safe sex tourism countries

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Here are the top 10 sex tourism destinations

From Europe to Southeast Asia, we list places that are known as destinations for sex tourism.

It turns out that while planning for a vacation, there are people who actually are looking for places where they can have uninhibited sex – not necessarily with their partners.

Some people look at sexual encounters while travelling as a way of enhancing their travel experience. And to top it all, the sex tourism industry is worth billions with millions of sex workers, both legal and illegal scattered around the globe.

Here are 10 of the biggest sex tourism destinations around the world:

Germany : Prostitution and even street prostitution is wide spread and organised sector in Germany and it is completely legal. The country has a long history of sexual tourism with organised prostitution in the country dating back to the 1200’s AD. Interestingly, people join the flesh trade in Germany willingly and there are advertisements, and job offers through HR companies. Frauenhäuser ("women's houses") have always been a common part of German history and were looked upon as places which helped curb greater crimes by offering their services. The practice carries on till date.

Dominican Republic : Travellers to the Dominican Republic will see legal brothels, marriage parlours and prostitutes openly roaming around in many of the downtown areas of Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. The Dominican Republic ranks fourth highest in the world among countries exporting large numbers of sex workers.

Spain: Party destinations in Spain that include Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona which are known for their riveting club and bar scene have also become popular sex tourism destinations. Street that is known as the red light area.

Malaysia : While prostitution is illegal in Malaysia, it is still rampantly practiced and services are widely available. The demand is particularly high in places like Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Most of the sex workers are trafficked from neighbouring countries like China.

Kenya : While it is one of the countries in Africa which is relatively easier to visit, it also has one of the largest sex tourism industries on the continent. The country does not discourage the practice despite the high level of STDs and HIV prevalent. Interestingly, Kenya is a popular destination among older white women who want to 'buy' some time with a man. Children are lured into prostitution by tourists willing to pay handsomely for sex in secret locations.

The Netherlands: Often considered to be one of the most popular sex tourism destinations in the world. Prostitution is legal and regulated while Amsterdam’s, De Wallen, is the largest and most famous red-light district in the city and a famous destination for international sex tourism.

The Philippines : The country has a huge industry domestically with an estimated 800,000 men, women and children working in the trade. It is believed that the country’s international image as a sex destination was formed due to the ‘girlie’ bars that were prevalent during World War II.

Brazil : Another place where prostitution is legal, Brazil however says it is illegal to operate a brothel or to employ sex workers in any other way. Still, dozens of brothels fill the cities, where prostitutes engage in sexual activities.

Colombia : Colombian women are often considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, and perhaps this is one factor that has led to sex tourism flourishing in the country. While sex trade is completely legal here, the government is taking efforts to curb areas that re illegal, like child prostitution.

Thailand : The industry apparently started in the country during the Vietnam, war and is a legal profession here with over three million sex workers earning a livelihood in the country.

Tags: adult tourism , sex , destinations , germany , dominican republic , spain , malaysia , kenya , the netherlands , the philippines , brazil , colombia , thailand

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15 Countries Where Prostitution Is Legal and How It Works

The number of countries where legal prostitution is treated as a controlled industry is astounding. In fact, there are 77 countries that have completely legalized it and 11 that have limited prostitution but still allow it. Some places, like the United States , have made it illegal with a few exceptions. In the US, prostitution is legal in some rural counties in Nevada, but sex workers are required to register with the state and undergo regular health checks.

Many countries have cut down on prostitution in a roundabout way by confining it to red light districts or by making it extremely difficult for sex workers to actually get clients. For example, prostitution is technically legal in the United Kingdom, but they’ve outlawed brothels, solicitation, and advertising of any kind, making it difficult to actually work as a prostitute within the confines of the law. This list explores the ins and outs of legal prostitution around the globe.

In Denmark, prostitution was decriminalized in 1999, partly because it seemed like keeping watch over the industry would be easier if it were happening out in the open - it’s always easier to police a legal trade than an illegal one. Third-party activities such as coercion, procuring, trafficking, and the solicitation of minors remain illegal. But that’s not to say this legalization hasn’t brought in some strange legal issues.

Apparently, in Denmark, local authorities compensate those with disabilities for extra costs that are related to their disabilities… which opens the door to whether or not needing a prostitute is related to having a disability. The case of Torben Hansen  has raised questions about exactly what kinds of extra costs the government is willing to pay for. Hanson has cerebral palsy, which affects his mobility and speech immensely, so it’s not really possible for him to go out and meet a woman and have a normal sex life.

He believes his local government should be paying the extra charges he incurs for needing to hire sex workers. His request to have the costs covered was denied , but Danish government workers are allowed to arrange meetings between sex workers and disabled people, should the disabled person request it.

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Prostitution is legal in Finland, but selling and purchasing sex in public is illegal, as is purchasing or pimping a trafficking victim. Prostitution pretty much exploded during the recession in the 1990s, although it was mainly limited to private apartments, erotic restaurants, and nightclubs in larger cities. Street work is banned, but like many industries nowadays, the Finnish "red light districts" are all accessible through the Internet and personal ads.

In addition to decreasing street-workers, cyberspace has also contributed to a growing number of foreign sex workers  operating in Finland through ads and massage parlors.

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Prostitution is completely legal in Costa Rica. In fact, it’s a common profession, especially in popular tourist destinations. The problems are with the activities surrounding prostitution. Pimping is illegal, prostitution rings are illegal, and there is also a huge problem with child prostitution and human trafficking. Costa Rica is, unfortunately, a common transit and destination point for women and children who are being trafficked for sexual exploitation purposes. 

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Prostitution is legal in Argentina  as long as the participants are over the age of 18. It’s the promotion, facilitation, and exploitation of others that are troublesome - specifically, the trafficking of women and children for prostitution to and within the country has become a problem. Human sex trafficking, owning a brothel, pimping, or coercing an individual into prostitution in any way is illegal.

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Canada has no law against the exchange of sex for money; it’s pimping or owning a brothel that is prohibited. It’s also illegal to market or communicate publicly regarding prostitution. Much like Belize, Canada has established contradicting laws. It is legal to be a sex worker, but as of 2014, it’s illegal to purchase sexual services.

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While anti-prostitution laws and how they are enforced vary by country, they also vary within certain areas of any given country regardless of what nation-wide laws state. While Belgium allows prostitution and prohibits brothels, many brothels are still openly operated without any consequences. They are seen as a nuisance, but authorities put no effort into policing red light districts.

Places like Villa Tinto, the self-proclaimed most high-tech brothel in Europe, has an elaborate operation that involves prostitutes clocking in via biometric fingerprint scanner and posing in a boutique-like display window to lure in potential clients.

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Belize is a bit tricky. They didn’t want to come out and prohibit prostitution, nor do they do much to combat it, so technically it’s legal there. However, it’s only legal to be a prostitute, not buy one for the night. Officials decided to attack the industry at the “demand” level, instead of going after the suppliers. Many other countries have decided to institute similar laws, treating prostitutes as victims instead of criminals. 

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While prostitution is legal in France as long as there are no pimps, brothels, or advertising involved, the French Government passed a bill in 2003 which made even "passive soliciting" illegal. This new law categorized using one's clothing or posture as a method of “advertising prostitution.” If any of the 18,000 prostitutes in the country were found guilty of “disturbing the peace,” they faced six months in prison or a fine of up to $7,500.

This caused 500 prostitutes to protest  outside of parliament, saying the bill threatened their livelihood. Some donned masks and many held signs with phrases such as, "You sleep with us, you vote against us," written on them. It was the profession's largest protest since 1975. 

As of 2016, a new law  will treat the sex worker as a victim rather than a criminal. They’ve decided to crack down on the clients like many other countries have. Anyone caught trying to purchase sex will be fined and sent to classes on the harms of prostitution. They’ve also decided to push programs to help sex workers find safer employment, including foreign sex workers residing illegally in France. They will be granted a temporary residence permit and encouraged to join the program to find safer work.

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There are an estimated 400,000 prostitutes working in Germany, and their revenues are equivalent to companies like Porsche and Adidas. Prostitution brings in about six billion Euros each year with a clientele of an estimated 1.2 million – it’s more like a sex empire than an industry. The government, of course, withholds a portion of these revenues to contribute to social benefits and sex workers have pensions, health insurance, a regular 40-hour-workweek, and the option to join sex worker unions.

Things aren’t perfect, of course; those who are forced to share earnings with brothels are reluctant to hand over more money for taxes and, despite the nationwide laws, each city has the right to ban prostitution in their area.

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It was the ancient Greeks that introduced the world to high-class prostitutes back in the sixth century BCE. Nowadays in Greece, as long as you’re over the age of 21, registered at the local prefecture, and a medical card carrier whose card is updated every two weeks, you can do pretty much anything that doesn’t involve sex trafficking. Brothels are legal and pimping is legal, but only ten out of the 525 brothels in Greece actually have a license. 

But one issue Greek sex workers face is the crippling national recession. The price of sex has decreased, as has the age of those performing sex-work off the books. Some teenage girls are prostituting themselves for as little as the price of a sandwich, proving severe changes in policing the industry is needed. 

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Prostitution is legal in Italy, but like in many other places, there are caveats. The city of Padua's government decided the best way to help those who are forced into prostitution is to punish the clients. They instituted fines for those caught soliciting any sex worker, issuing an on-the-spot fine of £30 to clients. But prostitutes have devised a clever little way of staying in business. They issue their clients little pink coupons promising to refund them for any fines "in kind." 

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Switzerland

Like many countries with legalized prostitution, sex workers in Switzerland are required to register with the government and get regular health checks. Street prostitution is considered a public nuisance and was made illegal, but brothels are legal, and there are designated red light districts in major cities.

The large numbers of sex workers throughout Switzerland can be traced back to a 2004 treaty with the European Union to allow EU workers to live and work in the country. Instead of a flood of business executives and academics, Switzerland got an influx of prostitutes.

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Netherlands

Prostitution has officially been legal in the Netherlands for those over the age of 18 since October 2000. But, strangely enough, the clients only have to be over 16 years old. Brothel ownership is legal but they do face zoning requirements and, like prostitutes, they must be legally registered and pay taxes.

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Prostitution was decriminalized in Mexico and is regulated at the state level to ensure all sex workers are registered, over the age of 18, and receive frequent health checks. Prostitutes have to carry their health cards while working and must stay in their city's “zona roja” or red light district. Thirteen out of the thirty-one states of Mexico actively regulate prostitution and have established locations away from school and residential areas where sex workers are allowed to do business.

It is illegal to “own” or pimp prostitutes, however, it still happens. Anyone looking for a way out of the business can seek shelter through a government funded program that assists former prostitutes.

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Spain spent about three years locked in a debate about how to abolish or monitor prostitution before they simply gave up and did nothing. While pimping, sex trafficking, and brothel ownership remain illegal, there are no specific laws governing the act of prostitution itself. It’s neither legal nor illegal; it’s a shade of gray that exists in the country, which is why it’s been dubbed “the brothel of Europe.”

There are up to 500,000 women working as prostitutes in Spain with an estimated daily demand of 1.5 million clients. The industry is turning over an estimated 40 billion Euros ($54 billio) annually.

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• Places/Travel

As long as human beings have been alive, we have been doing bizarre things that barely make sense. Here are lists of a few thousand of them.

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• Section 9 - Adventure Travel
• Section 10 - African Safaris

Sex & Travel

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Melanie Taylor, Ina Park

A natural human desire for novel experiences, coupled with the often-experienced loss of inhibition associated with being away from home, can lead some travelers to take greater than usual sexual behavioral risks (e.g., engaging in sex with new, unknown partners; having sex with multiple partners; connecting with sex networks) while abroad. Any of these behaviors can increase the traveler’s risk for exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Use of alcohol or drugs (which further decrease inhibition), or geosocial networking applications (“apps” which increase the efficiency of meeting sexual partners while abroad) can amplify a traveler’s chances of having an at-risk exposure, in some cases substantially.

Clinicians have an opportunity to help patients reduce their risk of exposure to STIs through pretravel behavioral-prevention and risk-reduction counseling and medical care. Elements of the pretravel preparation include STI prevention guidance (e.g., advocating for the use of condoms or other barrier methods); STI screening, treatment, and vaccines; and a discussion about HIV pre- and postexposure prophylaxis. Consider providing preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection in travelers planning to have condomless sex. The pretravel consultation also gives clinicians a chance to review safety recommendations to prevent sexual assault during travel.

Sex While Traveling

Sex while traveling encompasses the categories of casual consensual sex, sex tourism, sexual violence or assault, connection to sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation of children.

Casual Consensual Sex

Casual consensual sex during travel describes informal, non-transactional sexual encounters with other travelers or locals. Longer duration of travel, traveling alone or with friends, alcohol or drug use, younger age, and being single are factors associated with engaging in casual sex while traveling internationally. Other associations with casual sex are listed in Box 9-14 . Two meta-analyses estimated that 20%–34% of male international travelers engage in casual sex abroad, and that 43%–49% of all travelers participating in casual sex abroad have condomless sex.

Box 9-14 Factors associated with higher frequency of casual or unprotected sex abroad

• Casual sex at home and during a previous travel experience
• Expectation of casual sex while abroad
• History of previous sexually transmitted infection
• Illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, tobacco use
• Long-term travel (expatriates, military, Peace Corps volunteers)
• Traveling without a partner (either alone or with friends)
• Younger age
• ≥2 sex partners in the last 2 years

Men Who Have Sex With Men

For men who have sex with men (MSM), conclusions from the literature regarding their sexual behavior when traveling are conflicting. Some studies examining MSM sexual behavior when traveling have concluded that this population is more likely to engage in condomless anal intercourse with partners of unknown HIV status; to have concurrent or multiple sex partners; or to have sex in conjunction with substance use while traveling. These can be particularly true if the reason for travel is to attend group sex events or gatherings (e.g., cruises, circuit parties). Other reports, however, indicate that MSM might adapt their behaviors when traveling to destinations perceived to have a higher risk for HIV. One study found that MSM who travel internationally were less likely to have condomless anal intercourse with partners abroad compared to partners encountered at home or during domestic travel.

Sex Tourism

Travel for the specific purpose of procuring sex is considered “sex tourism,” and sex tourism destinations frequently are countries where commercial sex is legal. In some countries, sex tourism supports sex trafficking, among the largest and most lucrative criminal industries in the world. Sex tourists have traditionally been men from high-income countries who travel to low- and middle-income countries to pay for sex with local women, including commercial sex workers. Sex tourism among American and European women also has been described, particularly to the Caribbean.

Having condomless sex with commercial sex workers is associated with an increased risk for STIs. Multidrug-resistant gonorrhea infections have been linked to encounters with sex workers. High rates of HIV are also frequently found among sex workers, with a systematic review describing a global prevalence of 11.8%. Among sex workers in Thailand, however, HIV rates of up to 44% have been described; in Kenya, the rate among sex workers has been reported to be even higher (up to 88%).

