The LGBTQ+ community in recent times has made substantial progress in creating a welcoming and enabling environment for itself. Depending on where they’re headed, LGBTQ+ travellers can face serious risks, sometimes life-threatening risks. While the world has made noteworthy progress when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and the overall safety of the LGBTQ+ community, there are countries that are still safer than others when it comes to travelling. Sadly, there are still some countries that criminalize homosexuality. For those who are homosexuals, it is important to know which countries across the world are best to visit as an LGBTQ+ traveller.
But which countries are the safest and most dangerous for the LGBTQ+ community?
Research from 170 countries shows that Europe (particularly in Scandinavia) came out on top as the safest destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. North American entry follows closely as safe for travellers in the LGBTQ+ community as well.
Many countries although not enough, have legalised LGBTQ+ marriage and gender reassignment and provided equal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, there is no discrimination in employment and opportunities for community members. Although these countries are said to be safe, you should apply extra caution when visiting these places.
Below, you’ll find the 10 safest and 10 most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ people to travel to in no particular order or rank.
10 Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Canada;
Canada became the first country outside of Europe to legalize the same-sex-marriage in 2005. Canada has put in place LGBTQ rights and protection laws. Such as legal gay marriage, adoption, and gender non-binary recognition. Also, the anti-discrimination laws in the employment, housing, and military sectors. Canada is considered very safe for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Sweden;
Sweden is famously known for being the safest destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. Sweden legalized same-sex marriage as early as 2009 and ensured rights of the LGBTQ+ are met. Sweden is known for its friendly people and liberal attitudes towards equality for all.
Sweden performs well in multiple standards including marriage equality, joint adoption, and important equality and non-discrimination laws. See you in Sweden then!
Netherlands;
the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage back in 2001. Setting the precedent for other European countries to follow. When we talk about liberal countries across the globe, the Netherlands is a frontrunner, in LGBTQ+ rights. Irrespective of its small mass size, the Netherlands is larger than life for LGBTQ safety. It has great worker protection laws, recognition and transgender legal identity laws., and criminalization of violence against the queer community.
So, book that trip, because when it comes to safety, you have nothing to worry about in the Netherlands.
Iceland;
Although Icelanders are known for their love of hot springs and geothermal pools. it is also one of the most progressive in the world in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance. In 2010, Iceland joined the rest of Europe to ensure same-sex marriage was legalized and anti-discrimination laws that protect the LGBTQ+ community were implemented. Iceland also has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and it’s on the safety index for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Norway;
Talk about the safest countries to live or travel to as a gay man or woman and Norway will be on top of your list. Norway offers worker protections, gay marriage, and excellent trans protection rights. Norway is on top of the leaderboard when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, performing particularly well in legal gender recognition.
Portugal;
What’s not to love about Portugal? With classic places like Lisbon and Porto, its dreamy cuisine, friendly locals, and balmy weather. If the amiable environment and food weren’t enough to tempt you, then how about its high ranking for-LGBTQ+ safety. LGBTQ rights, in Portugal include legal gender recognition and family rights including marriage equality, joint adoption, transgender legal identity laws and overall protections against discrimination. So, when thinking of your next vacation destination, you might want to consider Portugal.
United Kingdom;
Europe has the highest number of safe countries for LGBTQ+ travellers, so it comes as no shock that the United Kingdom is on the list. With its iconic gayborhoods like Soho in London and The Village in Manchester, plus one of the world’s biggest and most festive Pride. Gay marriages were legalized in England and Wales in 2013, in Scotland in 2014, and later in Northern Ireland in 2020. The United Kingdom enacted a series of LGBTQ rights including anti-discrimination laws, legalized adoption, and legal gender. The UK has strong queer community protection and is a safe choice for LGBTQ travellers.
Belgium;
Belgium is renowned for being an extremely safe travel destination for the LGBTQ+ community. the rights of the LGBTQ+ in Belgium are viewed as some of the most progressive in the world. All year round, Belgium is one of those great destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers, and the scene in Brussels is just amazing! You can spend your days and time strolling around the city’s district and be rest assured you’re in a politically progressive and safe environment as a gay traveller or resident. Belgium has also legalized gay marriage, adoption recognition, worker protections, and a record zero (0) trans murder rate.
