Gay safe
International Travel
Travelers can face unique challenges abroad based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel.
More than 60 countries consider consensual same-sex relations a crime. In some of these countries, people who engage in consensual same-sex relations may deal with severe punishment. Many countries do not recognize same-sex marriage.
Research your destination before you travel
Review the travel advisory and destination information page of the place you plan to visit. Check the Local Laws & Customs section. This has information specific to travelers who may be targeted by discrimination or violence on the basis of sexual orientation.
Many countries only recognize male and female sex markers in passports. They do not have IT systems at ports of entry that can accept other sex markers, including valid U.S. passports with an X sex marker. If traveling with a valid U.S. passport with an X sex marker, check the immigration regulations for your destination as acceptance can v
We get it. Africa is a continent with insane wildlife, top-notch luxury stays, mind-blowing landscapes, and bucket-list adventures. But how safe is it to journey to Africa, especially if you're part of the Diverse community? Below, we explain the basics of travel security in Africa, stressing our favourite luxury safari destinations.
As Africa's best LGBTQ+ Tour Operator, you can trust that we know where you should go on your next luxury African safari
South Africa
South Africa is one of the safest countries for the LGBTQ+ community. Organism gay is legal, gay marriage is recognised, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.
Cape Town is a gay mecca with not only gay-only establishments but also gay-owned establishments. We call it our home, so trust us when we say the Mother City is all glitz and glam, bragging with scenic coastlines, stunning mountains, award-winning wines, and some of the best restaurants in the world.
While you're here, you might as adv meet the Great 5 face-to-face in Kruger National Park. Many of our favourite luxury lodges are gay-owned
Going to Turkey? Here’s every LGBTQ traveller needs to know
Turkey is a delightful country in Western Asia that many travellers stop by for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and historic cities. It is a fairly conservative country, which is reflected in its attitudes towards LGBTQ people. For gay travellers in Turkey, there are shelter concerns to be mindful of when it comes to public expression, both in the cities and in rural areas. But don’t let that interrupt you from exploring the country and visiting its vibrant LGBTQ communities.
Safer lgbtq+ travel in Turkey
To be clear, Turkey does not outlaw being gay. In fact, it has been legal since the founding of modern Turkey in However, general bans on “offences against public morality” are often used against LGBTQ expression. Even heterosexual couples are advised not to publicly display their affection, and LGBTQ couples are advised to be extra careful. LGBTQ people are not protected by anti-discrimination laws, and a general rule of thumb of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is the safest way
Rainbow Map
rainbow map
These are the main findings for the edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Route ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from %.
The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls following anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our press release.
“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”
- Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe
Malta has sat on superior of the ranking for the last 10 years.
With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.