Sexual Violence & Assault

People of any age, gender, or sexual orientation can be victims of sexual violence during travel and should be aware of this risk. The risk for sexual assault is greater among young women traveling alone and in regions of high sexual violence prevalence (e.g., central and southern sub-Saharan Africa, Andean Latin America, Australasia). In addition, some studies have identified that young gay and bisexual males (MSM) traveling internationally might be victims of sexual violence more frequently than females or heterosexual males. Sexual violence can occur more often in association with international recreational travel, but it is also reported in travelers participating in humanitarian aid work. Alcohol and drug use have been shown to increase vulnerability for sexual assault. Unfamiliar cultural norms, environments, language barriers, and safety concerns might also increase the risk.

Post–Sexual Assault Medical Care

Victims of sexual violence (particularly rape) should seek immediate medical attention. Health care sought after 72 hours could negate the benefits of postexposure prophylaxis for HIV and STIs, lower the effectiveness of emergency contraception, and reduce the value of any collected forensic evidence. Seeking medical care following a sexual assault can, however, be difficult in places where safety is a concern, where health care is not easily accessed, and where language and other barriers might not facilitate appropriate evaluation.

In addition to HIV and other STI postexposure prophylaxis, emergency contraception, and the forensic examination, medical attention after sexual assault should include treatment of injuries and provision of mental health and other supportive care. Adolescent-adapted services should be available and sought to address the related but different needs of youth who have been victims of sexual violence.

Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation of Children

Although commercial sex work is legal in some parts of the world, sex trafficking, sex with a minor, and child pornography are always criminal activities according to US law, and travelers can be prosecuted in the United States even if they participated in such activities abroad. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act makes it illegal to recruit, entice, or obtain a person of any age to engage in commercial sex acts or to benefit from such activities.

Sex With Minors

Federal law bars US residents traveling abroad from having sex with minors; this applies to all travelers, both adult and youth. Travel health providers should inform student travelers and other young people going abroad that according to US law, it is illegal for a US resident to have sex with a minor in another country. The legal age of consent varies around the world, from 11–21 years old. Some countries have no legal age of consent, with local laws forbidding all sexual relations outside of marriage.

Child Pornography

Regardless of the local age of consent, participation in child pornography anywhere in the world is illegal in the United States. US Code Title 18, Chapter 110 , prohibits sex with minors, as well as the purchase, procurement, holding, or storage of material depicting such acts. These crimes are subject to prosecution with penalties of up to 30 years in prison. Victims of child pornography suffer multiple forms of abuse (emotional, physical, psychological, as well as sexual), poverty and homelessness, and health problems, including physical injury, STIs, other infections and illnesses, drug and alcohol addiction, and malnourishment.

Sexual Exploitation of Children

Sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism affects all countries of the world regardless of income level. Offenders can include expatriates, humanitarian aid workers, international business travelers, military personnel, people attending large-scale sporting and cultural events, teachers, travelers and tourists, and volunteers. Financial vulnerabilities of families and communities resulting from the millions of travel and tourism jobs lost due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the availability of cheap and accessible travel, and expanding access to information and communication technologies are expected to increase opportunities for child sexual exploitation.

Combatting Sexual Exploitation of Children

To combat sexual exploitation of children, some international hotels and other tourism services have voluntarily adopted a code of conduct that includes training their employees to recognize and report suspicious activities. Tourist establishments supporting this initiative to protect children from sex tourism are listed online. Providers and travelers who suspect child sexual exploitation occurring abroad can report tips anonymously by calling the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line (toll-free at 866-347-2423), or by submitting information online to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children .

In the United States, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline collects reports of child prostitution and other crimes against children (toll-free at 800-843-5678).

Protect Act

Since 2003, when Congress passed the federal PROTECT Act, US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested >11,000 offenders for child sex tourism and exploitation, including 1,100 outside of the United States. The PROTECT Act strengthens the US government’s ability to prosecute and punish crimes related to sex tourism, including incarceration of ≤30 years for acts committed at home or abroad.

Cooperation of the host country is required to open an investigation of criminal activity, resulting in a much lower than hoped for conviction rate. In some places, the judicial system might be prone to bribery and corruption, or the government is otherwise willing to expand tourism and the money it brings at the expense of children being trafficked for sex. The US Department of State has published a list of 20 ways to fight human trafficking , including recommendations for youth and their parents, attorneys, health care providers, journalists, and other stakeholders.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

See Sec. 11, Ch. 10, Sexually Transmitted Infections , for details regarding the management of STIs in returned travelers.

Epidemiology

In 2019, the World Health Organization estimated that 376 million new infections with curable sexually transmitted pathogens (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis) occur annually. Globally, >500 million adults are estimated to be infected with a genital herpes virus; ≈40 million people are infected with HIV; and >300 million with human papillomavirus infections, the cause of cervical cancer. Over 30 infections are sexually transmitted, several of which are neither curable nor vaccine preventable.

The distribution of STI prevalence and STI resistance to available treatment varies, and some countries and regions have very high rates of STIs. International travelers having sex with new partners while abroad are exposed to different “sexual networks” than at home and can serve as a conduit for importing novel or antimicrobial-resistant STIs into parts of the world where they are unknown or rare. For example, gonorrhea (among the more common STIs globally with ≈78 million new cases in 2016) has become extensively drug resistant in some parts of the world. Multidrug-resistant gonorrhea infections have been associated with unprotected sex and commercial sex during travel. Patients presenting with antimicrobial-resistant gonococcal infections should prompt providers to inquire about their travel history and the travel history of their sex partners.

STI incidence is increased ≤3-fold in people who experience casual sex while traveling internationally, a consequence of new sexual partnerships and unprotected intercourse. Condoms prevent both STIs and unwanted pregnancy. Preventive vaccines (which can be considered as part of pretravel care) are available for some infections transmitted through intercourse (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus). HIV PrEP might be appropriate for travelers planning to engage in condomless sex during travel. Travelers should consider packing condoms from their home country to avoid the need to search for them in the countries visited during travel. Women carrying condoms in luggage might need to conceal these to avoid questions related to sexual activity or assumed behaviors.

In May 2022, a multinational outbreak of monkeypox  ( mpox ) began; 3 months later (by the end of August) it involved people from >90 countries. During the outbreak, the causative agent, monkeypox virus (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 22, Smallpox & Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections ), spread person-to-person primarily through close skin-to-skin (including sexual) contact. Most cases occurred among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; international travel played a role in introducing the virus to new countries. Remind all travelers that sex with new partners can increase their risk of contracting infections, including mpox.

People at risk of mpox exposure and infection during travel should complete mpox vaccination series at least two weeks prior to departure.  Refer susceptible travelers who have been exposed to mpox for vaccination, as soon as possible (ideally within 4 days of exposure) to help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Jay Keystone, Kimberly A. Workowski, Elissa Meites

Bibliography

End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT). Summary paper on sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism. Bangkok: ECPAT; 2020. Available from: www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ECPAT-Summary-paper-on-Sexual-Exploitation-of-Children-in-Travel-and-Tourism-2020.pdf .   

Kennedy KM, Flaherty GT. The risk of sexual assault and rape during international travel: implications for the practice of travel medicine. J Travel Med. 2015;22(4):282–4.

Lee VC, Sullivan PS, Baral SD. Global travel and HIV/STI epidemics among MSM: what does the future hold? Sex Health. 2017;14(1):51–8.

Lu TS, Holmes A, Noone C, Flaherty GT. Sun, sea and sex: a review of the sex tourism literature. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines. 2020;6(1):24.

Minhaj FS, Ogale YP, Whitehill F, Schultz J, Foote M, Davidson W, et al. Monkeypox Outbreak—Nine States, May 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(23):764–9.

Newman WJ, Holt BW, Rabun JS, Phillips G, Scott CL. Child sex tourism: extending the borders of sexual offender legislation. Int J Law Psychiatry. 2011;34(2):116–21.

Svensson P, Sundbeck M, Persson KI, Stafstrom M, Östergren P-O, Mannheimer L, et al. A meta-analysis and systematic literature review of factors associated with sexual risk-taking during international travel. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2018;24:65–88.

Truong HM, Fatch R, Grasso M, Robertson T, Tao L, Chen YH, et al. Gay and bisexual men engage in fewer risky sexual behaviors while traveling internationally: a cross sectional study in San Francisco. Sex Transm Infect. 2015;91(3):220–5.

US Department of Justice. Extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children. Available from: www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/extraterritorial-sexual-exploitation-children .

Vivancos R, Abubakar I, Hunter PR. Foreign travel, casual sex, and sexually transmitted infections: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis. 2010;14(10):e842–51.

World Health Organization. Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence. Available from: www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/violence/vaw-clinical-handbook/en .

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Sex tourism and exploitation around the world

Away from the world’s famous cities and landmarks, you’ll find a different type of traveller. one crossing the globe with one thing in mind: sex., preview above: evil in paradise watch the full episode on demand., the dominican republic, japan image, the philippines.

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• History, Culture, and Identity

Sex Tourism in Latin America

by Ann Barger Hannum | Dec 22, 2002

Sex tourism—travel to engage in sex for money—shares a lengthy and sometimes colorful history with that of adventure travel and tourism in general. Literature investigating early travel involving sexual encounters includes stories dating to explorations by Columbus in the 15th century. Considerable research supports the theory that, along with potatoes, tobacco, and other commodities, Columbus and his crew also brought the first cases of syphilis to the New World. Among other early journeys abroad that were enhanced by sexual revelries were the “Grand Tours,” trips taken across Europe by young aristocratic men and women during the during the 18th and 19th centuries in order to broaden their understanding of culture and the arts. These adventurous young people often supplemented their cultural experience with that of a sexual nature through liaisons with people they met while traveling.

When travel opportunities opened up to a growing segment of the middle class in the mid-19th century, including that of the United States, sex tourism evolved into a common activity. As many European countries became wealthier, clients expanded their search for sex into other regions, such as the Caribbean and northern Africa, where prices for sex were more moderate. The growth of sex tourism has also had a strong correlation with military conquest and the presence of foreign military bases. Prostitution proliferated near British military bases worldwide during the latter part of the 18th century and emerged more recently near US military bases in Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, establishing these areas as preferred destinations for sex. In the 1940s and 1950s, Cuba was the destination of large numbers of American male sex tourists. Prostitution became illegal after the revolution but started to flourish again in the 1990s, when economic conditions forced Castro to reopen the tourism industry.

The expansion of sex tourism has continued unabated, in part as a result of the promotion of tourism as a development strategy, particularly in the developing world, where poverty forces people into sex work. Resource-scarce regions, including many Latin American countries, where tourism has experienced considerable support from the government, have proven to be fertile areas for the growth of sex tourism. Until the tragic events of September 11, tourism had been increasing steadily worldwide, with Latin American countries among those enjoying rising figures. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) reports that the total number of visitors to Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 6.1 percent last year to 57.6 million. Research indicates that as countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua have increased efforts to promote tourism on a wide scale, sex tourism has risen proportionately.

Today, sex tourism is a multibillion dollar industry that supports an international workforce estimated to number in the millions. Because prostitution is illegal in most countries, exact statistics about sex workers, their international clients, and the money generated within the industry itself are unavailable. Employees benefiting from the sex tourism industry include female and male sex workers as well as—directly or indirectly—members of the entire travel and tourism sectors, from taxi drivers to airline, hotel, and restaurant employees. Sex tourism most commonly involves female prostitution, but, most disturbingly, increasingly involves the sexual exploitation of children, which is outlawed universally. Whether sex tourism among consenting adults is a “victimless crime” remains a point of contention. Excluding some “escorts” working for elite agencies and high wages, sex workers almost always suffer from poverty, marginalization, violence, disease, and sexual and substance abuse.

Sex tourism is increasing worldwide, but particularly in Latin American, especially in Central America. In part, the shift in destinations can be attributed to the crackdown in Asia by organizations such as the WTO, End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), and the United Nations. Sex tourism—especially that involving exploitation of children—sought areas where laws are less restrictive and government surveillance less diligent.

Brazil has long been thought of as the region’s leader in sex tourism, but recent evidence highlights emerging business in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras. Julia O’Connell Davidson, one of the most knowledgeable experts on the subject of sex tourism, cites a 1994 study estimating that more than 30,000 Americans and several thousand more Canadians had retired to Costa Rica. Many of the single men among them were described as “sex-pats,” expatriates who retired there not just for the climate, tax breaks, and other advantages but also for the “easy and cheap sexual access to their preferred sexual objects.” “What we are seeing is the dark side of tourism,” said Heimo Laakkonen, head of UNICEF in Costa Rica, where tourism is the most profitable industry in the country.

While views of sex-for-sale between consenting adults vary considerably, the arena of child sex tourism is disturbing to all. ECPAT estimates that more than one million children worldwide enter the sex trade annually, many of them from Latin American countries. The organization estimated, for example, that in 1994, 500,000 children in Brazil were involved in the sex industry, and more recently, the Colombian Ministry of Justice reported at least 25,000 child prostitutes in that country. The UN Human Rights Committee recently expressed concern over the “high incidence of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Costa Rica related to tourism”. Casa Alianza, a non-profit advocacy group for street children in Mexico and Central America, estimates that some 5,000 street children in Honduras are involved in sex tourism. Similar problems exist in Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.

The reasons for the growth in the child sex tourism trade in Latin America and elsewhere are numerous and often mirror those in the adult sex tourism industry. According to the Preda Foundation, prostitution among the estimated 40 million street children in Latin America has long been a consequence of the region’s poverty. A recent study of 300 street children by Nicaragua’s Family Ministry revealed that more than 80 percent of them had started working as prostitutes that year to support themselves and to buy drugs. Typically, many thousands of these children have fled abusive homes.

The increase in the child sex trade is also commonly attributed to the mistaken impression that younger sex workers are less likely to be infected with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or AIDS, although figures often dispute this belief.

Another possible reason for the rise in child sex tourism is that clients often feel less inhibited outside the constraints of their home countries and may be attracted by what they feel to be less restrictive social taboos in other countries. Like their adult counterparts, child sex workers are also frequently lured into the trade by advertisements for lucrative jobs, travel, and an exciting lifestyle. One of the greatest boosts to sex tourism overall has been the availability of information on the Internet related to the sex industry. Some Web sites are accessible to the general public, while others, such as the World Sex Archives Web page, require membership and dues to access their database of photos and bulletin boards of messages from other sex tourists. Child pornography and prostitution of any kind are illegal on the Internet, and international efforts to shut down related Web sites have been reasonably successful. However, lawmakers have been unable to agree on whether and how to prohibit the advertisement of adult sex tours, especially since prostitution is legal in many countries, such as Costa Rica.

Since the 1990s, ECPAT and other members of the nongovernmental, governmental, and private sectors worldwide have been collaborating to raise awareness about sex tourism and to take steps toward eradicating child sex tourism. These groups have initiated campaigns that include the use of luggage tags, ticket pouches, and educational brochures, along with the development of courses in tourism training schools and in-flight videos. In 1997, Brazil launched a “No Child Sex Tourism” campaign, since adopted by the WTO, to curtail sex tourism and enforce laws imposing jail sentences on foreigners caught purchasing sex from children. In January 2000, Mexico enacted an amendment of the federal penal code and code procedures that declared sex tourism to be a punishable crime.

Latin American countries share with others in the international community the enormous and complex challenges posed by the growing sex tourism industry. Even if they are united in their determination to eliminate all forms of exploitation of children, countries nevertheless need to agree on more effective and expedient means of regulating the entire sex tourism industry. Sex tourism among adults remains a complex topic involving issues of privacy, consent, religious and ethical beliefs, and human rights. Only through international cooperation can the sex tourism industry be regulated successfully and millions of children be protected against exploitation.

