Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Travelers can face unique challenges abroad based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. Laws and attitudes in some destinations may affect your safety and ease of travel.   

More than 60 countries consider consensual same-sex relations a crime. In some of these countries, people who engage in consensual same-sex relations may face severe punishment under local law. Many countries do not recognize same-sex marriage. 

Review the travel advisory and destination information for the place you plan to visit. Check the Local Laws & Customs section.  This has information specific to travelers who may be targeted by discrimination or violence on the basis of sexual orientation.  

Many destinations only recognize male and female sex markers in passports. They do not have IT systems at ports of entry that can accept other sex markers, including valid U.S. passports with an X sex marker. If traveling with a valid U.S. passport with an X sex marker, check the immigration regulations for your destination as acceptance can vary.

Bring copies of important documents. This is especially helpful in destinations where laws are different from the United States.   

• Legal and health documents such as a living will or health care directive.  
• Parentage or custody documents for accompanying minor children. This is especially important if your children do not share your last name. It is also especially important if only one parent is traveling with the children.  
• Contact information for your emergency contact in the United States. Make sure your emergency contacts have a copy of your itinerary.  
• Address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Keep it in English and the local language.

Travel insurance can help you during emergencies. It can also help if you need medical evacuation. Some insurance companies have products for gay and lesbian travelers. Check that any insurance you buy will cover all family members who travel.

• The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens to receive safety and security alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate while abroad. It also makes it easier to contact you or your emergency contact in case of an emergency. We encourage all travelers to enroll in STEP. 
• Enter information about your upcoming time abroad. This lets us send you alerts and any changes to the travel advisory for your destination.
• In case of emergency, include an email address or phone number where we can reach you when traveling.

Understand what health care you may need during your trip. Your health insurance plan may not provide coverage abroad.

• Check the Health section of the Travel Guidance page for your destination to confirm if your medication is legal there.  
• If you take prescription medication, pack enough for your trip. If you are changing time zones, discuss any changes to your medication schedule (both outgoing and returning) with your doctor.
• Many destinations have laws that impact health care services and access in ways that may be different from where you live. Consider carefully the disclosure of your sexual orientation in destinations where same-sex sexual conduct is illegal. 

Review our information on Medicine and Health.  

Here are some tips for staying safe while abroad:  

• Remember, you are subject to local laws of the destination where you travel. In some destinations, consensual same-sex relations or same-sex marriage are illegal. Some destinations also ban public gatherings that support gay and lesbian communities. They may also ban sharing material or images that show or support gay and lesbian people. Review more information in the Local Laws and Customs section of the Travel Guidance for your destination.  
• Watch out for entrapment campaigns or extortion by authorities. Police in some destinations surveil websites and apps. They may create false profiles to entrap U.S. citizens. They may also monitor or raid meeting places, including commercial businesses. Be careful about connecting with locals.
• Be wary of new-found “friends.” Criminals may target or attempt to extort foreigners on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation. 
• Some resorts or neighborhoods are welcoming to gay and lesbian travelers. However, the broader community might have different attitudes. Be cautious when planning excursions outside of the resort or area.

For information on so-called conversion therapy practices in specific destinations, please review the United Nations Human Rights report and our Travel Guidance for that location.

Check with the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States. The website may contain information about whether same-sex conduct or relationships are legal. You can check any special documentation required. This includes work authorizations, or a residence visas.  

The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to help if you have problems abroad. This is especially true if you feel you cannot approach local police. Or, if you have already had difficulties with them. 

• Consular officers will protect your privacy. They will not make assumptions or pass judgment.   
• Tell them about any poor treatment or harassment you have experienced.  
• If the police arrest you, immediately request them to notify the U.S. embassy.