Riskline has published its 2025 LGBTQ+ Risk Map, spotlighting the safest destinations and those where LGBTQ+ travellers face elevated risks. The annual report draws on a global analysis of legal, political, and social developments affecting LGBTQ+ communities. This year’s findings reflect a mixed global landscape: while some countries have made notable progress in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, others have reversed protections or intensified restrictions.
In this year’s assessment, 79 countries are rated as having Normal Safety Concerns, 63 countries have Elevated Safety Concerns, and 91 countries pose High Safety Concerns for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Riskline highlighted the following key developments:
Progress in LGBTQ+ rights
- Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage (Jan 2025)
- Liechtenstein introduced same-sex marriage and adoption rights (Jan 2025)
- Dominica decriminalised same-sex relations (April 2024), a significant step in a region where LGBTQ+ rights remain limited.
Regression and rising concerns
- Hungary banned Pride events
- Trinidad and Tobago re-criminalised same-sex relations, reversing earlier progress
- Vanuatu prohibited same-sex marriage and announced future restrictions on LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Regional summary
Europe
Countries including Malta, Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece and Liechtenstein have continued to improve protections. However, Hungary and others in Eastern Europe have rolled back rights. Rising transphobia and hate speech remain concerns across the continent.
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
LGBTQ+ identities are heavily criminalised. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen continue to impose extreme penalties, including death. Mali introduced new laws punishing same-sex acts and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
This region remains high risk with many countries criminalising LGBTQ+ identities. In Ghana, a revived bill introduces prison sentences for same-sex relations and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
The region presents a mixed picture, with notable progress in some countries and serious setbacks in others. While Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, countries like Vanuatu took regressive steps. In Myanmar and Afghanistan, LGBTQ+ people face persecution, especially under authoritarian regimes.
Americas
Although Canada and parts of the US remain relatively safe, rising political polarisation, legal uncertainty, and regional disparities have created increased anxiety for LGBTQ+ travellers in the US, particularly transgender individuals.
In Latin America, violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals are still common. In the Caribbean, several islands still criminalise homosexuality, although others are more inclusive. However, on a positive note, 13 countries in the region recognise same-sex marriage, and major Pride events are planned in São Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Mexico City (Mexico), Curaçao and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
Conclusion
While positive legal changes offer improvements in some regions, Riskline’s 2025 map shows that LGBTQ+ travellers must remain cautious and informed, as risks persist globally.
A survey by World Travel Protection revealed that many UK employers are failing to provide LGBTQ+ safety guidance for international business travellers, despite growing risks.
Read the full article in ITIJ.
Photo credits: ITIJ