Winter 2002 ,  Volume I, Number 2

Ann Barger Hannum , project manager and consultant, has been affiliated with Harvard for the past ten years, most recently at the Harvard AIDS Institute. The author thanks Julia M. Green, project associate for the Community Research Initiative of New England, for her collaboration with this article.

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Sex tourism, disease migration and COVID-19: lessons learnt and best practices moving forward

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Alyson Hillis, Conan Leavey, Stephanie Kewley, Susan Church, Marie Claire Van Hout, Sex tourism, disease migration and COVID-19: lessons learnt and best practices moving forward, Journal of Travel Medicine , Volume 27, Issue 7, October 2020, taaa144, https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taaa144

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Tolson 1 broadly defines sex tourism as ‘travel for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations’ due to the nuanced ideas between sex tourism, and sex and tourism. Approximately 20–34% of international travellers engage in casual sex ( https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-for-work-other-reasons/sex-and-travel ). Yet, based on the given definition, the number of sex tourists in the world are unknown, as many remain anonymous. Sex tourists are a source of many international sexual health issues, due to high-risk behaviours such as condomless sex with multiple partners or sexualized drug use whilst abroad. Those who engage in high-risk sex when travelling are prone to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs) such as viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 2 , 3 Condom use is dependent on the choices made by sex tourists and sex providers, with usage ranging from low to up to 75% ( https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-26585/v1/a105f3aa-99d5-46e9-8884-ad195ea411b9.pdf ). This has led to HIV transmission in male sex workers being as high as 50%; and 40% of gonorrhoea diagnoses in Asia having become antibiotic resistant and circulating around parts of Northern America. 2 , 4 Tourists are generally reluctant to access sexual health services before, during or after travelling. 5 Furthermore, sex tourists have reported using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a biomedical HIV prevention tool, on an event-based regimen, as it reduces the perceived threat of HIV acquisition. 6 There is mixed evidence in relation to risk compensation, whereby PrEP use may potentially increase risky sexual behaviours and therefore STI transmission. Yet, as primary HIV infection has been shown to be the leading STI contracted by travellers who are not living with HIV, PrEP would play a substantial preventative role for high-risk tourists. 3 It is these risky sexual behaviours that pose significant threats to the international, domestic and community transmission and migration of diseases.

With over 22.9 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and 797,918 deaths worldwide at the time of writing, we have witnessed the devastating human and economic consequences of this globalized virus ( https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?utm_campaign=instagramcoach1? ). It has led to the closure of national borders and cancellation of the majority of commercial flights, halting global trade across all industries, including sex tourism. With the international travel of people severely restricted, global populations are changing social and health behaviours in order to adapt to the current situation.

With domestic lockdowns and social distancing measures in place for the foreseeable future, the physical sex tourism industry is currently non-existent. As sex work is criminalized in most countries, sex workers are struggling to survive as they are unable to access government relief responses to the pandemic ( https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/16/it-s-a-contact-job-sex-workers-struggle-amid-the-coronavirus-crisis ). A number of sex tourists and sex workers have therefore moved online to the ‘surface’ and ‘dark’ web. The online sex tourism industry was occurring before COVID-19. Websites and technology-based applications increasingly facilitated the seeking of offline and cyber-sexual activities. Furthermore, those who sought sex online reported to have riskier interactions when the relationship moved offline. 7

At this stage of the pandemic, we cannot say exactly what the repercussions will be regarding health risk behaviours on return to normality or even quasi-normality. After restrictions ease and with the waning of the pandemic, it would be reasonable to expect a surge of offline sex-seeking behaviours and high-risk sexual activity, potentially reigniting the cycle of international to domestic and community transmission of BBVs and STIs. Behaviours such as sexual gratification through technology may become permanent in the industry, intensifying sexual exploitation, online grooming and human trafficking. For example, one sex worker has described how moving online to work during COVID-19 has led to being ‘constantly abused’ with ‘dozens of violent messages every week. The abuse by this kind of person has increased tenfold’ ( https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/16/it-s-a-contact-job-sex-workers-struggle-amid-the-coronavirus-crisis ).

COVID-19 is having a significant detrimental impact on international sexual health progress. For example, Zimbabwe is now unable to provide consistent antiretroviral treatment to the 14% of their population living with HIV ( https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/survive-health-woes-deepen-zimbabwe-covid-19-fear-200&#x2009;323&#x2009;065&#x2009;933&#x2009;020.html ). However, there are key lessons that can be learnt from the international strategic responses to COVID-19, which can be applied to the sexual health scene and, by proxy, the sex tourism industry. These include effective communication, decentralization of services and ‘test, treat and isolate’ programmes. Senegal used learnings from HIV, Ebola and malaria to develop simple communications around isolation and case-finding tactics to prepare for COVID-19. These were disseminated by service managers to community-based actors and patients using social media and telephone hotlines ( https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/june/20200603_senegal ). It is this effective decentralization of services that utilizes top-down approaches in unison with localized, community-based interventions, which should inform the reopening of the sex tourism industry post-COVID-19. Of note, staff who understand the epidemiology of the infectious and sexual diseases within their locality should be consulted on the delivery of surveillance, testing and monitoring schemes for localized HIV and STI management. Furthermore, the World Health Organization, based on their own experiences of prior epidemics, recommended a similar approach with the ‘test, treat and isolate’ COVID-19 strategy as well as encouraging local lockdowns to counter second spikes. Through strong elimination tactics, the likes of New Zealand, Iceland, Rwanda and Taiwan have successfully contained the virus, in contrast to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden.

When borders do begin to open, global migratory patterns supporting the sex tourism industry will resume, and with it, an inevitable flux of disease. Flexible ‘test, treat and isolate’ strategies must be urgently scaled-up internationally, nationally and regionally, alongside the decentralization of services and mobilization of communities, to target not only the resurgence of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, but to also address sexual migration flows. There is a clear need for increasing awareness of the impact of COVID-19 on the sex tourism industry, and how new learnt behaviours will perpetuate risky activities, with additional emphasis to be placed on safe sex due to increased vulnerability for all involved. State communication and education is key. Public health messaging must include the most vulnerable and be accessible to all, disseminating communication materials that pay particular attention to the most exposed populations, in a bid to reduce social and health disparities. Research needs to be conducted to understand the real-life experiences of COVID-19 on those within the sex tourism industry, so we can look at adapting public health strategies to accommodate the significant changes taking place. This is therefore a call to action to scale-up preparedness, learn from our mistakes and equip ourselves for the future diversification of infectious and contagious diseases, be they coronaviruses, BBVs or strains of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea.

All authors worked collaboratively to draft, edit and review the manuscript.

None declared.

Tolson   M . Sex tourism. In: The The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies . London : Blackwell , 2016 .

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Nouchi   A , Caby   F , Palich   R  et al.    Travel-associated STI amongst HIV and non-HIV infected travellers . J Travel Med   2019 ; 26 .

Minichiello   V , Scott   J , Callander   D . A new public health context to understand male sex work . BMC Public Health   2015 ; 15 : 1 – 11 .

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Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism

Equality Now tackles sexual exploitation in travel and tourism, often called “sex tourism”, a global issue that cuts across national borders and state lines. “Sex tourists” travel to buy sex from vulnerable women, girls and other vulnerable people, often from poor and marginalized communities.

Sexual exploitation in travel and tourism has become far more complex, involving not only tourists but business travelers, migrant/transient workers, and ‘voluntourists’ intent on exploiting women, girls, and other vulnerable people, as well as large numbers of domestic travelers.  ECPAT’s global study on sexual exploitation in travel and tourism  confirms that offenders can come from any background and do not all fit the stereotypical profile: a white, Western, wealthy, middle-aged male pedophile. Some may be pedophiles but most are not. Both the age of the clients and the age of the victims are  decreasing . 

There is increasing recognition of the links between organized sexual exploitation and travel for business or leisure, including for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. 

Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism

Women, girls, and other vulnerable people are often trafficked domestically or internationally to meet demand. Equality Now was one of the first human rights organizations to recognize the link between “sex tourism” and sex trafficking, and to focus on shutting down sex tour operators.

What is Equality Now doing to end sexual exploitation in travel and tourism?

Equality Now is working with Trace Kenya and LifeBloom Services International to call for legal reform that will protect women and girls from sexual exploitation and end impunity for perpetrators. As well as working on reform of national law including the Sexual Offenses Act, the Counter Trafficking In Persons Act, and the Children Act we are also engaging with local government to promote county-level laws and policies. Through our partners, we also engage with judiciary and law enforcement to encourage them to take a more gendered, survivor-centered approach. 

Our Impact: Tackling Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism

Taking on big apple oriental tours.

We campaigned to shut down Big Apple Oriental Tours, a New York City-based company exploiting women and girls in the Philippines and Thailand. In 2007, our efforts led New York to amend its anti-trafficking law, which gave police the tools to prosecute sex tour operators. After many investigations, we helped convict the company’s co-owner Douglas Allen of promoting prostitution in 2013.

Passing First US State Law Against Sex Tourism

We began our campaign to shut down Hawaii-based sex tour operator Video Travel, a company exploiting women and girls in Thailand. Our campaign and legal support inspired Hawaii to introduce and pass the first state law to criminalize sex tourism. Video Travel’s proprietor had his travel agency license revoked and is no longer allowed to operate in Hawaii.

Calling on the US Government to End Sex Tourism

We called on the US government to stop sex tourism and to investigate GF Tours, a company exploiting women in Southeast Asia. We lobbied for stronger enforcement of federal anti-trafficking laws, which make sex tourism a crime, to shut them down. Due to our efforts, GF Tours removed graphic content from its materials.

First Sex Tourism Conviction in New York State

Equality Now brought the case of Jump Off Destinations, a New York-based sex tour operator traveling to the Dominican Republic, to the attention of the Manhattan District Attorney. In 2007, the owner was found guilty, the first time that New York State law prohibiting the promotion of prostitution was used to prosecute a sex tour operator and the first conviction of its kind in the US.

Standing Up for Exploited Girls

We led a civil case in the US on behalf of Brazilian girls who were sexually exploited by a US-based sex tour operator. With pro bono support from a law firm, we filed the first known civil action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. In 2015, the case was settled. The funds helped the girls rebuild their lives. 

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The World's Most Sexually Liberated Countries, Ranked

It might be 2023, but some countries across the globe still have wildly different attitudes — and laws — around sex.

To find out where in the world people are most sexually liberated, NapLab created their own Global Promiscuity Index, measuring the mean age the population first had sex; the average number of sexual partners per person; the STD rate per 100,000 people; the percentage of the population who think premarital sex is fine; whether or not prostitution is legal; and whether or not sex before marriage is illegal.

Countries were compared on these factors and ranked according to which scored highest, and are therefore the least sexually repressed.

Key Findings:

The top three most sexually liberated countries are Australia , Brazil and Greece , in that order.

People in Iceland lose their virginity at the youngest age of any country, at 15.6 years, on average.

Turkish citizens have the highest average number of sexual partners per person: 14.5.

When it comes to the rate of sexually transmitted diseases, South Africa has the highest in the world, with 32,054 cases for every 100,000 people.

Ninety-four percent of people in France think sex before marriage is either morally acceptable or not a moral issue — the highest percentage of any country studied.

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Via NapLab .

[Image credit: David Len ]

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Read also:  Southeast Asia Packing List: What to Pack for Backpacking

Siargao, Philippines

Siargao in the Philippines is a surfer town, which is the type of place that always attracts a great, interesting crowd of singles. Plenty of single guys travel here for the surf and sun, and after a day of hitting the waves, everyone will hang out at the relaxed bars and hostels in the area.

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Read also:  Discover the Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

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It’s certainly not the cheapest option on this list but will give you some of the most memorable nights of your time in Southeast Asia. Clarke Quay is my favorite area to party in, and I had a few wild nights out at the club Zouk there.

Time your night right and you might even get to see a world-famous DJ like Tiësto. Singapore doesn’t have as many party hostels, but it has some really friendly and sociable ones.

I only stayed 3 nights at the Bohemian Chic hostel but I had a fantastic time. I was lucky enough to find a nice group to hang out with from the first day I arrived here. If you looking for a place to stay in Singapore , check our guide .

Usually, I like staying and drinking in the hostel because I always find people to have fun with (and is also cheaper), but Singapore is way too good for a night out so you better go and enjoy the nightlife.

Due to its cultural diversity, Singapore is host to a wide selection of hawker-style vendors, each offering either Chinese, Indian, or Malay-style dishes.

If you love tasting new things, this gives you the chance to try different foods from the various cultures of Southeast Asia. If you are looking for good places to eat in Singapore, restaurant’s recommendation guide .

Read also:  When is the Best Time to Visit Singapore

If you are looking to enjoy Southeast Asia’s stunning beaches, head to Kuta in Bali. It’s a busy beach town that is known for its surfing and nightlife, which makes it another single men’s vacation paradise.

Try to find a sociable hostel here, where you can play drinking games such as beer pong or King’s Cup . This game is one of my favorites to play to start a night out, and in Kuta, I had some wild times during and after it!

As for the party hostels, I have 2 recommendations here.

If you are looking to stay in the center of the party scene, I’d recommend Cara Cara Inn.

If you don’t care where you stay because you prefer partying in a hostel instead of going for a night out, then go for Lay Day Surf Hostel.

What makes Kuta, Bali a good vacationing spot is that there are a lot of activities that cater to singles. This location attracts a lot of nomadic travelers who are on their own, so often times people are looking to pair up when they’ve had their fill of solo trekking.

Read also:   Bali Packing List: What to Pack for Bali: Travel Checklist, Accessories and Essentials 

• Gili Trawangan

Another great spot in Indonesia is Gili Trawangan. If you are looking to scuba dive for the first time, Gili Trawangan offers many dive schools to get your open water certification.

But by nighttime, it’s a hotspot for backpackers who love to party. It’s the best of the three Gili Islands for partying and attracts a young, fun crowd. My favorite night out here was on Friday nights at Rudy’s, but I also loved The Irish Pub.

Gili Trawangan is a very well-known destination for revelers and there are multiple choices when it comes to party hostels.

My favorite party hostel here is Gili Castle. It has a swimming pool with a rock-climbing wall, and some amazing parties and events. If you are looking for one of the best solo vacations for guys, book ahead of time to stay here.

I personally didn’t stay in this hostel but I met some people who were staying there and I spent a few days there. It’s really cool and I like the parties and the vibe.

My second favorite party hostel, where I’ve stayed for a few nights in Gili Trawangan is Mad Monkey Hostel. This hostel is always packed with a lot of girls, ready to drink and party 24/7.

They have happy hours, daily tours, drinking games, pub crawls, and pretty much everything you need to enjoy yourself.

Another good option is My Mate’s Place. They sell super cheap drinks and are a good place to meet new people. In 2019, this hostel won the Best Hostel in Indonesia award, so it’s worth a try.

Something I also really liked about Gili Trawangan is that there’s hardly a place where you can be secluded because the island is always so packed and lively.

Most people are there to enjoy the beaches, clubs, and villas, which means if you do travel here alone, there’s a good chance it won’t stay that way.