France;
France was relatively late to the table legalizing gay marriage in 2015. But France’s overall LGBTQ rights have seen significant growth over time. Although Paris is France’s most LGBTQ+ progressive city, its other cities like Marseille and Nice have become more open-minded over the years. France’s performance on all counts for LGBTQ rights is high. With its criminalization of hate crimes, legal protections for sexual orientation & gender identity, and broad protections against discrimination, laws make it a safe LGBTQ+ destination.
Spain;
Home to loads of popular gay beaches, and great LGBTQ cities like Madrid, Sitges, and Barcelona, Spain is one of the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers. Spain is a gay-friendly country, Spain is often called the OG when it comes to gay acceptance. If you’re thinking of a safe place to visit in Europe as an LGBTQ traveller, then you should think of Spain.
10 Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Saudi Arabia;
Saudi Arabia is one of the most dangerous places for LGBTQ+ travellers. the act of Homosexuality can be punished by the death sentence, 100 whips or a year’s worth of banishment, and cross-dressing can lead to flogging. Saudi is a particularly unfriendly country for members of the trans community and LGBTQ+ community at large.
Egypt;
Renowned in the world for its ancient pyramids and historical and religious significance. Egypt is a massive tourist destination for tourists everywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, Egypt is a dangerous place for LGBTQ+ travellers due to its negative laws regarding homosexuality. Same-sex acts result in up to three years of imprisonment with a fine, whereas possession of homosexual materials results in up to two years of imprisonment with a fine. To avoid such penalties, it is recommended that LGBQ+ travellers do not disclose their sexuality and avoid using dating apps because the local police have been known to create fake accounts to ‘lure’ LGBTQ+ travellers looking to engage in illegal activity.
Nigeria;
Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travellers. While the country is “Located in the heart of Africa, Nigeria is dangerous for queer people due to the extreme penalties for simply being gay, which include up to 14 years imprisonment and the death penalty in states practising Sharia law. Discussions of LGBTQ+ rights are criminalized.
Saint Lucia;
Saint Lucia happens to be one of those beautiful islands in the Caribbean, that attracts tourists from all over the world. Yet it appears to be on the LGBTQ+ Danger Index. Its appearance on the index is a result of the colonial-era anti-LGBTQ+ laws, mostly the one concerning consensual ‘buggery,’ which earns 10 years of imprisonment, that is still in place though are no longer truly enforced
Malaysia;
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country full of beautiful beaches, islands and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a popular destination for international tourism. Regrettably, the imposed punishment for homosexuality is quite severe and the existence of the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia was denied recently. The state interpretation of Sharia law, homosexuality in Malaysia can lead to up to 20 years in prison, whipping and fines. You might want to reconsider travelling to Malaysia as a gay person.
Malawi;
Like Nigeria, the punishments for homosexuality in Malawi can earn a person a jail term. It gives 14 years in prison for men and five years imprisonment for women, with or without corporal punishment. The LGBTQ+ general sentiments are off-limits. Thus, Malawi is an unfriendly destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Pakistan;
LGBTQ+ is considered taboo in Pakistan and there are very strict laws governing homosexuality. For example, homosexual intercourse can lead to up to 10 years in prison with a fine or life in prison. “That being said LGBTQ+ issues are not typically at the forefront of Pakistan’s political agenda. It is agreed that sex between men will be overlooked as long as no one feels that tradition or religion is being challenged.
Jamaica;
One of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for tourists worldwide, Jamaica is yet another shocking country to be found on the LGBTQ+ Danger Index. Jamaica was once called ‘the most homophobic place on Earth’ in 2006 by Time magazine. Years after, it is unfortunate that LGBTQ+ people are sadly still the victims of homophobic violence today.
Kenya;
Kenya is blessed with striking landscapes and unique wildlife, making it a favourite destination for tourists. The current Kenyan law states that same-sex intercourse between males can result in 14 years of imprisonment. While other homosexual acts between males are punished with five years of imprisonment.
Maldives;
Maldives is known for being one of the most popular romantic vacation destinations in the world. It comes as a momentous wake-up call that the Maldives has anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The Maldives prohibits homosexual acts and intercourse, as well as same-sex marriage, failing to do so earns up to eight years in prison or 100 lashes. These laws are currently enforced within the cities but are largely ignored at the resorts.
