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LGBT travellers

Plan your trip carefully

Unfriendly destinations for LGBT travellers

  • At least six countries have laws that could result in the death penalty for homosexual activity: Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
  • Other countries have criminal laws against sexual activities between same-sex adults:

    • Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe;

    Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. India recently passed a law decriminalizing homosexuality; however, it is not clear yet how it will be applied;

    America: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago;

    Europe: Chechnya. It must also be noted that anti-gay violence have recently been reported in several European countries, including France and Poland;

    Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen;

    Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Samoa.

    Do your research

  • Even when homosexuality is not repressed, make sure to obtain information regarding local laws and customs, particularly regarding the age of consent which may differ for heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Generally speaking, it is recommended to get advice from other travellers or gay groups.

    • Choose your itinerary

  • Even if the country you will be visiting is gay-friendly, homosexuality may be frowned upon in rural areas, and you may have trouble booking a hotel with your partner. If you plan on staying in a rural area, check before you go. Also remember to make reservations in both names (in case your partner does not share your last name), particularly for hotel and plane bookings.

    • Keep your safety in mind

  • Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or a family member, and make sure to keep him or her regularly updated of your whereabouts. Remember also to stock up on sexual health products, as they might not be available in the country you will be visiting.

    • During the trip

    Keep a low profile

  • First of all, try to respect the sensitivity of the country you are visiting by avoiding excessive demonstrations of affection. Try not to engage in discussions related to gay rights, or the legislation on homosexual activity. If you receive unwanted attention, it is recommended to ignore it and continue on your way.

    • Watch out

  • Remember that you can be targeted, either by local authorities or by criminals, so remain alert at all times. If you plan on frequenting gay websites, gay chat rooms or even gay-friendly bars, remember that, in some countries, the police have carried out entrapment campaigns. Try to obtain advice from locals before engaging in any such conduct.
  • Be very cautious if you are approached by people who act excessively friendly; some criminals exploit the generally relaxed nature of the gay scene. Whenever possible, warn a friend or fellow traveller of your whereabouts.

    • Be safe

  • It is crucial to have protected sex in all circumstances; in many African, American and Asian countries, the prevalence of HIV is high, and the risk of catching other STDs must also be considered. It is recommended to bring condoms with you, as they might not be easy to find or may not conform to international standards.

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