Note. On this island, every accommodation provider offers rooms with a maximum of 3 beds in each room. You won’t find any hostel having more than 3 beds in one room.

Read also: Best Time to Visit Bali

Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng is a great spot in Laos to spend a few days and is a great vacation for a single guy. I’d recommend at least three days here, but more if you are looking to party and meet other people.

Vang Vieng is touted as being one of the biggest party towns in southeast Asia. Many people from all over the world come to engage in the activities that usually take place near the town’s shallow river.

However, aside from its party scene, the town also offers Korean restaurants and interestingly, a Mexican restaurant called Amigos, which is praised by many.

There are some fun daytime activities here, including tubing and kayaking. By night, the young backpacker crowd makes for a fun time for single guys.

Nana Backpacker Hostel is well known in Vang Vieng as a place to travel for single men and women. They have a swimming pool, a good restaurant, a bar, a pool table, and even a gym.

During my 6 days stay, this hostel was packed every day with young and open-minded travelers.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pub Street is the best area for nightlife in Cambodia , and it’s where you’ll want to spend most of your vacation when you’re not visiting the main sights. Siem Reap is one of the best vacation spots to get laid, with cheap bars and a fun crowd.

What makes Pub Street so much fun is that all sorts of local and foreign food joints line the strip. These joints include Korean and European-style dishes, along with imported drinks.

The bars and pubs are all within walking distance of each other. So, you’re bound to grab a friend or two during your bar-hopping session.

Angkor What? The bar is my favorite in the town, and every night it’s packed with visitors. I loved my stay at Mad Monkey Siem Reap.

I particularly enjoyed its rooftop beach bar, where I met some amazing girls and lads. The bar is open really late each night, and as the hostel fits so many guests, there’s always an ever-changing crowd.

Visiting Siem Reap? Check our recommendations for places to stay

• Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the starting point for most visitors to Vietnam and is one of the best vacation spots for single guys in their 30s . The city has some fantastic attractions and history, but if you come at nighttime, it comes alive in a different way.

I visited here 2 times before and always met some amazing people to enjoy nights out with. If you’ve never tried a pub crawl before, this is the perfect place to do so, and I’d recommend the Pub Crawl Saigon .

If you don’t know what’s a pub crawl , is when you meet with a large group of travelers and spend the night hopping from bar to bar. It’s a great time for everyone involved, with plenty of drinks.

After traveling in Southeast Asia for years, I strongly believe that Ho Chi Minh is in the top #5 best vacation for a single man to get laid.

It also helps that Ho Chi Minh is home to some of the most stunning rooftop bars in the world, including the popular Chill Skybar . If you want to enjoy the nightlife from above, the Chill Skybar provides a beautiful and romantic panoramic view of the neon-lit city below.

From happy hour onwards, the bar livens up quite a bit, as the DJs start playing faster-paced music and all items become half-priced.

The Hideout Hostel Saigon is one of my top choices for a party hostel in the city. It has a bar and a terrace upstairs which is a great place to start any night out and meet girls who are staying there.

They do pub crawls every week, drinking games, happy hours, and usually is a very relaxed atmosphere. If you need to recover the next day, there’s a great chill-out room also.

• 19 Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City | Where to Eat
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Nightlife and Best NightClubs

Phi Phi, Thailand

Thailand is one of the best countries for a single guy to get laid. I’ve visited a lot of places and believe me when I say, Koh Phi Phi is probably the best party destination for single men.

Phi Phi Island is a hot spot for solo travelers who want to spend their summer vacation.

Specifically, Maya Bay, a beautiful white sand beach sporting massive limestone cliffs, is the main attraction of the island. The bay also has a bar with food, making it a great social area for anyone who’s alone.

I went with some friends from Phuket to this gorgeous island and I was not only impressed but amazed.

Every night is a party on the beach in Phi Phi . And I’m not talking about a party, but “the party”. Is one huge party on the whole beach, every night with several DJs playing live music.

Everything is so crazy, people are drunk and many times solo because is so easy to lose your friends. Overall, I had a great experience and I found it a really good place to meet women, including Thai women .

Read also:  10 Best Party Islands in Southeast Asia to Visit this Year

The downside is that the music stops at 1-2 a.m. and it kills the party. I never knew, why. Most of the people are going back to their accommodations but some people are remaining on the beach.

Doesn’t really matter in which hostel you staying in, they are all together. I’ve stayed in Blanco City, which is 3 minute walking to its brother, Blanco Beach Bar Hostel.

In the daytime is nothing crazy, people are going for island hopping or chilling on the beach.

Read also:  When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand

• Koh Phangan

I remember when Mark, a fellow traveler from the United States, asked me what are the best countries for single American guys to travel to. I instantly answered Thailand, among a few other countries.

Specifically, I’d recommend visiting Koh Phangan at the time of the Full Moon Party each month. This is a bucket list item for any trip to Thailand and attracts thousands of single men and women.

With parties every night leading up to the main event, it’s the perfect single guy’s vacation. One night before the Full Moon Party, don’t miss the Jungle Experience. This was one of my favorite nights of my time in Thailand, and it was a wild party deep in the Baan Tai jungle.

Learn everything about nightlife and parties in Koh Phangan

As a single guy, my social life is very welcoming and exciting. Something nice about the hostels, which seems to be really common on the island, is that a lot of activities are very inclusive. Excursions around the island can be arranged with anyone.

The Slumber Party hostel is one of the best party hostels in Thailand , with dorms and private rooms.

It has a great location and a social atmosphere. Every night (around Full Moon) they have DJs playing at their onsite bar. You won’t struggle to meet girls here, that’s for sure!

I remember coming very drunk in the morning after Full Moon Party and not less than 6 people had sex in the pool at 5-6 a.m. while some other people were drinking next to the pool, so no stress, student life. I like this life. But this is me 🙂

Slumber Party Hostel by day…

See also:  Southeast Asia 2 Weeks Travel Itinerary

And by night..(excuse my ridiculous voice)

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the best place for single guys to visit in Southeast Asia. Most visitors to Southeast Asia start or end their trip in Bangkok, and for anyone looking for the best vacation for a single man to get laid , this is the place.

While Las Vegas is known as the most famous sin city in the world, I would say Bangkok is sitting on the 2nd position.

Thailand has always been known for its sex tourism, so if you are unlucky at the end of the night, you can always stop in a red-light district to have some fun.

There are three major red-light district hotspots in Bangkok. These locations are Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and Nana Plaza.

Now, these locations aren’t active until after 7pm, but trust that when the time arrives, these three spots provide unique experiences to each of their travelers.

Make sure you spend a few days here, so you get the chance to meet new people. Learn when is the best time to visit Bangkok .

Most backpackers and partiers stay on Khao San Road , which is the main hub for young travelers. With pubs, music, and great street food, you’ll find hundreds of singles partying here each night.

Bangkok is very well known for the Thai ladyboys so be careful who you go home with.

If you are looking for a club experience in Bangkok, I’d recommend Onyx, which holds up to 2000 people a night. For anyone looking for the best vacations for single guys to get laid , make sure you pay attention to where you are staying.

Party hostels offer you the best chance to drink and go out every night with new girls and are the easiest way to meet new people.

See also:  Best Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asia

In Bangkok, my top choice is Slumber Party Hostel. I love its social atmosphere and laid-back vibe here, and there was always something going on each night in the hostel.

Another cool place to stay in Bangkok is the Mad Monkey Hostel, which is only a few minute’s walk to Khao San Road. This is a perfect place to meet new girls and have a drink together.

Read also:  10 Best Bangkok Night Markets

As you can see, Southeast Asia has an endless choice of places for single men’s vacation s. Regardless of your age, it’s one of the best vacation spots for singles and offers a wide variety of different options on any budget.

Read also:  The Absolute 10 BEST Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Make sure you book a great party hostel wherever you visit for a fun time and the chance to meet plenty of new people. Everyone visiting Southeast Asia is there to have a great time, so you’ll love the relaxed, laid-back crowd.

Whenever I’m on vacation, I know I’m open to new opportunities and people, so put yourself out there, and you’ll have an amazing solo trip.

Long Story Short,

Best Vacations for Single Guys to Get Laid 

• Siargao Island
• Phi Phi Island

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Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Sunil

The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023

Instead of relying on hearsay and anecdotes from other travelers, we took a deep look at LGBTQ+ rights, country by country. After 400+ hours of research, we’ve reviewed all countries’ individual laws and gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create the definitive “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” that will help you find the safest (and least safe) countries for your next trip abroad.

Our methodology

We ranked 203 countries with available data, and then carefully examined LGBTQ+ rights for each country. We created our LGBTQ+ travel safety index based on a total of ten ranking factors, each pertaining to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. We worked with academic researcher, Eliot Assoudeh PhD. , to design the methodology and cross-reference all data. We utilized a mixed-methods research design to create the index.

Note on Russia/Ukraine: Russia and Ukraine were included in this study. However, keep in mind that (as in all instances of political unrest), the most marginalized people in society are often targets . Please note that the situation for LGBTQ+ people is constantly evolving in the region.

Positive factors

• Legalized Same-Sex Marriage (0 to +50 Points) — Is same-sex marriage legal and equal under the law in this country? If marriage is not equal, are civil unions legal? If not, does the country legally recognize foreign LGBTQ+ marriages? We ranked the scores for this metric based on how many years same-sex marriage has been legal in this country with the highest possible score being 50 points. Civil unions and other types of partnerships received 25 points or less and were also ranked by the number of years they have been legal. Additionally, if a country only legally recognizes foreign LGBTQ+ marriages then they earned 10 points. Source: Recognition of same-sex relationships – Human Rights Watch , we also cross-referenced with Equaldex: Collaborative LGBTQ Knowledge Base
• LGBTQ+ Worker Protections (0 to +50 Points) — For the people living in that country, are there legal protections against discrimination in the workplace? 50 points were awarded for both sexual orientation and gender protection; 25 points were awarded for sexual orientation protection only. Additionally, if a country only recognizes limited rights for LGBTQ+ worker protections, then they earned 10 points. Source: LGBTQ+ Worker Protections – ILGA
• Legal Protections Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination (0 to +50 Points) — Are there either constitutional or broad legal protections of LGBTQ+ people in this country? Constitutional protections were awarded 50 points; broad protections were awarded 25 points. Additionally, if a country only recognizes limited protections against discrimination, then they earned 10 points. Source: Anti Discrimination Laws – ILGA
• Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence (0 to +50 Points) — Is anti-LGBTQ+, hate-based, or homophobia-inspired violence considered a hate crime in this country? Is hate-based, anti-LGBTQ+ speech considered hate speech? The existence of hate crime penalties received 50 points; incitement-only punishments received 25 points. Additionally, if a country only has limited criminalization of hate-based violence, then they earned 10 points. Source: Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence – ILGA
• Adoption Recognition (0 to +50 Points) — Is joint adoption and/or second-parent adoption legal in this country for same-sex parents? The recognition of both joint and second-parent adoption received 50 points, while only second-parent adoption recognition received 25 points. Source: Adoption Recognition – ILGA
• Gallup World Poll (0 to +100 points) — In the Gallup poll, individuals were asked, “Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay and lesbian people?” The percentages represented and used in our metrics include those who said “good place” for that country. We gave this factor a double weighting (maximum 100 points) because it gives a very clear pulse on the general attitude towards LGBTQ+ people by locals in each country. If, for example, a country answered 92% positively to the Gallup question, then they were awarded 92 points. We use the most recently available data available for that country. Source: Gallup World Poll
• Transgender Legal Identity Laws (0 to +50 points) — The degree of legal recognition provided to transgender people varies widely throughout the world. We individually reviewed the laws for each country and asked the following questions. Does the country allow individuals to change their legal gender identity without requiring sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? If so, these countries were awarded 50 points or less depending on the details of the law. Does the country require SRS for people to qualify for legal gender change? If so, these countries received 25 points or less depending on the details of the law. Does the country have no rights for or against people legally changing their gender? If so, these countries received 0 points. Source: We reviewed individual laws of each country and Transgender Rights – Wikipedia

Negative factors

• Illegal LGBTQ+ Relationships and Acts (0 to -100 Points) — Can “sodomy,” “indecent acts,” or “buggery” result in punishments under the law such as physical violence, a fine, or prison time? Any possible death sentences or life-in-prison sentences under the law receive the maximum -100 point penalty. All other punishments were ranked by severity. We gave this factor a negative double weighting because the fact that homosexuality is illegal and can receive the death sentence means that the laws of these countries are extremely unfavorable for LGBTQ+ people. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Propaganda/Morality Laws (0 to -50 Points) — Are there laws sanctioned by the state to prevent the dissemination or publication of information about queer culture? Are there laws affecting the creation of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? This metric was graded based on the severity of the punishments with -50 points being the worst score. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Transgender Legal Identity Laws (0 to -50 points) — We individually reviewed the laws for each country and asked the following question. Does the country make it illegal for people to change their gender? If so, these countries were given up to negative fifty points depending on the severity of punishment. For example, in Oman, simply imitating the opposite sex gets up to 1 year in prison and this country received the full -50 points. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Transgender murder rates (0 to -100 points) — Countries were awarded zero points if they did not have any recorded transgender murders, but were deducted up to 100 points if transgender murders were reported through the Transgender Murder Monitoring website. Rates are per million citizens and occurred between 2008 and September 2022. Source: Transgender Murder Monitoring – TvT

To measure LGBTQ+ safety abroad, one cannot look only at data on whether or not same-sex marriage is legal and if anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws are in place. It also depends on the general attitude of the culture, minutiae of the legal system, and oppression of LGBTQ+ rights. These issues can affect everything, from your ability to show public displays of affection to being able to share a hotel room bed to the capacity at which you can use dating apps without being caught by the local police. A few items on our list, such as adoption recognition and worker protections, may not affect LGBTQ+ travelers directly, but these factors are a good indication of overall attitudes within the culture.

Study Limitations: Due to budget constraints, the methodology used in our index does not sample the actual experiences of LGBTQ tourists who have visited each country. One way we attempted to overcome this weakness was by utilizing the Gallup World Poll as well as looking at each country’s laws and any progress the country’s had in comparison with our previous years’ studies.

What’s changed for LGBTQ+ individuals over the past year?

Some of the positive highlights include:

• Cuba legalized same-sex marriage in September 2022.
• While gay marriage is still banned, Japan is making progress toward the acceptance of same-sex marriage, and gay couples can now register a domestic partnership as of November 2022. 
• Switzerland legalized same-sex marriage on July 1, 2022.
• Singapore, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis decriminalized homosexuality in 2022.
• As of January 31, 2023, same-sex marriage and adoption are fully legal in Slovenia.
• Croatia passed laws expanding the rights of same-sex couples to joint adoption in August 2022.
• In December 2022, the U.S. Virgin Islands increased its discrimination protections for people based on their sexual identity and gender expression.
• New Zealand plans to implement gender self-identification on June 15, 2023. 

Unfortunately, not all news was good for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. Russia passed stricter laws that prohibit LGBTQ+ “ propaganda .” In 2022, Indonesia banned sexual activity outside of marriage to come into effect in three years, but this will target LGBTQ+ people who are not permitted to marry in the country. According to the ACLU , the 2023 legislative session has already seen over 120 bills aimed at restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

Where are same-sex relationships illegal?

