Staying Safe

Where not to travel

For LGBTQ+ travelers, understanding which countries are less supportive or even hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals is essential for personal safety and comfort. Below are some regions and countries where LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise caution or reconsider travel due to legal, social, or cultural challenges.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s important to know which countries may have less supportive or even hostile environments, as laws and cultural attitudes vary widely. Unfortunately, some places still criminalize LGBTQ+ relationships, and individuals may face discrimination or persecution. Here are regions and countries where LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise caution or consider other options due to challenging legal, social, or cultural environments:

1. Middle East and North Africa

  • This region often enforces strict laws that prohibit LGBTQ+ relationships or expressions.
  • Saudi Arabia: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, with punishments that include imprisonment, fines, and in some cases, even the death penalty.
  • Iran: LGBTQ+ people face harsh punishments, including capital punishment, along with severe discrimination and repression.
  • Qatar: LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized, and tourists have been detained under vague morality laws.
  • United Arab Emirates: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, and public displays of affection can lead to arrest or deportation.
  • Egypt: Although LGBTQ+ relationships are not explicitly illegal, individuals have been prosecuted under morality laws and can face arrest, imprisonment, or worse.

2. Africa

  • Many African countries have strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws rooted in conservative social values and older colonial-era laws.
  • Nigeria: LGBTQ+ relationships can lead to sentences of up to 14 years in prison, with LGBTQ+ individuals often facing widespread discrimination and violence.
  • Uganda: Known for its anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including recent legislation that includes life imprisonment and capital punishment in certain cases.
  • Tanzania: LGBTQ+ people can face long prison terms, and police frequently conduct raids targeting gatherings.
  • Gambia: LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized, with penalties that include life imprisonment.
  • Kenya: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, and those in the community face stigma and discrimination.

3. Asia

  • While some Asian countries are becoming more LGBTQ+-friendly, others have laws and practices that can make travel risky.
  • Afghanistan: LGBTQ+ individuals face severe penalties, including capital punishment, under Taliban governance.
  • Pakistan: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals experience severe societal discrimination.
  • Indonesia: In conservative regions like Aceh, LGBTQ+ people face harsh punishments under Sharia law, including public caning.
  • Malaysia: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, and anti-LGBTQ+ crackdowns by authorities have been reported.
  • Brunei: LGBTQ+ relationships can be punishable by death by stoning under Sharia law, though this has not yet been enforced.

4. Eastern Europe and Central Asia

  • Although parts of Eastern Europe are more accepting, LGBTQ+ rights are still limited in several countries.
  • Russia: Although LGBTQ+ relationships are not illegal, the “gay propaganda” law criminalizes promoting LGBTQ+ rights and can lead to harassment or arrest.
  • Belarus: LGBTQ+ rights are limited, and activists face government crackdowns.
  • Turkmenistan: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal and punishable by prison time.
  • Uzbekistan: LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized, and individuals in the community often experience harassment and abuse.

5. Caribbean and Central America

  • Some Caribbean nations still have colonial-era laws that criminalize LGBTQ+ relationships.
  • Jamaica: LGBTQ+ relationships between men are illegal, and the LGBTQ+ community faces widespread hostility and violence.
  • Barbados: Although laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ relationships are rarely enforced, they still exist, and societal attitudes can be hostile.
  • Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda: Both countries have laws against LGBTQ+ relationships, though there is some movement toward change.

6. South Asia

  • While some progress has been made, certain countries still have restrictive environments for LGBTQ+ travelers.
  • Bangladesh: LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal and punishable by imprisonment, and individuals in the community face severe stigma and risk.
  • Sri Lanka: LGBTQ+ relationships are technically illegal, though prosecutions are rare. However, societal acceptance remains low.

Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

  • Research local laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your destination and how strictly they are enforced.
  • Exercise discretion: In conservative countries, displays of affection may attract negative attention.
  • Consider travel insurance: Some policies specifically include coverage for discrimination or legal issues related to LGBTQ+ status.
  • Stay connected: Inform someone of your travel plans and check in regularly with a friend or family member.

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