LGBTQIA+ travellers

Do your research

Laws and attitudes

Laws and attitudes around sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics vary across the world and can be very different from New Zealand. Don’t assume that the laws and attitudes in New Zealand are the same in other countries and destinations. Some countries use ‘vagrancy’, ‘public nuisance’, or ‘public indecency’ laws to criminalise LGBTQIA+ people. 

Even where these laws infringe on your human rights, New Zealand consular officials are limited in the ways that they can help. You can find out more about your rights and how we can support you if you are arrested or jailed while travelling here.

In some countries, consensual same-sex sexual activity, public gathering, or dissemination of pro-LGBTQIA+ material (among other things relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics) may be illegal.

Penalties under these laws can include fines or more severe actions including deportation, arrest, detention, corporal punishment sentences, or even the death penalty.

LGBTQIA+ people can also be targeted for verbal abuse, discrimination, or assault. You could also be denied access to services, like hotel bookings, visitation rights in a hospital, or not having your relationship status recognised.

In some places police may monitor or shut down without warning LGBTQIA+ events or locations, such as Pride festivities or nightclubs, despite having no explicit law against these events, and may arrest or penalise those who resist.

Discrimination can also vary in different parts of the country you are visiting (for example, more conservative rural areas).

Make sure you know what the risks are and make an informed decision about whether you feel safe travelling to that country. Read our travel advice for information about the laws and attitudes in your destination.

Read our travel advice

Passports

New Zealand recognises the ‘X’ gender identifier on passports and other identification, but some countries don’t. If your passport indicates ‘X’ as your gender, or you present as a different gender to the one stated on your passport, you might face extra scrutiny or entry restrictions into some countries.

You may be asked by immigration officials in other countries to label your gender as either ‘male’ or ‘female’.

Read our travel advice for specific information about the laws and attitudes in your destination.

Read our travel advice

Safety

Relationships

If you’re travelling to a country where LGBTQIA+ people are discriminated against, you should be aware of the risks you may face. Consider avoiding public displays of affection, and how local people might perceive your behaviour or clothing.

Although same-sex relationships may be legal in some destinations, levels of tolerance and acceptance within society can vary.

If you receive unwanted attention for your sexuality or gender identity, it’s usually safest to ignore it and get to a safe place.

Online activity

Think about what you’re posting publicly on social media, before and during your trip. Assume that police can see what you’re posting or have posted in the past, and track your location through your phone.

Police in some countries may also be monitoring LGBTQIA+ dating apps and websites. They may even create fake profiles to entrap users.

Travelling with children

Travelling with children is another important consideration for LGBTQIA+ people. Read our advice on the Travelling with children page.

Register your travel

Before you leave New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send you security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis.

Register your travel