Unfortunately, some countries where it’s illegal to be gay or trans also happen to be popular vacation spots. For instance, it’s illegal to be gay in Jamaica; the “buggery law,” which is leftover from the colonial era, allows for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, including hard labor. Jamaica was called “ the most homophobic place on Earth ” by Time magazine in 2006. That label has clung to Jamaica ever since, and with good reason. In a 2013 survey of 71 LGBTQ+ people conducted by Human Rights Watch, more than half said they had been victims of homophobic violence. Non-violent discrimination is even more pervasive, with bullying and exclusion faced in education, healthcare, and within local communities. Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Jamaica since there are signs that it’s moving toward reform.

Those looking for trans- and gay-travel-safe countries should reconsider popular vacation destinations like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Myanmar, and Egypt as well as some of the more popular beaches in the Caribbean, like Saint Lucia and Barbados.

Please note: All countries marked with an asterisk* in the below list were former British colonies and their anti-LGBTQ+ laws mostly came into effect under British rule.

(CLICK the country names for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws) Jamaica* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -132

Section 76. Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with’ mankind or with any animal, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding ten years.

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Sections 132, 133.

• GROSS INDECENCY

(1) A person who commits an act of gross indecency with another person commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 10 years or on summary

conviction to 5 years.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an act of gross indecency committed in private between an adult male person and an adult female person, both of whom consent.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)

(a) an act shall be deemed not to have been committed in private if it is committed in a public place; and

(b) a person shall be deemed not to consent to the commission of such an act if

(i) the consent is extorted by force, threats or fear of bodily harm or is obtained by false and fraudulent representations as to the nature of the act;

(ii) the consent is induced by the application or administration of any drug, matter or thing with intent to intoxicate or stupefy the person; or

(iii) that person is, and the other party to the act knows or has good reason to believe that the person is suffering from a mental disorder.

(4) In this section “gross indecency” is an act other than sexual intercourse (whether natural or unnatural) by a person involving the use of the genital organs for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.

Laws of Saint Lucia Criminal Code Cap.3.01 95 Revision Date: 31 Dec. 2005

(1) A person who commits buggery commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment

(a) life, if committed with force and without the consent of the other person;

(b) ten years, in any other case.

(2) Any person who attempts to commit buggery, or commits an assault with intent to commit buggery, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

(3) In this section “buggery” means sexual intercourse per anus by a male person with another male person.

Source: Criminal Code, No. 9 of 2004, sections 132, 133.

Article 16. Buggery “(1) A person who commits buggery is guilty of an ofence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for— (a) twenty-fve years, if committed by an adult on a minor; (b) ten years, if committed by an adult on another adult; or (c) fve years, if committed by a minor; and, if the Court thinks it ft, the Court may order that the convicted person be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. (2) Any person who attempts to commit the ofence of buggery, or is guilty of an assault with the intent to commit the same is guilty of an ofence and liable to imprisonment for four years and, if the Court thinks it ft, the Court may order that the convicted person be admitted to the psychiatric hospital for treatment. (3) In this section “buggery” means sexual intercourse per anum by a male person with a male person or by a male person with a female person.

Source: Sexual Offences Act 1998, article 16. Grenada* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 33

Article 431. If any two persons are guilty of unnatural connexion, or if any person is guilty of unnatural connexion with any animal, every such person shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.

Source: Criminal Code of 1987, article 431. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Sections 146, 148.

148. Any person, who in public or private, commits an act of gross indecency with another person of the same sex, or procures or attempts to procure another person of the same sex to commit an act of gross indecency with him or her, is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for five years.

146. Any person who commits buggery with any other person; commits buggery with an animal; or permits any person to commit buggery with him or her; is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for ten years.

(Click the country names for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws)

Sections 214, 215, 217. 214. Any person who- (1) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (2) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (3) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature; is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

215. Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences defined in the last preceding section is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. The offender cannot be arrested without warrant.

217. Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for three years. The offender cannot be arrested without warrant.

Source: Criminal Code Act (Chapter 77), 1990, sections 214, 215, 217; Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013. Malawi* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -163

Sections 153, 137A. 153. Unnatural offences Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years, with or without corporal punishment.

Source: Penal Code of 1930 (amended 2010), sections 153, 137A. Oman LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -145

Articles 33, 233, 266(d).

266. The penalty shall be imprisonment for a period not less than one month, and not more than one year, and a fine of not less than (100) one hundred Omani riyals, and not more than (300) three hundred Omani riyals, or one of these two penalties for each mention: D – appeared publicly in the appearance of women in his clothing or body.

Source: Omani Penal Code No. 7/1974, articles 33, 223 and Oman Penal Code, Article 266(d) Zambia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -104

Sections 155, 156. 155. Any person who- (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature; commits a felony and liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term not less than fifteen years and may be liable to imprisonment for life: Provided that where a person- (i) has carnal knowledge of a child against the order of nature; (ii) causes a child to have carnal knowledge of an animal; or (iii) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of a male or female child against the order of nature; that person commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for not less than twenty-five years and may be liable to imprisonment for life. (As amended by No. 26 of 1933 and repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 2005) Unnatural offences

156. Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in section one hundred and fifty-five commits a felony and is liable, upon conviction of not less than seven years but not exceeding fourteen years. (As amended by No. 26 of 1933 and repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 2005)

Source: Penal Code Act (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2005), sections 155, 156. Tanzania* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -120

Sections 138(a), 154. 138 A. Acts of gross indecency between persons and person who, in public or private commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than one year and not exceeding five years or to a fine not less than one hundred thousand and not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings; save that where the offence is committed by a person of eighteen years of age or more in respect of any person under eighteen years of age, a pupil of primary school or a student of secondary school the offender shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than ten years, with corporal punishment, and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of an amount determined by the court to the person in respect of whom the offence was committed for any injuries caused to that person.”

154. Unnatural of offences (1)Any person who- (a)has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b)has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c)permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature.commits an offence, and is liable to imprisonment for life and in any case to imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty years. (2)where the offence under subsection (1) of this section is committed to a child under the age of ten years the offender shall be sentenced to life imprisonment.”

Source: Penal Code of 1945 (as amended by the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act, 1998), section 138(a), 154. Sudan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -109

In July 2020, Sudan’s Sovereign Council amended the penal code, removing some crimes from the books and reducing sentences for others, including sodomy. Previously, the death penalty was punishment for individuals accused by committing “homosexual sex” defined by the act of penetration, for the third time. For people found guilty of this offense for the first time, sentences were lashing 100 times or prison up to 5 years. For the second time, the sentence was both punishments combined. Learn more here . Uganda* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -92

Sections 145, 148. 145. Unnatural offences. Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.

148. Indecent practices. Any person who, whether in public or in private, commits any act of gross indecency with another person or procures another person to commit any act of gross indecency with him or her or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any person with himself or herself or with another person, whether in public or in private, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.

Source: Penal Code Act of 1950 (Chapter 120), (as amended), section 145, 148. Egypt* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -96

Article 9(c), Article 1. Article 9: Punishment by imprisonment for a period not less than three months and not exceeding three years and a fine not less than 25 LE and not exceeding 300 LE in the Egyptian administration and not less than 250 Lira and not exceeding 3000 Lira in the Syrian administration or one of these two punishments applies in the following cases: (c) Whoever habitually engages in debauchery or prostitution.

Upon the apprehension of a person in the last category, it is permitted to send him for a medical examination. If it is discovered that he is carrying an infectious venereal disease, it is permitted to detain him in a therapeutic institute until his cure is completed.

It is permitted to determine that the convicted person be placed, upon completion of his sentence, in a special reformatory until the administrative agency orders his release. This judgment is obligatory in cases of recidivism, and the period spent in the reformatory is not allowed to be more than three years. …

Article 1: (a) Whoever incites a person, be they male or female, to engage in debauchery or in prostitution, or assists in this or facilitates it, and similarly whoever employs a person or tempts him or induces him with the intention of engaging in debauchery or prostitution, is to be sentenced to imprisonment for a period not less than one year and not more than three years and a fine between 100 and 300 LE in the Egyptian administration and between 1000 and 3000 Lira in the Syrian administration.

(b) If the person upon whom the crime is perpetrated has not reached the age of twenty-one years, the punishment is imprisonment for a period not less than one year and not more than five years and a fine between 100 and 500 LE in the Egyptian administration and between 1000 and 5000 Lira in the Syrian administration.

Source: Law 10/1961 on the Combating of Prostitution, article 9(c), article 1. Algeria LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Art. 338. – All guilty of an act of homosexuality is punished with imprisonment of two (2) months to two (2) years and a fine of five hundred (500) to two thousand (2,000) DA .

If a sponsor is a minor of eighteen years, the penalty in respect of the major can be elevated up to three (3) years’ imprisonment and ten thousand (10,000) DA fine.

Source: 1966 Penal Code, article 338. Morocco LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -89

Article 489. Is punished by imprisonment from six months to three years and a fine of 200 to 1,000 dirhams, unless the fact constitutes a more serious offense, whoever commits an immodest or unnatural act with an individual of his sex.

(This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of 1962, article 489. Tunisia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -91

Article 230. Sodomy, if it does not enter any of the cases provided for in the preceding articles, is punishable by imprisonment for three years.

Source: Penal Code of 1913 (as modified), article 230. Ethiopia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -93

Articles 629, 630.

Article 629.- Homosexual and other Indecent Acts. Whoever performs with another person of the same sex a homosexual act, or any other indecent act, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

Article 630.- General Aggravation to the Crime. (1) The punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or, in grave cases, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, where the criminal: a) takes unfair advantage of the material or mental distress of another or of the authority he exercises over another by virtue of his position, office or capacity as guardian, tutor, protector, teacher, master or employer, or by virtue of any other like relationship, to cause such other person to perform or to submit to such an act; or b) makes a profession of such activities within the meaning of the law (Art. 92). (2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years, where: a) the criminal uses violence, intimidation or coercion, trickery or fraud, or takes unfair advantage of the victim’s inability to offer resistance or to defend himself or of his feeble-mindedness or unconsciousness; or b) the criminal subjects his victim to acts of cruelty or sadism, or transmits to him a venereal disease with which he knows himself to be infected; or c) the victim is driven to suicide by distress, shame or despair.

Source: Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Proclamation No. 414/2004, articles 629 and 630. Kenya* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -87

Sections 162, 165.

162. Unnatural offences Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years: Provided that, in the case of an offence under paragraph (a), the offender shall be liable to imprisonment for twenty-one years if— (i) the offence was committed without the consent of the person who was carnally known; or (ii) the offence was committed with that person’s consent but the consent was obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of some kind, or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act. [Act No. 42 of 1951, s. 6, Act No. 5 of 2003, s. 30.]

165. Indecent practices between males Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for five years.

Source: Penal Code of Kenya, Revised Edition 2012 [2010], section 162, 165. Senegal LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -67

Article 319 (para. 3). Any indecent assault or attempted without violence on the person of a child of one or the other sex under the age of thirteen, shall be punished by imprisonment for two to five years. Will be punished the maximum penalty, the indecent assault committed everywhere ascendant or any person having authority over the minor victim, even over the age of thirteen.(Law No. 66-16 of February 1, 1966)

Notwithstanding the heavier penalties provided for by the previous paragraphs or Articles 320 and 321 of this Code shall be punished by imprisonment for one to five years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,500,000 francs, anyone who commits an indecent act or act against nature with an individual of his sex. If the act was committed with a minor of 21 years, the maximum penalty will always be.

Source: Penal Code of 1965, article 319 (para. 3). Cameroon* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -54

Article 347 bis. – Homosexuality. Is punished with imprisonment of six months to five years and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 francs anyone who has sex with someone of their sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Cameroon Penal Code of 1967, article 347 bis. Zimbabwe* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -52

Section 73. (1) Any male person who, with the consent of another male person, knowingly performs with that other person anal sexual intercourse, or any act involving physical contact other than anal sexual intercourse that would be regarded by a reasonable person to be an indecent act, shall be guilty of sodomy and liable to a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both. (2) Subject to subsection (3), both parties to the performance of an act referred to in subsection (1) may be charged with and convicted of sodomy. (3) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that the competent charge against a male person who performs anal sexual intercourse with or commits an indecent act upon a young male person— (a) who is below the age of twelve years, shall be aggravated indecent assault or indecent assault, as the case may be; or (b) who is of or above the age of twelve years but below the age of sixteen years and without the consent of such young male person, shall be aggravated indecent assault or indecent assault, as the case may be; or (c) who is of or above the age of twelve years but below the age of sixteen years and with the consent of such young male person, shall be performing an indecent act with a young person.

Source: Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, (Effective 2006), section 73. Ghana* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -49

Section 104. Unnatural Carnal Knowledge. (1) Whoever has unnatural carnal knowledge— (a) of any person of the age of sixteen years or over without his consent shall be guilty of a first degree felony and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty-five years; or (b) of any person of sixteen years or over with his consent is guilty of a misdemeanour; or (c) of any animal is guilty of a misdemeanour. (2) Unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.

Source: Criminal Code 1960 (amended 2003), section 104. Eswatini* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -46

Common Law Offense

Same-sex relations are outlawed in Eswatini. Sodomy is criminalized though the sentence is not specified and is regarded as a common law offense.

Source: Common law offense. Togo LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -45

Article 88. Will be punished by imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 francs anyone who has committed a shameless act or against nature with an individual of his sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of 13 August 1980 (amended 2000), article 88. Namibia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 48

Common Law Offense. Sodomy and “unnatural sexual offences between men,” are illegal in Namibia, though the sentence is not specified and is considered to be a common law offense.

Source: Common Law Offense. Mauritius* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 15

Section 250. Sodomy and Bestiality (1) Any person who is guilty of the crime of sodomy or bestiality shall be liable to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(2) (a) Notwithstanding sections 151 and 152 of the Criminal Procedure Act, where it is averred that the sodomy is committed on a minor or a physically or mentally handicapped person, the person charged shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years.

(b) Part X of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Probation of Offenders Act shall not apply to a person liable to be sentenced under paragraph (a).

Source: Mauritius Criminal Code of 1838, section 250. Burundi LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -45

Subsection 3: Homosexuality

Article 567: Whoever makes sex with the same sex is punished with imprisonment of three months to two years and a fine of fifty thousand to hundred thousand francs or one of these penalties.

Source: Law No. 1/05 of April 22, 2009, on the Revision of the Criminal Code, article 567. Comoros LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -56

Article 318: Any indecent assault consummated or attempted on the person of a child of one or the other sex under the age of fifteen will be punished by imprisonment for two to five years. Will be punished with the maximum of the sentence, the indecent assault committed by any ascendant or any person having authority over the minor victim over the age of fifteen. Without prejudice to the more serious penalties provided for in the preceding paragraphs or Articles 320 and 321 of this Code shall be punishable by imprisonment for one to five years and fine of 50,000 to 1,000,000 francs, anyone who has committed a shameless act or against nature with an individual of his sex. If the act was committed with a minor, the maximum of penalty will always be pronounced. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros, 1995, article 318. Chad LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -58

Article 354: Is punished by imprisonment from three months to two years and a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA, whoever has sex with the people of his sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Chad Penal Code 2017 Eritrea LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Articles 310, 311. Art. 310. – Homosexual Conduct. (1) A person who performs with a person of the same sex an act corresponding to the sexual act, or any other indecent sexual act, is guilty of homosexual conduct, a Class 7 serious offence, punishable with a definite term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 7 years.

Art. 311. – Consent to Sexual Conduct. (3) Consent is no defense to an offence under Article 309 (Incest) or Article 310 (Homosexual Conduct).

Source: Penal Code of 2015, article 310, 311. Gambia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -139

A “person who has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature … or permits any person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature” commits a felony known as an unnatural offense and, on conviction, is punishable by a 14-year prison term. (Criminal Code of 1934, § 144, 3 LAWS OF GAMBIA, Cap. 8:01 (rev. ed. 2009).) Acts that constitute “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” include:

(a) carnal knowledge of the person through the anus or the mouth of the person; (b) inserting any object or thing into the vulva or anus of the person for the purpose of simulating sex; and (c) committing any other homosexual act with the person. (Id. § 144.)

Attempt to commit an unnatural offense, which is also a felony, is subject to a seven-year prison term. (Id. § 145.).

The legislation introduces a new offense involving homosexuality known as “aggravated homosexuality,” which is punishable on conviction by life in prison. (Id.) A person commits this offense if he or she engages in a homosexual act and the:

(a) person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of eighteen; (b) offender is a person living with HIV Aids; (c) offender is a parent or guardian of the person against whom the offence is committed; (d) offender is a person in authority over the person against whom the offence is committed; (e) victim of the offence is a person with disability; (f) offender is a serial offender; or (g) offender applies, administers or causes to be administered by any man or woman, any drug, matter or substance with intent to stupefy or overpower him or her, so as to enable any person to have un-lawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex. (Criminal Code (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2014, § 4, SUPPLEMENT C TO THE GAMBIA GAZETTE No. 15 (Oct. 16, 2014), HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH.)

Source: Gambia Criminal Code (Act No. 25 of 1933), amended 1965; Gambia Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2005; Gambia Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2014. Guinea LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -80

Article 274: Any shameless or unnatural act committed with an individual of his sex or with an animal is punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years and a fine of 500,000 to 1,000,000 Guinean francs or one of these only two sentences. When the act was committed with a minor under 18, the maximum penalty is always pronounced. When this act has been consummated or attempted with violence, the culprit is sentenced to 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of the Republic of Guinea, 2016, article 274. Kuwait* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -180

Article 193 and Article 198.

Article 193 If another man becomes a man who has reached the age of twenty-one and that is with his consent, both of them shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding seven years.

Article 198 Any person who brings a signal or acts of indecent assault in a public place or who is seen or heard by anyone in a public place or resembles the opposite sex in any way shall be punished. Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding one thousand dinars or one of these two penalties.

(This has been Google translated from Arabic).

Source: Kuwait Penal Code (1960), Law No. 16, article 193. And Kuwait Penal Code, No. 16 of 1960, art. 198. Liberia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -40

Article 14.74 – Voluntary Sodomy. A person who engages in deviate sexual intercourse under circumstance not stated in Section 14.72 or 14.73 has committed a first degree misdemeanor.

Source: Penal Law – Title 26 – Liberian Code of Laws Revised, 1978, article 14.74. Libya* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -150

Articles 407-408.

Article 407 (4) Whoever has intercourse with a person with his consent will be punished with his partner by imprisonment of not more than five years.

Article 408 (4) Whoever commits an indecent act with a person with his consent will be punished with his partner with imprisonment. (ibid., 38)

Source: Libyan Penal Code of 1953, as amended by Law No. 70 (1973), articles 407-408. Mauritania LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -96

Articles 306, 308.

ART. 308. Every major Muslim who commits an immodest act or an unnatural act with an individual of his sex shall be punished with death by public stoning. In the case of two women, they will be punished by the penalty provided for in Article 306 (1).

ART. 306. – Anyone who commits public outrage against Islamic modesty and morals or who has violated sacred places or helped to violate them, if this action is not included in crimes carrying Ghissass or Diya, shall be punishable by a correctional sentence of three months to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 to 60,000 UM. Every Muslim guilty of the crime of apostasy, either by word or by action in an apparent or obvious manner, will be invited to repent within three days. If he does not repent within this time, he is condemned to death as an apostat, and his property will be confiscated for the benefit of the Treasury. If he repents before the execution of this sentence, the public prosecutor will seize the Supreme Court, for the purpose of his rehabilitation in all his rights, without prejudice to a correctional penalty envisaged with the 1st paragraph of this article. Anyone guilty of the crime of apostasy (Zendagha) will, unless he repents beforehand, be punished with the death penalty. Will be punished with imprisonment from one month to two years, anyone who will be guilty of the crime of indecent assault. Any major Muslim who refuses to pray while recognizing the obligation of the prayer will be asked to fulfill it until the time limit for the completion of the obligatory prayer concerned. If he persists in his refusal until the end of this period, he will be punished with the death penalty. If he does not recognize the obligation of prayer, he will be punished with the penalty for apostasy and his property confiscated for the benefit of the Treasury. He will not benefit from the service consecrated by the Muslim rite.

Source: Penal Code of 1983, articles 306, 308. Sierra Leone* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -63

Section 61. Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable Crime of Sodomy and Buggery, committed either with Mankind or with any Animal, shall Bestiality. be liable, at the Discretion of the Court, to be kept in Penal Servitude for Life or for any Term not less than Ten Years.

Source: Offences against the Person Act 1861, section 61. Somalia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -150

Articles 409, 410.

Art. 409. (Homosexuality). – Whoever has carnal intercourse with a person of the same sex shall be punished, where the act does not constitute a more serious crime, with imprisonment [96. P.C.] from three months to three years. Where the act committed is an act of lust different from carnal intercourse, the punishment imposed shall be reduced by one third [119 P.C.].

Art. 410. (Security Measures). – A security measure [161 s. P.C.] may be added to a sentence for the crimes referred to in articles 407, 408, and 409.

Source: Penal Code, Legislative Decree No. 5/1962, articles 409, 410. South Sudan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -126

Section 248, Section 379.

248. Unnatural Offences. (1) Whoever, has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person and whoever allows any person to have such intercourse with him or her commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years and may also be liable to a fine. (2) If the intercourse referred to in subsection (1), above, is committed without consent, the offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years and may also be liable to a fine; provided that, a consent given by a person below the age of eighteen years to such intercourse shall not be deemed to be a consent within the meaning of this section. Explanation— Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

379. Vagabond. (1) The term “vagabond” means— (a) any person who after being convicted as an idle person, commits any of the offences which would render him or her liable to be convicted as such again; (b) any person who is found to be in possession of breaking implements with the intent to commit house trespass; 187 Act 9 Penal Code Act 2008 (c) any suspected person or reputed thief who by night frequents or loiters about any shop, warehouse, dwelling house, dock or wharf with the intent to commit any offence under Chapter XXI of this Act; (d) any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of a prostitute or in any public place solicits or importunes for immoral purposes; and (e) any male person who dresses or is attired in the fashion of a woman in a public place. (2) Whoever is convicted as a vagabond shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or with a fine or with both.

Middle East

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -143

There is no codified penal Law in Saudi Arabia. Sentences are derived from interpretations of Sharia law.

Source: There is no codified penal Law in Saudi Arabia. Sentences are derived from interpretations of Sharia law. Qatar* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -137

Articles 296, 298.

Article (296) One is convicted to no less than a year and no more than three years in prison in case of: 1- Leading a female to commit adultery. 2- Instigating, inducing, seducing a female anyhow to commit adultery or frequenting a brothel in order to commit debauchery whether inside or outside the country. 3- Leading, instigating or seducing a male anyhow for sodomy or dissipation. 4- Inducing or seducing a male or a female anyhow to commit illegal or immoral actions. 5- Bringing, exposing or accepting a male or a female in the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Article (298) Anyone who takes adultery or sodomy as a profession or a living is convicted to no more than ten years in prison. The same penalty is imposed on anyone who exploits a person’s debauchery and dissipation.

Source: Penal Code, Law No. (II) of 2004, articles 296, 298. Sharia law also applies to Muslims. United Arab Emirates (UAE)* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -134

Article 359. Any person who denies the dress of a woman and enters a special place for women shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dirhams or by one of these penalties. It is forbidden for non-women to enter at that time.

Source: Federal Law No. 7 of 2016, art. 359. Yemen* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -128

Articles 264, 268.

Article (264): Homosexuality is the contact of one man to another through his posterior; both sodomites whether males or females are punished with whipping of one hundred strokes if not married. It is admissible to reprimand it by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year punishment by stoning to death if married.

Article (268): Lesbianism is intercourse between one female and another. Anyone engaged in this act with another shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years. If the act happens under coercion imprisonment may be expanded to seven years.

Source: Penal Code 1994, articles 264, 268. Iran LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -104

Articles 233-41.

Article 233- Livat is defined as penetration of a man’s sex organ (penis), up to the point of circumcision, into another male person’s anus.

Article 234- The hadd punishment for livat shall be the death penalty for the insertive/active party if he has committed livat by using force, coercion, or in cases where he meets the conditions for ihsan; otherwise, he shall be sentenced to one hundred lashes. The hadd punishment for the receptive/passive party, in any case (whether or not he meets the conditions for ihsan) shall be the death penalty.

Note 1- If the insertive/active party is a non-Muslim and the receptive/passive party is a Muslim, the hadd punishment for the insertive/active party shall be the death penalty.

Note 2- Ihsan is defined as a status that a man is married to a permanent and pubescent wife and whilst he has been sane and pubescent has had a vaginal intercourse with the same wife while she was pubescent, and he can have an intercourse with her in the same way [vaginal] whenever he so wishes.

Article 235- Tafkhiz is defined as putting a man’s sex organ (penis) between the thighs or buttocks of another male person.

Note- A penetration [of a penis into another male person’s anus] that does not reach the point of circumcision shall be regarded as tafkhiz.

Article 236- In the case of tafkhiz, the hadd punishment for the active and passive party shall be one hundred lashes and it shall make no difference whether or not the offender meets the conditions of ihsan [mentioned in note 2 of article 234], or whether or not [the offender] has resorted to coercion.

Note- If the active party is a non-Muslim and the passive party is a Muslim, the hadd punishment for the active party shall be the death penalty.

Article 237- Homosexual acts of a male person in cases other than livat and tafkhiz, such as kissing or touching as a result of lust, shall be punishable by thirty-one to seventy-four lashes of ta’zir punishment of the sixth grade.

Note 1- This article shall be equally applicable in the case of a female person.

Note 2- This article shall not be applicable in the cases punishable by a hadd punishment under Shari’a rules.

Article 238- Musaheqeh is defined as where a female person puts her sex organ on the sex organ of another person of the same sex.

Article 239- The hadd punishment for musaheqeh shall be one hundred lashes.

Article 240- Regarding the hadd punishment for musaheqeh, there is no difference between the active or passive parties or between Muslims and non-Muslims, or between a person that meets the conditions for ihsan and a person who does not, and also whether or not [the offender] has resorted to coercion.

Article 241- In the cases of indecent offenses, in the absence of admissible legal evidence and with denial of the accused, any type of investigation and interrogation in order to discover hidden affairs and things concealed from the public eye shall be prohibited. In cases with the possibility of commission of an offense with force, coercion, assault, abduction, or deception, or cases which are considered as commission [of an offense] with resorting to force, this rule shall not be applicable.

Source: Islamic Penal Code of Iran, 2013, articles 233-41. Pakistan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -89

Section 377 Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than two years nor more than ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

Source: Pakistan Penal Code (XLV of 1860), section 377 Lebanon LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Article 534.

Penal Code 1943, Article 534 Sexual Intercourse Against Nature Article 534 prohibits “sexual intercourse against nature” with a penalty of up to one year imprisonment. This provision has been applied to intercourse between men and between women.

Penal Code 1943, Article 521 Disguising as a Woman Article 521 criminalises gender expression by making it an offence for a man to “disguise himself as a woman”. The penalty for this offence is up to six years imprisonment.

Source: Criminal Code of 1943, article 534. Uzbekistan LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Article 120 Besoqolbozlik* (Homosexual Intercourse): Besoqolbozlik, that is, voluntary sexual intercourse of two male individuals – shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years.

The following country does not have sufficient data on the LGBTQ+ community, so it has not been included in our LGBTQ+ Danger Index graphic above. However, same-sex relationships are illegal:

Article 520 Three years imprisonment shall be punished by nature violates the mjamah. (This has been Google translated from Arabic).

The following country lacks adequate information on LGBTQ+ issues, so they have not been included in our LGBTQ+ Danger Index graphic above. However, same-sex relationships are illegal:

Section 152(2).

152.— (2) Any person who:— ( a ) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (6) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for ten years.

Asia/Pacific

Sections 377A, 377B, 377D.

Carnal intercourse against the order of nature 377A. Any person who has sexual connection with another person by the introduction of the penis into the anus or mouth of the other person is said to commit carnal intercourse against the order of nature. Explanation—Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual connection necessary to the offence described in this section.

Punishment for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature 377B. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be punished with whipping.

Outrages on decency 377D. Any person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.

Source: Malaysia Penal Code, 2006, section 377A, 377B, 377D. State Sharia (Islamic) laws also apply. Myanmar* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -118

Sections 377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Penal Code of 1860, section 377. Maldives* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -100

Sections 410, 411, 412.

Section 410 – Unlawful Marriage (a) Unlawful Marriage. A person commits an offense if: (8) two persons of the same sex enter into a marriage;

Section 411 – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (a) Unlawful Intercourse. A person commits an offense if: (1) he engages in sexual intercourse (2) he engages in sexual intercourse with a person of the same sex. (b) Grading. [(d) Additional Punishment Authorized. In addition to the punishment authorized under Chapter 90, to impose the penalty imposed under Islamic Sharia, an additional punishment of 100 lashes is authorized for the offense.]* (f) Definitions. (2) “Same- sex intercourse means”; (A) Insertion by a man his sexual organ or any object into the anus of another man for sexual gratification. Or the insertion into another mans mouth the penis of a man or (B) Insertion of a woman’s organ or any object into the vagina or anus of another woman for sexual gratification. (3) “Lashes” means the symbolic punishment of striking an offender’s back with a short length of rope in a manner not designed to cause bodily injury. A single person must inflict all of the lashes prescribed as punishment, and he may only drive the rope using his wrists; he may not use any other part of his arm or movement in his shoulders, hips, back, legs or torso for that purpose.]9

Section 412 – Unlawful Sexual Contact (a) Unlawful Intercourse. A person commits an offense if: (b) Offense Defined. A person engaging in sexual contact with a person of the same is committing an offense. (c) Prohibition. “prohibited sexual contact” means indecent acts other than the offenses prescribed under Section 411 (a) of this Code, with a person of same sex, or with a person of the opposite sex other than with a person to whom he is married, or with an animal, for obtaining sexual gratification.

Source: Maldives Penal Code, Section 410, 411, 412. Sri Lanka* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -91

Sections 365, 365A.

Article 365. Unnatural ofences [AGAINST THE ORDER OF NATURE] “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years […] Explanation – penetration is sufcient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the ofence described in this section.”

