Get insights into the legal rights, social attitudes and LGBTQ+-friendly areas, along with practical advice for navigating potential risks.
Every traveller faces risks influenced by who they are, what they’re doing, and where they’re going. However, LGBTQ+ travellers often face an additional layer of unique risks that must be addressed through comprehensive pre-travel preparation. Understanding the legal framework along with social and cultural attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals at their destination is essential for staying safe.
World Travel Protection equips organisations with up-to-date safety data for all travellers, including specific insights for LGBTQ+ travellers. This critical information empowers members of the community to travel with confidence.
The importance of accessing LGBTQ+ travel safety data
In many countries, same-sex relationships are criminalised, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ can face significant risks, including harassment or arrest.
Paul Trotter, Intelligence and Security Lead at World Travel Protection, notes that in some countries, security forces are likely to be dismissive if an LGBTQ+ individual is assaulted or harassed. Transgender travellers may also be held up at border checkpoints if they identify and present as a sex different from that which is in their passport.
Organisations and travellers with a World Travel Protection travel risk management subscription gain access to the Travel Assist portal and app, which includes LGBTQ+ data across 233 destinations. These insights contain useful information, including:
- Legal frameworks: Know whether same-sex relationships are legal, illegal or partially criminalised, and where gender expression may be restricted.
- Social attitudes: Understand local sentiment toward LGBTQ+ travellers and events, from acceptance to discrimination.
- Safety advice: Get an overview of the security and rights situation for LGBTQ+ travellers as well as an understanding of what to expect upon arrival and where to find LGBTQ+ friendly areas.
- Passport entry regulations: Recognition of Gender X passports and the safety of travelling with them.
By providing LGBTQ+ travellers with access to this type of information before their trip, organisations not only fulfil their duty of care requirements but also empower travellers with the knowledge they need to travel confidently.
A glimpse into the global landscape
While some regions may have made progress towards LGBTQ+ equality, significant risks remain, especially in the 64 countries where homosexuality is criminalised. Awareness of these realities helps travellers and organisations prepare appropriately.
Here is a brief overview of the status of LGBTQ+ rights and safety considerations around the world as of 1 June 2025:
- Americas: Homosexuality is legal in most countries. In some Central and South American nations, it is best to avoid public displays of affection to avoid experiencing unwanted attention, legal issues or other difficulties. Homosexuality remains illegal in Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Africa: Homosexuality is illegal in many countries, including Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Asia: Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Tonga.
- Europe: While homosexuality is legal in most European countries, parts of countries such as Poland, Russia, and Hungary have been identified as particularly lacking in efforts to protect LGBTQ+ communities. Russia permits homosexuality but enforces laws restricting public displays of same-sex relationships and the dissemination of LGBTQ+ information to minors. In March 2024, Russia also added the ‘LGBTQ movement’ to the list of extremist and terrorist organisations.
- Central Asia: Same sex relationships between men is illegal in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. People breaking this law can be imprisoned.
- Middle East: Homosexuality is illegal in most Middle Eastern countries, with the death penalty enforced in Saudi Arabia and Iran. Same-sex relationships are legal in Israel and Jordan.
For a more detailed brief on a specific destination, contact our team today.
Comprehensive support with travel risk management experts
In addition to LGBTQ+ travel safety data, our travel risk management solutions, such as the Travel Assist app and portal, provide real-time intelligence into political conditions, terrorism threats, civil unrest, crime, natural disasters, and medical risks. This gives organisations a 360-degree view of potential challenges before travel, allowing them to mitigate these risks and ensure employees are well prepared and supported.
Request a demonstration today to discover how the Travel Assist app and portal can seamlessly integrate into your travel risk management program to help you mitigate risks, make informed decisions and keep your travellers safe, and informed.
For more practical safety tips and guidance, read our detailed article on LGBTQ+ traveller safety: Ensuring LGBTQ+ Travel Safety: A Vital Priority for Pride Month
