With contributions by Claudia Gualdi
The recognition of non-binary gender in official documents is a fundamental step for ensuring accuracy, respect and privacy protection of non-binary individuals. When these are forced to select only ‘M’ or ‘F’ on their documents, authorities fail to reflect their true identity, which can lead to privacy breaches and assumptions based on their sex assigned at birth.
The introduction of gender-neutral passports marks a significant step towards recognising and accommodating the diverse identities of travellers worldwide, making travel more inclusive and frictionless. Despite this progressive development in a few countries, it continues to face considerable challenges due to the lack of global consistency, which remains a major obstacle. In many countries, the ‘X’ or gender-neutral designation is either unrecognised or poorly understood, meaning that authorities provide no clear guidance on its use.
Which Countries Issue Gender X Passports?
The United States was among the forward-thinking nations that had incorporated digital identity verification into their immigration systems. However, in January 2025, U.S. officials removed the option of an ‘X’ gender marker on passports following an executive order from President Trump, affirming that the country would only recognise two sexes. The decision, currently being challenged in court, has created confusion and uncertainty regarding the viability and safety of entry for travellers holding gender X passports.
These developments have prompted warnings from travel organisations and foreign ministries. After these changes, countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, among others, have updated their travel advisories to the U.S. to highlight increased risks for visitors with passports where gender is indicated as neutral or is different from their sex assigned at birth.
Thankfully, the U.S. represents an exception. Other progressive countries continue to issue passports with a gender-neutral marker, supported by digital identity verification systems. These include:
Challenges Worldwide
Gender-neutral passports remain controversial or outright rejected in parts of the world. These areas typically have outdated systems, political resistance or restrictive legal frameworks that pose significant barriers. Travelling internationally with such a document can pose a range of risks and challenges, depending on the destination.
Many nations’ immigration systems continue to cater exclusively to binary gender options. Discrepancies between the gender marker on a passport and other travel documents may further complicate the process. In some cases, travellers may be forced to choose a gender on forms that only offer male or female options, which could lead to confusion, unnecessary delays or security concerns.
Countries such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not recognise non-binary gender identities and may consider passports with an ‘X’ gender marker invalid or deliberately provocative. Travellers whose documents do not match expected formats or whose appearance differs from their passport photo may face questioning, detention, deportation or invasive scrutiny at immigration checkpoints. This significantly increases the legal vulnerability of non-binary or transgender travellers. They may be subject to arrest in public spaces under vague morality or propaganda laws.
In these countries, legal protections offered by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are minimal or non-existent. Such organisations are often banned or operate illegally. Even carrying supporting documents, such as a gender reassignment letter from a medical professional or a travel note explaining the ‘X’ marker, does not guarantee safety or acceptance.
In Europe, the recognition of gender-neutral passports is still in its early stages. Only a few countries currently accept it, including Malta, Germany and the Netherlands. Some nations, such as the UK, are in the process of introducing or formalising policies to accommodate non-binary individuals, but this remains far from widespread.
Supporting Non-Binary Travellers
For travel managers, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience for non-binary travellers requires awareness and preparation. Here’s how travel managers can offer better support:
1. Stay informed about entry requirements
Monitor visa and entry policies in key destinations, especially regarding the recognition of the ‘X’ gender marker. Maintain up-to-date resources or rely on trusted travel risk intelligence providers to flag high-risk destinations.
2. Provide tailored risk briefings
Offer travel advisories that highlight any cultural or legal challenges related to gender identity in destination countries. Include guidance on how to navigate airport screenings, what to do if questioned and how to access consular support.
3. Communicate with sensitivity
Ensure internal systems and communications allow for the use of a traveller’s correct name and pronouns. When dealing with official documentation that may not match the traveller’s identity, prepare them in advance and offer support.
4. Build a feedback loop
Encourage non-binary travellers to share their experiences. Their insights can help refine policies and improve future support structures.
5. Prepare for emergencies
Work with your duty of care providers to understand the specific needs of non-binary travellers. Have a plan in place should they face detention, discrimination or denial of entry due to gender identity.
For travel managers in particular, this moment calls for proactive leadership. Staying informed about the legal status and recognition of gender-neutral markers across destinations is not just about mitigating risk. It’s about fostering a culture of respect and preparedness.
Advising non-binary employees or clients with care, providing clear guidance and advocating for safe passage are fundamental responsibilities. However, it’s essential to balance this openness and clarity with respect for privacy. People may not feel comfortable sharing their gender preference with the travel manager. However, they should still be protected by travel policies and advised about potential risks in a way that respects their personal choices.
Making travel truly accessible means recognising that identity is not one-size-fits-all. As the conversation around non-binary travel passports continues, the industry has an opportunity to lead with empathy, knowledge and an unwavering commitment to every traveller’s right to move through the world safely.