Article 365A. Acts of gross indecency between persons [GROSS INDECENCY] “Any person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be guilty of an ofence and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years or with a fne, or with both and where the ofence is committed by a person over eighteen (18) years of age in respect of any person under sixteen (16) years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years and not exceeding 20 years and with a fne and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of amount determined by court to the person in respect of whom the ofence was committed for the injuries caused to such a person.”

Source: Penal Code (as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 1995), articles 365, 365A. Bangladesh* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -9

Section 377: Unnatural offenses. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offense described in this section.

Source: Penal Code 1860, section 377. Bhutan LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 16

Section 213, 214

Unnatural sex 213. A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of unnatural sex, if the defendant engages in sodomy or any other sexual conduct that is against the order of nature.

Grading of unnatural sex 214. The offence of unnatural sex shall be a petty misdemeanour.

Source: Penal Code of Bhutan, 2004, Chapter 14: Sexual Offences, Section 213. Brunei* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -200

Article 377

Unnatural offences. 377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine. [S 12/97] Explanation — Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

Sections 153, 155.

153. Any person who- (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 14 years.

Indecent practices between males: 155. Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

Source: Kiribati Penal Code, Revised Edition 1977, section 153, 155. Papua New Guinea* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -80

Sections 210, 212.

210. 1. UNNATURAL OFFENCES. (1)A person who– (a) sexually penetrates any person against the order of nature; or (b) sexually penetrates an animal; or (c) permits a male person to sexually penetrates him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a crime. Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years. (2) A person who attempts to commit an offence against Subsection (1) is guilty of a crime. Penalty: imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

212. INDECENT PRACTICES BETWEEN MALES. (1) A male person who, whether in public or private– (a) commits an act of gross indecency with another male person; or (b) procures another male person to commit an act of gross indecency with him; or (c) attempts to procure the commission of any such act by a male person with himself or with another male person, is guilty of a misdemeanour. Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

Source: Criminal Code Act 1974, section 210, 212. Samoa* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 48

Section 67: Sodomy. (1) A person who commits sodomy is liable: (a) where the act of sodomy is committed on a female, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or (b) where the act of sodomy is committed on a male, and at the time of the act that male is under the age of 16 years and the offender is of or over the age of 21 years, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or (c) in any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years. (2) Sodomy is complete upon penetration. (3) It is no defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented

Source: Crimes Act 2013, No. 10, section 67. Solomon Islands* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -85

Sections 160, 162.

160. Any person who- (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

162. Any person who, whether in public or private – (a) commits any act of gross indecency with another of the same sex; (b) procures another of the same sex to commit any act of gross indecency; or (c) attempts to procure the commission of any act of gross indecency by persons of the same sex, shall be guilty of a felony and be liable to imprisonment for five years.

Source: Penal Code (Revised Edition 1996), sections 160-162. Tonga* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -155

Sections 136, 139, 142.

136 Sodomy and bestiality. Whoever shall be convicted of the crime of sodomy with another person or bestiality with any animal shall be liable at the discretion of the Court to be imprisoned for any period not exceeding ten years and such animal shall be killed by a public officer. (Substituted by Act 9 of 1987.)

139 Attempted sodomy, indecent assault upon a male. Whoever shall attempt to commit the said abominable crime of sodomy or shall be guilty of an assault with intent to commit the same or of any indecent assault upon any male person shall be liable at the direction of the Court to imprisonment for any term not exceeding 10 years.

142 Whipping for certain offences. Whenever any male person shall be convicted of any offence against sections 106, 107, 115, 118, 121, 122, 125, 132, 136 and 139 of this Act the Court may, in its discretion in lieu of or in addition to any sentence of imprisonment authorised under this Act order the person so convicted to be whipped in accordance with the provisions of section 31 of this Act. (Substituted by Act 9 of 1987.)

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -65

Article 135

(1) Sodomy, that is, sexual intercourse between a man and a man, shall be punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, with or without the obligation to reside in a certain locality for a period of two to five years.

Source: Criminal Code of Turkmenistan

Sections 153, 154, 155

153 Unnatural offences Any person who — (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for14 years.

154 Attempts to commit unnatural offences and indecent assault Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in the last preceeding section, or who is guilty of any assault with intent to commit the same, or any indecent assault upon any male person shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 7 years.

155 Indecent practices between males Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

Source: Tuvalu Penal Code

Sections 154, 155.

154. Indecency between males – (1) Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who, bring a male,- (a) Indecently assaults any other male; or (b) Does any indecent act with or upon any other male; or (c) Induces or permits any other male to do any indecent act with or upon him. (2) No boy under the age of fifteen years shall be charged with committing or being a party to an offence against paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section, unless the other male was under the age of twenty-one years. (3) It is not defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented.

155. Sodomy – (1) Every one who commits sodomy is liable- (a) Where the act of sodomy is committed on a female, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years; (b) Where the act of sodomy is committed on a male, and at the time of the act that male is under the age of fifteen years and the offender is of over the age of twenty-one years, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years; (c) In any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. (2) This offence is complete upon penetration. (3) Where sodomy is committed on any person under the age of fifteen years he shall not be charged with being a party to that offence, but he may be charged with being a party to an offence against section 154 of this Act in say case to which that section is applicable. (4) It is no defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented.

South America

(Click the country name for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws)

Articles 352, 354.

352. Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission, or procures or attempts to procure the commission, by any male person, of any act of gross indecency with any other male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.

354. Everyone who commits buggery, either with a human being or with any other living creature, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.

The homophobic legacy of the British Empire

As noted, an asterisk next to the country names in the above list means that it was a former British colony. A whopping 44 of the 66 countries that have illegal same-sex relationships were once part of the British Empire. That is over 66%! This isn’t a coincidence. In almost all cases, the laws outlawing consensual gay sex were put into place under British rule and were left in place following independence.

India is an example country that has only in 2018 managed to annul Section 377, a British colonial-era law prohibiting “unnatural acts,” in order to legalize consensual gay sex. Ancient Indian literature such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana have many references to LGBTQ+ heroes including transgender warriors and two queens who made love in order for one queen to get pregnant with an heir for their kingdom. Long story short, this points to the fact that it was likely the British influence that largely led to Indian homophobia in the first place.

With this being said, all these countries have the choice and ability to update their laws. And in most cases, these former British colonies have been fully independent for half a century or more and have chosen not to change these antiquated laws. Long story short, the British influence may have brought the “sodomy” laws in the first place but the local attitudes and customs have decided to keep them .

Which are the top 50 LGBTQ+ safe countries for travelers?

• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• United States
• Virgin Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Czech Republic

One country might surprise you for not ranking higher on our list: the United States. One reason for that is, of course, that there is a great deal of variation in gay rights depending on the state you’re in . There are also no constitutional or broad protections for LGBTQ+ rights under federal law in the U.S. Also, in some states, LGBTQ+ youth do not have access to helpful information, with these so-called “no-promo homo” laws counting in the “propaganda/morality” category. The U.S. might have come far, but it has a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, especially for young transgender people .

How many countries have legalized gay marriage?

As of now, 30 countries (plus Guam, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) have marriage equality, with Switzerland joining in July 2022. 15 countries recognize civil unions or partnerships. 9 countries do not allow marriage equality for their citizens but formally recognize foreign marriages.

Countries with marriage equality laws are often great spots for LGBT+ vacations, but be aware that gay travel to rural or fundamentalist communities can be problematic in almost any country — definitely don’t make assumptions when visiting smaller towns and communities.

Global transgender murder rates

TvT (Transrespect versus Transphobia) Worldwide tracks the instances of transgender people who have been murdered around the world. As of this publishing, over 4,000 trans murders have been tracked during the past 13 years with 1,645 of those crimes taking place in Brazil alone.

Countries with the highest rates of transgender murders (per million residents):

• Honduras – 11.80
• El Salvador – 9.30
• Brazil – 8.25
• Puerto Rico – 5.64
• Belize – 5.12
• Guyana – 5.11
• Mexico – 5.09
• Colombia – 4.63
• Venezuela – 4.59
• Dominican Republic – 4.38
• Uruguay – 4.04
• Guatemala – 3.92
• Ecuador – 3.28
• Argentina – 2.52
• Fiji – 2.25

Why are 14 of these 15 countries with the highest trans murder rates located in Central and South America?

The majority of reported trans murders are currently happening within Central and South America. But why is transgender murder such a frequent occurrence in Latin America? One article from Equal Times posits that a heavily patriarchal society combined with high transgender rates of sex work may be contributing factors. As many transgender individuals are shunned by their families, they turn to sex work to survive, which carries an additional risk to their safety. It is estimated that an extremely high number of transgender individuals are living in poverty , and only an estimated 25% of trans women will complete secondary school in Latin America.

The ostracization of individuals from their families and communities is considered another major factor in the high rates of violence and murder against LGBTQ+ people within Latin America. Additionally, police are often not a source of safety, and governmental protections are not in place to support those most vulnerable.

Learn more about the plight of trans people in Latin America:

• Fighting transfemicide in the Americas
• Brazil continues to be the country with the largest number of trans people killed
• Transgender immigrants who fled Latin America still face uncertainty in the US
• Three lives, one message: Stop killing Mexico’s transgender women

What other countries might be a problem for LGBTQ+ international travelers?

114 of the 203 countries offer at least some form of legal protection for LGBTQ+ people, but 82 of the 202 countries penalize either sexual acts, being trans, or the dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ rights. Many countries have confusing or inconsistent legislation, allowing for protections among some of the LGBTQ+ community while penalizing or harming others. This creates a grey area where it’s not quite safe to be out but not immediately threatening.

One of those countries is Japan . While LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese media has mostly been positive, and the Japanese public has consistently polled in favor of same-sex marriage, there’s a long way to go as far as legislation outside of the major cities.

But the conversation about danger is a little bit different than the question of which countries do not allow gay marriage. Japan is rarely dangerous, with 35% of locals saying Japan is a “good place” for gay people to live, while Russia frequently polls at only 9%. Countries like Armenia (at 4%), Kyrgyzstan (7%), and Mongolia (17%) all may be bad places to go as well, despite not having any formal anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that could harm travelers.

Beyond gay-marriage-illegal countries, here are some real problem places among the list of most-visited countries in the world:

• China — China’s relationship to LGBTQ+ culture is dubious to say the least. Homosexuality is no longer considered a mental disorder as of 2001, and the consensus is that homosexuality is legal and that most locals won’t care so long as you find the right bar to hang out in. At the same time, groups and events have frequently been banned, and censorship laws have frequently been used to ban LGBTQ+ content online in China. LGBTQ+ travel is possible, but only with caution and thorough research into the specific cities you’ll be visiting.
• Russia — Russia has gained increasing international infamy for the way the government treats its LGBTQ+ citizens. Activists have died or gone missing, and individuals who followed Russian gay marriage laws to the letter have been forced to flee the country . That’s ignoring the purges and torture happening in Chechnya . Rights have regressed in recent years, and travel isn’t advised, despite homosexuality being legal on paper.
• Indonesia — LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly considered to be a “moral threat” in Indonesia, with a law against pornography being used for any non-pornographic, pro-LGBTQ+ content. Meanwhile, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has only gotten worse as a result of this persecution. While it’s not illegal in the country, homosexuality could result in public humiliation and arrests nevertheless . This has become more perilous with the 2022 legislation passed that will outlaw all sex outside of marriage.

Iraq , Mozambique , and Bahrain are also examples of countries where same-sex relations are not illegal in the traditional sense but expression of LGBTQ+ sexuality has been suppressed and may still be considered “indecency” with legal consequences, depending on the circumstance.

If the country you want to visit is in one of those grey areas, consider reading more about it, talking to fellow travelers, or doing a bit more research before booking a flight.

If you don’t know whether or not the country you’re visiting will be safe, check the U.S. State Department’s write-ups for LGBTQ+ travelers . The Human Rights Watch’s country profiles are a good place to find information, too.

37 safety tips shared by four LGBTQ+ travel experts

As one can plainly see, LGBTQ+ travel safety varies a great deal, from relative comfort to the real possibility of danger. We looked at the specific legal status of rights abroad as well as polling information to create our LGBTQ+ travel index, but the on-the-street experience can be much more nuanced. Because anti-LGBTQ+ crime and harassment is rarely reported, especially not on an international scale, it’s hard to find data to inform travelers of what walking the streets might be like. Beyond our list, ask other queer people and allies there before you go. Make an online friend, do your research, and take your time.

Want to get tips from our four LGBTQ+ travel experts?

Keep reading!

8 tips from a trans travel expert

Aaron Edwards, an FTM trans travel blogger, shares the following helpful tips on staying safe while traveling.

1. Remember to bring all your documents

2. Research your destination thoroughly

Read up on local laws regarding LGBTQ+ people. Some places are much more restrictive than others and it is better to know your rights and not need them than to be stuck in a jail cell somewhere.

3. Knowing your next bathroom stop is must

Always know where your next bathroom stop will be or have a backup bathroom plan in case you are not comfortable with the situation.

4. Some destinations are best to avoid and travel insurance is worth it

Do your research and know which locations are best to avoid. I also recommend getting a good travel insurance plan no matter what your destination is because you never know when you might need it.

5. Have a letter from your doctor handy at the airport

If you are on HRT (hormone replacement therapy), always try to bring a doctor’s note to keep with your medication in your bag in case you have issues with airport security.

6. You will probably be questioned

Brace yourself to be questioned. A lot of cultures are known for their bluntness. Even people who pass extremely well can get stopped and asked questions based on documents, appearance, etc.

7. If possible, travel with a friend or a group

When in doubt, be with people. There is safety in numbers, especially if they are your friends and people who will stand up for you if it is needed. This applies whether you’re on a camping trip , staying at Airbnbs or at regular hotels.

8. Network via LGBTQ+ Facebook groups

Join transgender or LGBTQ+ related Facebook groups. It is an easy way to find other trans people who LIVE where you are traveling. They can give you their personal experiences, ideas of places to go, or even offer to hang out with you and give you a local tour.

12 travel safety tips from a gay couple

Derek and Mike are an American couple living in Europe and are the authors of Robe Trotting . They have written the following useful tips.

1. Check out Misterbnb

2. Bring copies of your important documents

All travelers should carry backup copies of their passport and other personal information, but there are some extra considerations that LGBTQ+ travelers should consider. It isn’t fun to think about, but Healthcare Power of Attorney and Hospital Visitation Authorization documents are essential. This is because domestic partnership and same-sex marriage laws differ widely around the world. We carry these documents on a flash drive and our attorney has prepared laminated wallet-sized Hospital Visitation Authorizations. This is something we hope to never use, but we feel better having when we travel. A neck wallet can be a great way to carry your most important documents including your passport etc.

3. Know your rights

Transgender and gender non-conforming travelers face higher levels of marginalization than other “LGB” travelers. For trans and gender non-conforming travelers, it’s important to know your rights, especially in airports. There are legal protections in the EU, UK, and USA to protect trans and gender non-conforming air travelers. Do some additional research when traveling outside of America, the UK, and Europe. In this travel zone, here are a few tips and expectations.

4. Select the gender that appears on your Government ID

When booking tickets, indicate the gender that appears on your government-issued identification. Sometimes this is different than the gender you present, but the legal requirement is only for the names on your ID and travel documents to match. You should never be questioned or forced to further prove your gender based on your gender presentation.

