Here’s a list of some of the safest and most affirming countries for LGBTQIA+ travelers, based on legal protections, social acceptance, and overall travel safety.

These destinations consistently rank high on global LGBTQ+ travel indexes.

• Canada – Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005; strong anti-discrimination laws; vibrant queer communities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal.
• Spain – One of the earliest countries to legalize same-sex marriage (2005); robust legal protections and a thriving LGBTQIA+ culture, especially in Madrid and Barcelona.
• Portugal – Legal same-sex marriage and adoption; progressive gender identity laws; Lisbon and Porto are known for their inclusive atmospheres.
• Malta – Frequently ranked #1 for LGBTQIA+ rights in Europe; comprehensive protections including gender identity recognition and anti-discrimination laws.
• New Zealand – Legal same-sex marriage and adoption; strong protections for trans and non-binary individuals; inclusive public policies and events like Auckland Pride

• Iceland – Legal same-sex marriage and adoption; high societal acceptance; Reykjavík is a hub for queer culture and celebration.
• Norway – Legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity; banned conversion therapy; strong public support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Sweden – Longstanding legal protections; inclusive healthcare and education policies; Stockholm Pride is one of Europe’s largest.
• Germany – Legal same-sex marriage and adoption; anti-discrimination laws; Berlin is a major LGBTQIA+ cultural capital.
• Uruguay – One of the most progressive countries in South America; legal same-sex marriage, adoption, and gender recognition
• European Union – All member states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other EU countries, even if local laws ban such unions. This ensures LGBTQIA+ couples retain their marital rights when traveling.

Here’s a snapshot of countries where anti-LGBTQIA+ laws are currently in place, based on recent global legal analyses.

These laws range from criminalizing same-sex relationships to restricting gender expression.

• Saudi Arabia – Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized under Sharia law and can be punishable by death, flogging, or imprisonment.
• Iran – Same-sex relations are illegal and can carry the death penalty, especially for men.
• Nigeria – Same-sex relationships are criminalized; in northern states under Sharia law, punishments include death by stoning. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act also bans public displays of same-sex affection.
• Brunei – Enforces Sharia law, which includes death by stoning for same-sex acts, though a moratorium on the death penalty has been announced.
• Uganda – Recently passed laws that criminalize same-sex relationships and “promotion of homosexuality,” with penalties including life imprisonment

• Yemen – Same-sex acts are illegal and can be punished by death, flogging, or imprisonment under Islamic law.
• Somalia – Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized under both civil and Sharia law, with punishments including imprisonment and death.
• Malaysia – Same-sex acts are criminalized under both civil and Sharia law; transgender expression is also penalized in many states.
• Russia (Chechnya) – While Russia decriminalized same-sex acts in the 1990s, Chechnya has been reported to detain and torture LGBTQIA+ individuals. Russia also enforces laws banning “LGBT propaganda”.
• United Arab Emirates – Same-sex acts are criminalized, and laws against “cross-dressing” or “posing as a woman” have been used to target LGBTQIA+ individuals