The world is evolving when it comes to accepting LGBTQ+ relations – countries like Thailand have made same-sex marriages completely legal. While countries are pioneering the way to make the world more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community, there are many countries where it is still unacceptable and even illegal to be queer. So, for queer travelers, choosing the right country becomes not only just about individual preference but also safety. So, here’s us highlighting the top 5 safest LGBTQ-friendly countries for travel!
Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025
The Spartacus Gay Travel Index is an internationally recognized index that measures the living conditions and legal situation of the queer community living in those respective countries. It publishes its data based on studies conducted across 18 categories, including anti-discrimination legislation, transgender rights, HIV travel restrictions, and even prosecution and death penalty.
Based on the data of the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, queer travelers can gauge which country is comparatively safer than the rest and make their travel plans accordingly. By offering data about the local queer community in these respective countries, the index highlights how well-accepted each country can be towards fellow queer travelers.
According to the 025 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, not one, not two, but five countries share the number 1 spot for being the safest country for queer travelers! These are Canada, Malta, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain! Here are the top 10 safest LGBTQ-friendly countries for travel in 2025:
- Canada
- Iceland
- Malta
- Portugal
- Spain
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Norway
- New Zealand
When it comes to our own country, India, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025 showed that India is the 44th safest country to travel to. Guam, Ecuador, and Gibraltar share the 44th rank with India, while seemingly progressive nations like the United States of America and Singapore rank even below India! Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen are some of the lowest ranking countries on the index – making them the most unsafe countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. These are countries where homosexuality isn’t just a socially unacceptable taboo, it’s punishable by death!
Top 5 Safest LGBTQ-Friendly Countries For Travelers
Canada
Canada has been at the forefront of championing queer rights since the rise of the 20th century, so it’s no surprise that it stands as one of the safest LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. In fact, it decriminalized same-sex private consensual acts way back in 1969 and even allowed LGBTQ people to serve openly in the military in a landmark 1992 judgement! These legal moves highlight how the country has prioritized LGBTQ rights since decades.
Why You Must Visit Canada
- Scenic tourist attractions like the Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, Old Quebec City, and plenty others.
- Host to some of the world’s most well-known Pride events – Montreal Pride and Vancouver Pride as well as home to Toronto Church-Wellesley Village, one of Canada’s many queer hubs.
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural society safe for solo travel as well as LGBTQ couples.
Iceland
Iceland is yet another country that takes LGBTQ rights very seriously! In fact, the country created history by electing Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir as the world’s first openly gay Prime Minister in 2009! And when the Head of State is herself a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you know that traveling to this country is going to be a safe experience! Iceland’s laws as well as culture is openly accepting of same-sex marriage, child adoption, and many other basic human rights.
Why You Must Visit Iceland
- Consistently top-ranking country on the happiness and acceptance indices around the world.
- Natural and manmade wonders like the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Diamond Circle, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula that seem straight out of a fictional world.
- Home to some of the world’s best queer culture – including queer-friendly bars, Pride events, and entire communities perfect for all LGBTQ+ travelers.
Malta
Malta continues its run at being the safest country for the LGBTQ+ community in Europe yet again in 2025. The country has banned conversion therapy, improved its medical infrastructure for LGBTQ+ people, and grants full marriage equality and adoption rights for same-sex couples. With its fair share of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, panoramic landscapes, and a safe and friendly environment for LGBTQ+ travelers, Malta is a country you must put on your travel bucket list!
Why You Must Visit Malta
- Some of the world’s most impressive historical sites, monuments, and natural wonders. For example, Blue Grotto, Gozo Island, Valletta, Golden Bay, and many others.
- One of the oldest inhabited islands in the world (since the last 7,000 years) and a melting pot of culture.
- Plenty of activities and events like bar hopping, Pride events, concerts, street festivals for LGBTQ+ travelers. Also, Malta’s nightlife is some of the best in the world!
Portugal
Portugal may be famous for its pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe, but it’s also at the forefront of championing LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010 and the country offers legal protection against discrimination to its LGBTQ+ community. In fact, Portugal’s two major cities, Lisbon and Porto, are known for being some of the most inclusive cities for LGBTQ+ travelers. With stunning landscapes, historical heritage, and an accepting society, Portugal is the place to be this summer!
Why You Must Visit Portugal
- Must-visit tourist attractions like National Palace of Pena, Praia da Rocha, Belem Tower, Marinha Beach, Douro Valley, and others.
- Home to some of the world’s best gay bars, Pride events, street festivals, and nightlife, especially Portugal’s Bairro Alto!
- Host to the Arraial Lisboa Pride, one of Europe’s grandest Pride festivals!
Spain
Spain isn’t just about Barcelona’s football culture and flamenco dances, it’s also home to a vivacious and vibrant culture where you need not shy away from your identity. Spain has been a trailblazer when it comes to queer rights, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005! Not just that, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are home to an inclusive queer culture, thanks to its gay bars, pride events, music festivals, and much more. The country, with its rich, inclusive culture, is one of the safest LGBTQ-friendly countries for travel in 2025.
Why You Must Visit Spain
- Rich historical, culinary, and cultural heritage – from flamenco dances, bull fights, tapas bars, and wines to queer-frinedly cities like Barcelona, Sitges, Valencia, and Madrid!
- Hosts the Madrid Pride, considered by many as the largest Pride event in Europe!
- Must-visit global attractions like the La Sagrada Familia, Great Mosque of Cordoba, Royal Palace of Madrid, among others.
Summing Up
Travel doesn’t discriminate – it only accepts you the way you are. And while the world may not yet be fully inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, there are some countries that are paving the way forward. From Iceland, Spain, and Canada to Thailand, New Zealand, and Norway, these nations are leading by example – celebrating the right to live and move freely.