5. Pat-downs are based on the gender you present, not your ID

If a security pat-down is required, it must be completed by security personnel of the same sex as the passenger. In a pat-down situation, it will be based on the gender that the passenger presents and not their government-issued ID.

6. Body scanners don’t actually show your body

For trans and non-binary travelers worried about body scanners, the countries mentioned do not display the actual scan of your body to security personnel. In fact, all passenger images are displayed as generic body forms on the screens visible to staff. The screen does identify areas that should be screened more closely, but it uses a generic body form. For example, there would be a highlighted box around the midsection of the form if a traveler forgets to remove their belt. It does not show any details of the body or anatomy.

7. Wearing a prosthetic device or binder can lead to further questioning

Trans and non-binary travelers should be prepared for additional questioning if wearing prosthetic devices or binders. These travelers are not required to show, remove or lift clothing to reveal these devices. Simply answer any questions in a straight-forward manner and speak to a supervisor if any of those described situations should arise.

8. Consider LGBTQ+ tours

We all find safety in numbers, so consider LGBTQ+ tours that will specialize in gay travel. Similarly, consider booking a traditional tour company where you will have a local guide who is familiar with customs, speaks the language, and can advise you on how to stay safe while exploring the world. Many tour companies display their credentials in serving the LGBTQ+ community on their websites. You can also contact their customer service staff with additional concerns or specific questions on travel to certain destinations.

9. Know the local laws in the country you plan to visit

Do some research on the laws that exist in each country you plan to visit. Specifically, look up how often they’re enforced and when the laws were written. For example in Africa, many laws are left-over colonial-era codes that were put in place by other powers and are not enforced or are selectively enforced. For example, Morocco only sporadically enforces its anti-LGBTQ+ law and does not enforce it in resort towns like Marrakech . It’s mostly a law that still exists because of Islamic morality. Morocco even has an LGBTQ+ rights group and is largely viewed as tolerant. Some nations, like Uganda, are actively creating and expanding laws that target the LGBTQ+ community with penalties of death. Make a distinction between countries like Morocco and Uganda when considering your travels.

10. Remember to enjoy the local historic sites and cuisines

Focus on what you can do, and not what you can’t. Many countries will have a less visible LGBTQ+ community and social scene. Sometimes, this can be a blessing in disguise because it frees up your trip for other meaningful activities. Travel should be more than gay bars and nightclubs. Focus on what you can do like touring historic sites, visiting museums and trying new cuisines. It can be tough for a couple to resist public displays of affection, but no laws will be able to keep you from building travel memories, and you can make it up with extra private displays of affection.

11. Be careful with the location feature of dating apps

On gay apps like Grindr and Scruff, turn off the location feature. Even in countries where your rights are protected, gay-bashing can be an issue. In the Ukraine, for example, the “how far away” location feature is disabled nation-wide because of past incidents. Still, there is a thriving gay culture and plenty of gay locals. Always exercise caution and meet strangers in public spaces.

12. Always be culturally aware

Be culturally aware when you’re traveling anywhere. In many nations, public displays of affection from any couple, same or differing sex, are a taboo. Comply with these customs without feeling singled out. It may still be upsetting, but know that different-sex couples are also conforming their behavior to local norms. Similarly, some conservative destinations will have different norms on appearance and dress. It can be triggering to change your appearance, clothing, mannerisms, and behavior if you are LGBTQ+. Previous life experiences like bullying can bring up tough emotions but know that it’s most often local customs and not bigotry that require cultural conformity. I realize that for some individuals that will be easier than for others. My advice comes from a point of privilege as a masculine cis-gendered male, but I truly feel that certain sacrifices are worth it to travel.

9 safety tips from a traveling lesbian couple

Meg Ten Eyck is the creator of EveryQueer.com which is a website dedicated to inspiring and equipping LGBTQ+ travelers to live a life of adventures. She shared the following tips.

1. Cisgender people will most likely have fewer issues

2. Respect local customs

Be aware of local gender expectations. Are women supposed to be covered, wear headscarves or avoid certain activities? Try to respect local customs and blend in as much as possible.

3. Have someone you trust know your itinerary

Be sure to leave your itinerary and contact information with someone you trust. It’s always a good idea to have someone back home who has an idea of what you’re up to and where you plan on heading. It doesn’t have to be a minute-to-minute breakdown, contact information of hotels and flight numbers will work just fine.

4. Find LGBTQ+ friendly businesses before you leave

Consider using the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association as a resource for finding LGBTQ+ owned and affirming businesses in countries where you may have more concerns. Knowing that a business is owned by LGBTQ+ people or specifically seeks out LGBTQ+ accreditation may offer some peace of mind.

5. Be careful with PDA’s in certain countries

Be mindful of public displays of affection, in some locations like Russia or Morocco, mundane actions like holding hands, requesting a double bed at a hotel, casual touching, and kissing can be considered public displays. In some countries these actions are illegal and the consequences can be anything from a fine to imprisonment to being punishable by death. Not to be overly sensationalist here, there are lots of people who have traveled in anti-LGBTQ+ countries and have been just fine. There are also people who have not. It’s a case-by-case situation.

6. Be sure that sex toys are legal

In some countries, traveling with sexually explicit material can be used as evidence of sex work which may result in you being detained while traveling. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people are often unfairly targeted, be aware that in recent years there have been a few instances where people have used sex toys to victimize LGBTQ+ travelers. One couple was the victim of an alleged hate crime by TSA agents and another couple was arrested in Malaysia for being in possession of a sex toy. Keep in mind that traveling with these items into some countries is illegal. Be very cautious and do your homework before crossing borders with anything you think could be questionable.

7. Consider who you disclose your identity to

Consider who you disclose your identity to while you are traveling in countries that are not as LGBTQ-affirming as your home country.

8. Walk with confidence

Appear confident while walking in public areas. The more afraid and buckled over you look, the more of a target you’ll appear to be.

9. Invest in your personal safety

When in doubt invest in personal safety, if taking the more expensive cab ride over the bus ride seems like the safer option for you, do it.

8 tips from a gay travel expert

Andrew Dobson runs Dobbernationloves , an LGBTQ+ travel blog based in Toronto and shares these very helpful tips on international travel safety.

1. Take precautions with dating apps

2. Use the geo search to research your destination prior to leaving home

Use the geo-search feature on dating apps like Scruff and Grindr before you depart for your trip. You can ask locals about what the most popular gay bars and businesses are before you even arrive. Many destinations have suffered from gay bar closures so weekly or monthly LGBTQ+ parties are the norm and locals are always in the know.

3. Connect with the locals before you arrive

Use gay dating apps to connect with locals before you arrive and you’ll find friendly folks keen to show a tourist around. This is particularly helpful if you’re visiting a country like Germany where bartenders may not speak English.

4. Keep spots you discover confidential in sensitive destinations

If you’re visiting places like Egypt or Jordan where the LGBTQ+ community is largely underground for safety reasons, be sure to keep the spots you discover confidential to protect the local LGBTQ+ community. Posting about a popular gay coffee shop hangout in Cairo on TripAdvisor, for example, is a no-no.

5. Negative LGBTQ+ laws may not reflect tourist areas

Remember that just because a country’s government may have negative LGBTQ+ policies, doesn’t mean it isn’t a great gay holiday destination. The Maldives, for example, has laws in place for locals but during our visit to the Four Seasons Maldives, a majority of the guests at the resort were gay couples. Research the hotel and resort brands you’re planning on staying with before you book to ensure they are LGBTQ+ friendly.

6. Certain regions may be very LGBTQ+ friendly within a conservative country

Indonesia is the largest known as a conservative Muslim country but ironically the island of Bali is considered to be one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations in Asia. There can be significant tolerance differences based on each region you visit. Many hotels host luxurious gay honeymoons in Bali

7. Do your research on festival dates

Research the annual LGBTQ+ festivals to determine when the destination is likely to offer the most fun on holiday. In North America, we’re familiar with Pride parades but in Europe, the annual festival is referred to as CSD Celebrations or Christopher Street Day. LGBTQ+ festivals vary based on the culture of a place and its people. North American and Europe are known for flashy parades and all-night parties, where some smaller towns or more reserved countries focus on political protest, poetry readings or events centered around theatre and film.

Contact your hotel ahead of time

If you’re traveling with a same-sex friend or partner we always suggest contacting your hotel in advance to confirm what sort of bedding they offer. In some countries, two men will always be booked into a room with separate beds. In other countries, they’re happy to provide one bed for two men but you’d have to specify that in advance as they’ll automatically assume you’re traveling friends.

Why we wrote this article & did this study

Lyric grew up in Hollywood surrounded by actors, producers, and what she thought was a very open and accepting community for LGBTQ+ individuals. It wasn’t until she was 13 when she overheard her Uncle explaining that he was concerned he would be fired from an acting job if they found out he was gay, that she realized even one of the most liberal US communities was still plagued with homophobia.

Since then, LGBTQ+ rights have been at the forefront of Lyric’s awareness. She wondered how safe the US was for the LGBTQ+ community vs the rest of the world after hearing stories from other travelers. We then decided to dive deep into the subject and what we found was shocking.

So many questions entered our minds. For example, “Is it safe to travel to countries where the death penalty or life imprisonment is still a sentence for being openly gay?”

As travel journalists, we wanted to help the LGBTQ+ community educate themselves on the very complex and layered world of staying safe during international travel. But also, to try to bring more awareness to the often horrific treatment of LGBTQ+ people in many parts of the world. And hopefully, this will bring about change, acceptance, and love for all people regardless of their orientation.

How can you help bring about change?

Are you an ally and upset by this information? Here are two obvious ways you can help:

1. Share this article. Bringing awareness to a problem is the first step to fixing it. Share it on social media, send it to your loved ones and anyone you think should see it.

2. Consider donating to organizations that are making a difference. For example, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association or Human Rights Watch are organizations working to help find and report these issues and to help make the whole world — not just a piece of it — safer for LGBTQ+ people.

• Recognition of same-sex relationships 2020 – Human Rights Watch
• LGBTQ+ Worker Protections 2020 – ILGA
• Anti Discrimination Laws 2020 – ILGA
• Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence 2020 – ILGA
• Adoption Recognition 2020 – ILGA
• Gallup World Poll (2020 Data)
• Transgender Rights – Wikipedia
• Transgender Murder Monitoring – TvT
• Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws 2020 – Human Rights Watch
• Equaldex: The Collaborative LGBT Rights Knowledge Base

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The world’s 10 sexiest destinations to travel

Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A new report from My Favourite Voucher Codes has revealed the world’s 10 sexiest destinations that will allow tourists to broaden their travel experiences in a safe and respectful manner.

As travel restrictions are slowly lifted, cheap holidays are expected to boom over the coming months. Tourists are rushing to book their trips to start ticking off new and adventurous experiences on their bucket lists, as well as finally just getting that well-needed break.

A new report from My Favourite Voucher Codes has revealed the world’s 10 sexiest destinations that will allow tourists to broaden their travel experiences in a safe and respectful manner.

The research takes into account a huge range of factors, from how open-minded residents are towards new sexual experiences and how active their sex lives are, to rights for the LGBTQ+ community and attitudes towards sex education. More than 50 destinations worldwide were taken into account, before the top were ranked.

And the findings reveal that these are the overall top 10 most sex-positive countries around the world:

• Netherlands
• New Zealand

Julian House at My Favourite Voucher Codes said of the research: "Now that travel is opening up again worldwide and people are looking to add some fun back into their lives, we’re excited to share our top holiday destinations to fulfil everyone’s fantasies, while still remaining safe. A healthy, active sex life is just as important as our downtime! 

“It would be easy to think that it’s simply having a thriving adult industry that makes a destination sex positive, but our research takes into account factors such as how open-minded residents are towards new sexual experiences and how active their sex lives are, to rights for the LGBTQ+ community and attitudes towards sex education.

“We were pleasantly surprised to see positive attitudes towards sexual experiences on the rise worldwide, across all generations. It’s also nice to see that we don’t have to stray far from home with the UK coming in 3rd place! Our research should provide those who are looking to broaden their travel experiences safely in new and exciting ways.”

For those struggling to pinpoint the best destination to book their holiday, the research also uncovered cities that are the most open-minded and safe in the top 10 countries:

Amsterdam, Netherlands “It’s no surprise that Amsterdam comes up top,” Julian adds, “with their more radical approach to sex tourism and being renowned for their famed red light district. But we’re pleased to see that not only is there a lot of sex to be had there, but also their excellent attitude towards adult entertainment regardless of sexual orientation or gender.”

Montreal, Canada Not only is Montreal a charming and creative city to visit, but it’s also highlighted in our top sex-positive destinations due to their local culture of inclusivity and diversity. There are LGBTQ+ villages and neighbourhoods dotted across the city, as well as a fantastic Pride Festival celebrated in August each year – get your tickets booked now!

Edinburgh, UK The British accent has long been renowned as sexy, particularly the posh southern drawl, but apparently it’s the brusque and down-to-earth northerners who have won over the hearts of the world. The people of Edinburgh are not only open to new sexual experiences, but they’re also among the top searchers for sex toys worldwide! 

Reykjavik, Iceland It must be the romantic sights of the Northern Lights and nature, but little else to do in this chilly city that get the residents feeling a little frisky. They’ve topped the charts by a long way for being sexually adventurous, with a broad range of previous experiences and desire to be more open-minded with new experiences, as well as being home to a highly welcoming LGBTQ+ community.

Burlington, Vermont Not only is Vermont recognised as one of the most LGBTQ+ states, it also ranked pretty highly in other areas, such as coming 4th for searches for sex toys. Burlington is a buzzing, forward thinking metropolitan area in beautiful surroundings on Lake Champlain.

Ghent, Belgium Ghent’s tagline of “more than a one night stay” is already suggestive of their welcoming attitude, and their diverse LGBTQ+ community along with their quirky culture makes for a fantastic trip that’s slightly off the beaten track.

Auckland, New Zealand New Zealand’s largest city certainly has a vibrant nightlife and residents and tourists here alike are open-minded towards new sexual experiences. The variety things to see and do in the city certainly count towards its favour too, but it’s the adventurous nature of New Zealanders that help to keep it high on the list.

Oslo, Norway Oslo makes this list partly thanks to its broad-minded approach on sex education where residents are well-versed in contraception and safe sex, but also their use of sex toys.

Paris, France While the LGBTQ+ community does leave a little to be desired in Paris, the city of love does remain a safe place for tourists and residents to experience new sexual encounters.

Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm’s LGBTQ+ community is easily accessible, and they even have an organisation of partners committed to providing safe travel experiences in hotels, restaurants and other attractions who are committed to upholding the city’s reputation for being inclusive. In addition to this, the residents are also well educated and broad-minded to new experiences.

Vicky Karantzavelou

Vicky  is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the  Editor-in Chief . She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ easyJet joins forces with Ryanair and Wizz air to warn European Commission against limiting scope of non-CO2 MRV
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Tourism Innovation Awards 2024 call is now open to reward the most innovative projects in the Travel and Tourism industry
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Hospitable and Breezeway partner to level playing field for self-managed properties  
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ JR Technologies and Thomalex merge, creating end-to-end tavel retailing solutions provider

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