrimination protections, social acceptance levels, and documented risks to help you travel safely and confidently.

Understanding Safety Levels

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Same-sex relations legal, strong protections, good social acceptance. These destinations typically have marriage equality or partnership recognition, comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and high levels of social acceptance for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Legal but incomplete protections or notable social stigma. While same-sex relations are legal in these destinations, LGBTQ+ travelers may encounter some social conservatism, limited legal protections, or occasional harassment, particularly outside major urban areas.

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Criminalization or strong hostility, or very weak protections. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme caution. These destinations may have laws criminalizing same-sex relations, significant social hostility, or documented cases of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals with little legal recourse.

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Severe criminalization (long prison terms, death penalties, or "extremism" designations) or conflict zones with targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Travel to these destinations is strongly discouraged for openly LGBTQ+ individuals. If travel is unavoidable, extreme discretion is required.

Total Countries

127

Level 1 (Very Safe)

27

Level 2 (Mostly Safe)

41

Level 3-4 (High Risk)

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Showing 127 of 127 countries

Safety Advisories by Country

Summary

Details

Afghanistan

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Taliban rule and extreme anti-LGBTQ ideology; extremely unsafe in all respects.

Albania

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Anti-discrimination laws exist but social homophobia remains; visibility can draw hostility.

Andorra

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Small country with recognition of same-sex relationships and generally low hostility.

Argentina

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Early adopter of marriage equality; strong legal protections and visible queer culture.

Australia

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and robust protections; LGBTQ travelers widely accepted in major cities.

Austria

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and protections; Vienna has a well-developed queer scene.

Bahamas

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal but social conservatism and church influence; harassment possible, especially off-resort.

Bahrain

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts criminalized; discreet queer life exists but risk of arrest and outing.

Bangladesh

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; attacks on activists and heavy social hostility.

Belarus

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Authoritarian state; no protections; activism risky; harassment by police and far-right groups possible.

Belgium

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and strong protections; Brussels and Antwerp have established queer scenes.

Belize

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts decriminalized by courts; social change gradual, with church resistance.

Bolivia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Constitution bans discrimination; enforcement limited and social attitudes mixed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Queer events face threats; limited protections and strong religious conservatism.

Botswana

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts decriminalized by courts; social change ongoing; rural areas more conservative.

Brazil

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Strong legal protections but very high rates of anti-LGBTQ violence in some regions.

Brunei

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Sharia-based laws allow extreme penalties for same-sex acts; enforcement discretion but risk remains.

Bulgaria

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Legal but very conservative; Pride often faces counter-protests and occasional violence.

Cambodia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts not criminalized; limited legal protections and social conservatism outside cities.

Canada

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Top-ranked globally for LGBTQ equality; strong protections and broad social acceptance.

Cape Verde

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; relatively tolerant compared to region, though visible queerness still draws attention.

Chile

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Marriage equality and growing acceptance; some conservative pockets and occasional harassment.

China

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; censorship and social pressure limit visibility; no formal protections.

Colombia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Marriage equality and protections; crime and gang violence still affect queer communities.

Costa Rica

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and strong regional reputation; some conservative attitudes outside cities.

Croatia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Registered partnerships and protections; tourism areas relatively safe, but conservatism remains.

Cuba

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Recent legal advances, including marriage; state control and limited dissent still shape queer life.

Cyprus

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Civil unions and protections in the Republic; attitudes more conservative in the north.

Czechia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Partnership recognition; Prague queer scene active; marriage equality still pending.

Denmark

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Early legal reforms and high acceptance; very safe LGBTQ destination.

Dominican Republic

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal but no protections; strong religious conservatism and harassment reported.

Ecuador

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Constitutional protections for sexual orientation; anti-LGBTQ violence still occurs.

Egypt

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Laws used to target LGBTQ people; entrapment via apps and media-driven crackdowns documented.

El Salvador

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal but gangs and strong social stigma make visibility risky.

Estonia

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and broad protections; LGBTQ travelers generally safe and accepted.

Ethiopia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; conflict and instability exacerbate vulnerability for queer people.

Fiji

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal and anti-discrimination laws exist; some religiously driven stigma persists.

Finland

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality, strong protections, high social acceptance; very safe for LGBTQ travelers.

France

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and protections; vibrant queer life, some far-right and extremist hostility incidents.

Gambia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized with harsh penalties; high risk of abuse and arrest.

Georgia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Pride events often face violent backlash; strong Orthodox influence and hostility outside a few safe spaces.

Germany

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws; occasional far-right incidents but strong protections.

Greece

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Partnership recognition and some protections; social attitudes mixed, especially outside major cities.

Guatemala

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Legal but strongly conservative; attacks on LGBTQ people reported; travel requires discretion.

Honduras

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Very high violence against LGBTQ people; activists frequently targeted.

Hong Kong

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal, partial recognition; political climate restrictive but queer life visible.

Hungary

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Government hostility and legal backsliding; heavy propaganda restrictions and social tension.

Iceland

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Among the highest-ranked for LGBTQ equality and safety; small but very welcoming scene.

India

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts decriminalized; social acceptance uneven; harassment and violence still occur.

Indonesia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal nationally but criminalized in Aceh; raids, harassment, and moral policing reported.

Iran

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized with severe penalties; surveillance and entrapment risks for LGBTQ people.

Ireland

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality affirmed by referendum; high acceptance and active queer communities.

Israel

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Vibrant scenes in Tel Aviv; conservative and religious communities less accepting; regional security issues.

Italy

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Civil unions and some protections; rising right-wing rhetoric; big-city queer scenes still active.

Jamaica

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; documented homophobic violence and strong social hostility.

Japan

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal, no marriage equality nationally; social discretion expected outside queer hubs.

Jordan

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts not explicitly outlawed but social hostility and moral policing create high risk.

Kazakhstan

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal; strong stigma, no protections, and risks around activism.

Kenya

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; mob violence, blackmail, and police targeting reported.

Kuwait

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; arrests and harassment of queer people reported.

Kyrgyzstan

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal but strong homophobia; activists and visible queer people face high risk.

Laos

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; limited visibility and legal protections; low-level social stigma.

Latvia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

No marriage equality, conservative politics; Pride exists but faces hostility.

Lebanon

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Some courts softening sodomy law, but police harassment and social hostility remain high.

Lithuania

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Legal but conservative; limited protections and occasional hostility around public LGBTQ events.

Luxembourg

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and strong protections; small, wealthy, and generally very safe.

Macau

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; small queer scene; largely tolerant but conservative elements remain.

Madagascar

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal but very limited protections; high poverty and instability affect safety.

Malaysia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Syariah and civil laws criminalize same-sex acts; raids and punishments documented.

Maldives

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Sharia-based laws criminalize same-sex acts; resort bubble hides high legal risk on local islands.

Malta

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Top-rated globally for LGBTQ equality, protections, and social acceptance.

Mauritania

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Severe penalties for same-sex acts under Islamic law; extremely unsafe for LGBTQ people.

Mauritius

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Decriminalization efforts and activism progressing; church influence and stigma remain.

Mexico

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Marriage equality nationally; violence against queer people persists, especially outside tourist and urban cores.

Moldova

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Legal but very conservative; queer events often heavily policed and protested.

Mongolia

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; rising activism but conservative attitudes and occasional harassment.

Montenegro

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Anti-discrimination law and improving climate; still some homophobic incidents.

Morocco

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; blackmail, police action, and social hostility are serious risks.

Myanmar

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Colonial-era sodomy law and military rule; activists persecuted and safety conditions very poor.

Namibia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Legal changes in flux; some positive court rulings but social hostility remains high.

Nepal

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Progressive court rulings and third-gender recognition; implementation patchy outside Kathmandu.

Netherlands

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Pioneer of marriage equality; very strong protections and vibrant queer scenes.

New Zealand

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and strong protections; widely seen as very LGBTQ-friendly.

Nicaragua

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts legal; authoritarian context and social conservatism create heightened risk.

North Macedonia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Weak protections and high stigma; visibility can attract harassment or violence.

Norway

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality, strong protections, and high acceptance make it very safe for LGBTQ visitors.

Oman

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex relations criminalized; highly conservative; enforcement risk if discovered or reported.

Pakistan

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; risk of mob violence, blackmail, and police abuse.

Panama

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; no marriage equality; queer life in Panama City, mixed attitudes elsewhere.

Paraguay

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

No recognition or protections; strong church influence and conservative politics.

