Travel Alert: Countries Queer Travelers Should Avoid in 2025 And Beyond

For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, travel is a celebration of identity and freedom. Yet, for queer travelers, safety cannot be taken for granted everywhere. Multiple recent analyses—including the 2025 Gay Travel Index and the LGBTQ+ Risk Map—identify several countries where LGBTQ+ individuals face extreme legal, social, and physical danger, including the possibility of imprisonment, violence, or even death .

Countries With the Highest Level of Risk

According to the 2025 global indexes, the following countries are consistently flagged as the most dangerous for LGBTQ+ travelers:

- Iran: Same-sex acts are illegal and punishable by imprisonment, corporal punishment, and, in some cases, the death penalty. Discrimination is institutionalized, and LGBTQ+ individuals have virtually no legal protections .

- Saudi Arabia: The legal system criminalizes homosexuality, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to execution. There is widespread societal hostility to LGBTQ+ people, and even suspicion of same-sex relationships can result in harsh penalties .

- Afghanistan: Under current law, LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized, and people suspected of being queer are at risk of violence from both state and non-state actors .

- Somalia, Yemen, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Malaysia, Pakistan, Chechnya (Russia): Each of these countries features laws that either criminalize same-sex relationships or target gender minorities. Penalties vary but can include imprisonment, corporal punishment, and, in some cases, the death penalty. Social stigma is pervasive, and law enforcement agencies are often hostile or unresponsive to the needs of queer individuals .

Human rights organizations have documented cases of violence, harassment, and arbitrary detention targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in these countries. In some instances, there are reports of state-led crackdowns, forced medical examinations, and public outings .

Travelers should be aware that, in many high-risk destinations, mere suspicion of queer identity can trigger legal action. Laws are often vaguely written, giving authorities broad discretion to detain or prosecute individuals. These legal frameworks are frequently backed by cultural or religious norms that are hostile to sexual and gender minorities, leading to an environment where violence and discrimination are commonplace .

In countries with the death penalty for same-sex acts, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, there have been credible reports of executions and severe state-led persecution. Travelers are at risk not only from law enforcement but also from members of the public who may report suspected queer individuals to authorities .

International LGBTQ+ and human rights organizations strongly advise against travel to these high-risk countries for individuals who are openly queer or may be perceived as such. For those who must travel, experts recommend:

- Avoiding any public displays of affection or gender nonconforming behavior.
- Refraining from using LGBTQ+ dating apps or websites while in-country, as authorities have been known to use them in sting operations .
- Researching travel advisories from LGBTQ+ rights groups and foreign ministries before departure.
- Registering travel plans with your home country’s embassy and having emergency contacts accessible at all times.

Tools such as the Gay Travel Index and the LGBTQ+ Risk Map are updated annually and serve as critical resources for planning safe journeys. These guides not only identify risks but also highlight advocacy efforts and provide up-to-date travel safety information .

While the risks for queer travelers remain severe in these countries, international advocacy continues to push for reform. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and regional LGBTQ+ associations are documenting abuses, lobbying for legal changes, and providing support to those affected .

Queer travelers are urged to stay informed, prioritize their safety, and support global initiatives working towards LGBTQ+ equality and protection. Travel can be a powerful act of visibility and solidarity, but it is essential to recognize and respect the realities faced by queer people in different parts of the world.