“What are the safest countries for Gay travelers, and what are the most homophobic countries on earth? This is a top-of-mind question for many gay travelers as they consider where to go and evaluate the world’s safest and most dangerous places.”
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Firstly, it’s important to note that LGBTQ+ safety rankings are dynamic and can change over time due to legislative shifts, societal attitudes, and geopolitical events. Therefore, gay travelers must stay informed and constantly monitor safety conditions in their chosen destinations.
Note: you can also read our articles about gay travel here.
The introduction into The Safest Countries for Gay Travelers
The Gay Travel Index by Spartacus ranks 213 countries and territories based on LGBTQ+ safety. In 2024, Malta, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, and Portugal were the top destinations. Estonia saw significant improvement, and Uruguay was the first Latin American country to rank in the top ranks. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Chechnya, and Afghanistan are considered dangerous for LGBTQ+ travelers. Taiwan ranked highest in Asia.
The index was developed by analyzing 18 categories, focusing on areas such as political decisions affecting queer individuals, instances of violence against them, legal protections, societal attitudes, and healthcare access. It aims to assist all types of travelers, including those seeking LGBTQ+-friendly destinations and those interested in engaging with oppressed queer communities.
Journalists Lyric and Asher Fergusson, who run a travel site dedicated to safety, recently published a report titled “The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023,” examining the state of LGBTQ+ travel worldwide.
Which are the Safest Countries for Gay Travelers
Based on ten factors related to LGBTQ+ safety, the list contains protections against discrimination, criminalization of brutality, illegal same-sex relationships, and more. Sources for the data include Human Rights Watch, the Gallup World Poll, and ILGA. Asher Fergusson reports significant progress in legalizing same-sex marriage and decriminalizing same-sex relationships in some countries. However, he also stresses that others, such as Russia and the United States, are trying to take steps backward with their approach to propaganda laws and anti-trans legislation. Over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans laws were suggested in the U.S. in 2022, but the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues.
On the contrary, their northern neighbor Canada has been ranked as the most LGBTQ-friendly country for the third year, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands. Canada has a solid legislative track record for “LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage and delivering constitutional anti-discrimination protections. LGBTQ-safe countries are found across the world, offering fundamental rights and protections for queer and trans people. That’s why these countries are also prevalent vacation destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Other Key Findings
The report identifies the safest countries for LGBTQIA+ travelers in 2024, with unexpected results such as Mozambique and Angola standing out in Africa and Nepal’s inclusion in the top five in Asia and Oceania. Uruguay leads in the Americas, showing significant progress in LGBTQIA+ safety. The rankings were based on a comprehensive formula considering LGBTQIA+ rights, the HCI, and the TSI.
Note: Check out our article about the best European LGBT+-friendly destinations.
The Safest Countries For LGBTQ Travelers
- Canada
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- Malta
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Denmark
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- France
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
The Worst Countries for Gay Travelers
According to the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria are the most dangerous countries for gay travelers. These countries have laws that punish homosexual acts with death or imprisonment. While the death penalty is rarely enforced, non-heteronormative individuals face danger and imprisonment in many other countries as well. This calls for continued support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Changing Landscape for Gay Travelers
Legislation about LGBTQ+ rights is constantly changing globally, affecting LGBTQ+ individuals either positively or negatively. While some countries have made progress by legalizing gay marriage and decriminalizing same-sex relationships, others have regressed or presented unclear rules. Transgender and non-binary individuals continue to face challenges in legal gender recognition. Fergusson emphasizes the need for societal shifts alongside legal changes to create unconditional acceptance and compassion for LGBTQ+ individuals. This highlights the importance of everyone’s role in creating a more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ individuals. For more details on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, including the safest and most dangerous places, visit the comprehensive world rankings.
Reykjavik has been one of the leading LGBTQ+ destinations in recent years ©.visiticeland.com
Which destinations to check out this year?
Greece recently legalized same-sex marriage, which is showing progress. Thessaloniki, a famous Greek vacation spot, will host Euro Pride 2024 after Malta hosted the event the previous year. We plan to visit and share our experience on our blog and social media. Japan is still a place we want to see. The country is slowly but steadily improving its LGBTQ+ acceptance. Lastly, we must mention Germany and the Netherlands, our home countries. While both remain LGBTQ+ friendly, they are not as prominent in this aspect as they used to be.
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