These are the countries experts say are safest for gay travelers

A new study has drawn up an LGBTQ risk map for queer travelers heading abroad.

The listing was composed by A3M Global Monitoring for the recent ITB Berlin travel trade show.

A3M states that although it created the risk map based largely on the legal situation in each country, legislation only tells part of the story. It also interviewed some local LGBTQ organizations and travel experts to ask about the social acceptance of queer people. It notes, “No country is homogenous and there are differences in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ varying in rural areas and cities.

“Secondly, there can be significant differences between official policies, rules and regulations and the experiences of the community in their everyday lives.”

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“There are countries that have extremely strict laws regarding homosexuality, but where a very active underground gay scene flourishes.”

Canada and Spain

A3M conducted an online survey between December 2024 and April 2025. It found that Canada and Spain came out on top.

The survey included statements that respondents had to agree or disagree with.

These included, among others:

• ‘LGBTQ+ individuals and couples are treated respectfully in society’ (Canada and Spain both earned 100% on that question)’.
• ‘LGBTQ+ individuals can be comfortable to display PDA (public display of affection) with their partners.
• ‘It is safe for LGBTQ+ individuals to report (hate) crimes.’
• And ‘LGBTQ+ individuals are treated respectfully by the police’.

Spain scored 80-100% for all the above statements. However, the US scored significantly lower, with only a third of people saying they agreed with these statements.

Germany is generally regarded as very queer-friendly, based on its laws. However, only half of those questioned agreed with the above statements in the survey. In other words, attitudes in society, especially away from cities like Berlin, still lag behind the law.

On the other hand, experts in Dubai “noted that despite the current legal situation … expats and travellers who identify with the LGBTQ+ community are ignored by the police and there is an active underground scene. However, one interviewee also noted that there is no police protection against assaults in the scene due to the legal situation.”

That said, homosexuality remains criminalized in the UAE. Gay people visiting Dubai must also refrain from public displays of affection and are advised to book separate hotel beds.

City vs. countryside

Another trend that became apparent was a strong urban-rural divide. Queer folk are often safer in cities where they are likely to encounter queer businesses and support organizations. And even if you are visiting somewhere with pro-LGBTQ laws, try to stay aware of no-go areas or neighborhoods that are less safe.

Trans and gender non-conforming individuals also face particular challenges. This includes carrying passports with ‘X’ gender markers that can prompt unwelcome questions at border checks. Denmark and Germany are among the countries that have issued travel advisories for trans and nonbinary people who are planning to visit the US, noting that the US State Department no longer issues such passports.

Viva España

According to this survey, if you want to travel somewhere with the minimum chance of hassle, then Spain is your best bet. The researchers noted that cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, the Balearic Islands (i.e., Ibiza), and the Canary Islands are all very welcoming and offer vibrant gay scenes.

Related

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There are plenty of ways to protect yourself, ensuring you’ll have a great time.

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