Peru

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Legal but no marriage equality; some harassment and weak enforcement of anti-discrimination norms.

Philippines

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Visible LGBTQ culture but no national protections; Catholic conservatism and some harassment.

Poland

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Strong anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and "LGBT-free" zones; legal protections limited and activism contested.

Portugal

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and broad protections; widely considered very safe for LGBTQ travelers.

Puerto Rico

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Part of U.S. legal framework; protections exist but harassment and violence still occur.

Qatar

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; risk of arrest and blackmail; travelers must stay strictly discreet.

Romania

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; no marriage equality; rising activism but conservative opposition remains.

Russia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

LGBTQ movement labeled extremist; propaganda bans and repression make it highly unsafe.

Rwanda

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Same-sex acts not criminalized, but no protections; queer people largely invisible and vulnerable.

Saudi Arabia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts can carry severe penalties; extremely hostile environment for LGBTQ people.

Senegal

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; arrests and intense social hostility toward queer people.

Serbia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Belgrade Pride often contested; hostile groups and political instability raise risk.

Seychelles

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Decriminalized and small queer scene; tourism-focused but some conservative attitudes.

Singapore

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Sodomy law repealed but no marriage equality; social conservatism and limits on activism.

Slovakia

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Constitution bans same-sex marriage; strong conservatism and occasional anti-LGBTQ incidents.

Slovenia

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and generally progressive attitudes, especially in urban areas.

South Africa

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Progressive constitution and protections; high rates of hate crime, including "corrective" violence.

South Korea

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; no marriage equality; social stigma still strong outside queer neighborhoods.

Spain

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Top global LGBTQ destination with marriage equality and strong anti-discrimination laws.

Sri Lanka

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; social stigma and sporadic police harassment; reforms debated but uneven.

Sweden

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

World-leading protections and social acceptance; very safe for LGBTQ travelers.

Switzerland

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and strong anti-discrimination laws; safe and orderly for LGBTQ travelers.

Taiwan

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

First in Asia with marriage equality; vibrant Pride and strong queer community.

Tanzania

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Crackdowns on LGBTQ communities; arrests and harassment by authorities reported.

Thailand

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Visible queer culture and tourism; no marriage equality yet, some family and job discrimination.

Tunisia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; documented arrests, forced anal exams, and police harassment.

Uganda

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Harsh anti-homosexuality law with severe penalties; extremely dangerous for LGBTQ people.

Ukraine

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

War zones and martial law; activism present but conflict heightens vulnerability for LGBTQ people.

United Arab Emirates

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex relations criminalized; morality laws can be used to arrest or deport queer people.

United Kingdom

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Broad legal equality and large queer scenes; some anti-LGBTQ incidents tied to politics and nightlife.

United States

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Patchwork of protections; major cities very queer-friendly, some states hostile, especially for trans people.

Uruguay

Level 1

Generally Very Safe

Marriage equality and robust queer rights; considered one of Latin America’s safest for LGBTQ.

Uzbekistan

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts between men criminalized; police harassment and blackmail risk for LGBTQ people.

Vietnam

Level 2

Mostly Safe with Issues

Same-sex acts legal; no marriage equality; social tolerance rising in big cities.

Yemen

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Conflict and extremely harsh anti-LGBTQ laws; highly unsafe for queer travelers.

Zambia

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; arrests and harsh rhetoric common; high risk if outed.

Zimbabwe

Level 4

Avoid or Extreme Caution

Same-sex acts criminalized; strong political homophobia; harassment and violence reported.

Important Information

Data Sources: Safety information is compiled from international LGBTQ+ rights organizations, legal databases, government reports, and documented incidents affecting LGBTQ+ travelers and residents.

Legal Status: Laws criminalizing same-sex relationships exist in some countries. Even where legal, enforcement of anti-discrimination protections may be inconsistent. Research local laws and customs thoroughly before traveling.

Regional Variation: Safety conditions can vary significantly within countries. Major cities may be more accepting than rural areas, and tourist zones may differ from local neighborhoods.

Discretion: In countries with elevated risk levels, LGBTQ+ travelers may need to exercise discretion about public displays of affection, social media posts, and discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Disclaimer: These advisories are for informational purposes only and represent general trends. Individual experiences may vary. Always research your specific destination, consult official travel advisories, and consider your personal circumstances when planning travel.