LGBTQ+ student travel advice

At DMU we believe everyone should have the right to travel, free from harassment and persecution, unfortunately many countries are not as liberal as the U.K in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travellers vary, and it is important to familiarise yourself of the legal and cultural factors to be able to make an informed decision.

Research you can do and where you can find information

Make yourself aware of the legal position, customs and attitudes of the country you are planning to visit. Information can be found as part of the government’s foreign travel advice and within this article: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+ Student
Check out this map on the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association website for a concise overview of where civil rights are most contested and this map from TGEU dipicting Trans Rights and Legal Gender Recognition.
Invest in a good guide book – many specialise in advice to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travellers. This set of travel guides produced by IGLTA also provides a brief overview of each country and up-to-date insights on LGBTQ+ laws and protections.
Diversity Abroad offers resources and advice for LGBTQ+ students abroad
Local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups are often best placed to advise you of local laws attitudes
The relevant British Embassy can also offer advice and there is a list available on GOV.uk

Advice for LGBTQ+ travellers while overseas

Avoid potentially risky situations – don’t do anything that you wouldn’t at home
Excessive physical shows of affection, by both same-sex and heterosexual couples, are often best avoided in public
If you intend to visit cruising areas or are using a dating app find out about the local situation – police in some countries have been known to carry out entrapment campaigns
Be wary of new-found ‘friends’- criminals sometimes exploit the generally open and relaxed nature of the gay scene
If you receive unwelcome attention or unwelcome remarks it’s usually best to ignore it. If harrassed, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
You’re more likely to experience difficulties in rural areas so it’s best to exercise discretion
Some resorts can be quite segregated – when you are outside the ‘gay neighbourhood’ expressions of sexuality may be frowned upon
Consider increasing privacy settings on your social media or other apps while you are travelling
Some hotels, especially in rural areas, won’t accept bookings from same sex couples – check

What should you consider when travelling to a country where LGBT+ identities are criminalised?

In countries where same-sex relationships are criminalised or where discrimination against LGBT people is widespread, lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are often excluded by society and may face prosecution, discrimination or harassment (Stonewall). Travelling to a country where a LGBTQ+ identity is criminalised may have an impact on your mental health; Support for LGBTQIA+ mental health – Mind.

What you should do if you have a problem overseas?

British embassy staff will help you if you run into problems overseas, especially if you feel that you can’t approach the local police. They won’t make generalisations, assumptions or pass judgement.

The staff overseas monitor and record incidents brought to their attention by British nationals about the treatment they have received from host authorities and issues of concern are regularly raised with the relevant body.

Where can I find guidance around the passport identity of transgender travellers?

Transgender individuals may face difficulties or delays with a passport application or when arriving at border controls overseas if you present as a different gender to what is stated in your passport, the HM passport office offers further guidance here.

Where can I find further information?

Below are some links to useful online resources: