Recently I made a ranking list, (“The Ultimate Country Ranking for Gay Travelers“) because I wanted to know, what countries are actually safe to travel to? And I recently made the “The Top 10 Best Countries for Gay Travelers,” so now I’m going to do the top 10 worst.
Last time I made a list with 2 extra countries but this time I’m going to actually only have a top 9 list. There are many countries that probably belong on this post but these ones below are the absolute worst and maybe, in fact, unsafe to travel for all travelers. If you remember, I asked 10 questions to decide how gay-friendly a country actually is and all of these countries score either zero or close to it. These countries would be absolutely no go’s for most travelers but especially gay ones. Refer to my “The Ultimate Country Ranking for Gay Travelers,” for more information on these countries.
I will be ranking these from 9th worst to what I think is the worst country for gay travelers. Since these, all essentially got the same score of zero they essentially all tied for last.
Questions asked:
- Anti-discrimination (hate speech) laws?
- Death penalty or imprisonment?
- Gay nightlife/pride?
- Promote gay travel?
- Public opinion?
- Recognition of same-sex couples?
- Safe to display affection?
- Safe to travel the country?
- Same-sex marriage?
- Same-sex sexual activity?
9. Iraq
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.10
Reasoning
Let me start by saying Iraq is certainly unsafe to travel to. No westerners should be traveling in Iraq. Technically same-sex activity is legal after the US came in but that’s only on books. Gay people are still attacked here and there is never a chance you can be out and open. In fact, the only reason I gave Iraq a score of .10 out of 10 is that there is a very slight minority of gay activity but this is still mostly invisible and the threats against gay people are real here.
Travel
Iraq culturally is amazing but many of the monuments and structures have been destroyed. After the war, Iraq has been dangerous ever since. At this time there are no tourist visas being offered to Iraq. There is also the threat of Islamic extremism, which is still a threat, making this country very difficult for any foreigner. The risks aren’t worth it and the fact that gay travelers could be jailed or killed makes this country a no-go.
8. Sudan
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Sudan has had a rough history and is not a country most travelers should visit. Gay travelers can technically travel here but the Sharia law would make it dangerous. It’s really the act of gay sex that would technically get you in trouble however the government should not be relied on to help you if you were arrested. Sudan also has harsh punishment, including lashings that are essentially the death penalty, so be aware.
Travel
Culturally Sudan would be amazing if people could travel there, with sites like the Pyramids of Meroë. To even get to Sudan would be a challenge. First of all, Sudan does not get along with some of its neighbors including Egypt, and South Sudan. It is possible to get in from Ethiopia but that’s not advisable. Sudan also suffers from extremism, kidnappings, and terrorist so for most travelers, it is a no go. There is also the risk of carjackings and unreliable transportation including faulty airplanes. One positive side is that in Sudan you will almost surely not be a victim of muggings but bribes are very common.
7. Libya
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Libya scores zeros in all categories for its policies and stances towards homosexuality. Like other countries on this list, Libya goes out of its way against gay citizens and past leaders have made announcements saying gay people should be removed from society. Today Libya is not that much better and traveling in Libya as a gay person would be perilous. Sharia law still remains the law and any hints of public displays of affection would get you in serious trouble. It is recommended to stay out of Libya.
Travel
Libya is mostly desert and travel here is harsh, to begin with. However, the coast is actually much different and more Mediterranean feel. For even the average traveler Libya is best to be avoided. It recently has gone through a civil war and is still recovering. Islamic extremism is still around, especially in the southern part of the country, and there is a risk of terrorism against foreigners. Cities like Tripoli are safer in comparison but even they are not without risk and the best advice is to stay away. Because this is an Islamic country, it would not be wise to even mention you’re gay if you decide to travel here.
6. Burundi
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Burundi has had a tough history and has made gay people in their own country completely invisible. First of all, it’s not wise to visit Burundi to travel as the country is still routinely attacked by rebel groups. Gay travelers are especially advised to stay away given the hatred and taboo of being gay in Burundi. Most still believe that only westerners can be gay and only a westerner can spread that to another. Although it’s not possible to die in prison for being gay, at least according to law, you can still go to prison. This is not a safe country for gay travelers.
Travel
Although Burundi is beautiful, like I said earlier it’s not safe to travel to Burundi. Petty crime is very common and even staff of embassies have curfews for their employees. Most state websites have warned against travel to Burundi so I would heed that warning and not do it. For gay travelers, it is certainly more perilous and you certainly would not want to be accused of gay sex while traveling as that would mean jail time. Burundi is currently attacked regularly by rebel groups and this situation is still not under control.
5. South Sudan
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
South Sudan is one of the newest countries in the world, after breaking off from Sudan. It’s also one of the poorest, unsafest, and most corrupt so this is not a country that most travelers will go to. South Sudan, like Sudan, has harsh penalties towards gay citizens and like most African nations, believe this is only a western thing that has infected some of their citizens. The risk of getting in trouble is high for South Sudan, especially if traveling alone.
Travel
South Sudan, like Sudan, maybe one of the harshest places to live in the modern world. The country is very poor and suffers from petty crime and even violent crime. Much of the country is hard to travel so if you do decide to go to South Sudan, you’re should go with a company that can provide assurance and help. Most of the country is still not safe though, so before you decide to go think carefully. Also, most of the border areas are a no go zone.
4. Somalia
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Somalia is in a weird situation because for most of the southern, and eastern parts of the country, it’s extremely unsafe, for any traveler. For gay travelers, in particular, it’s already perilous given that the law for gay sex acts is execution. And although the northern part of the country is essentially a different country and is somewhat safer, there can still be problems. For any traveler, Somalia is not a tourist destination.
Travel
Most of Somalia is desert although some of the northern parts of the country are unique and culturally different. Most of Somalia is essentially a war zone and even in Mogadishu, you would essentially need to have arm guards around. There have been terrorist attacks towards tourists in the past, especially at western hotels. This country is best to be avoided.
3. Yemen
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Yemen was never a particularly safe country to go to in the past but now it’s gone to really bad due to civil war. Even if you got into this country somehow, your sexuality would probably be the last concern for most people, but bringing it up could get you into serious trouble. The police are corrupt and would not side with you if you tried to deny it, and the automatic sentence for gay acts is the death penalty. Nobody should really travel to Yemen but especially not gay travelers.
Travel
Culturally Yemen is pretty unique and has or had some of the coolest cities in the world. However, now it would be impossible for you to see them without putting yourself in clear danger. I’m not even sure if it’s possible to get into Yemen but all western countries tell their citizens to avoid it entirely. The risk of being killed is high and even more so if you’re gay.
2. Syria
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Syria is pretty much on par with the worst country to travel in terms of safety and offers no protection for gay people or gay travelers. I put Syria at number 2 because it is extremely unsafe at the moment and would not be safe for any traveler let alone gay ones. The one glimmer of hope is that in the far distant future this country will recover and have some semblance of normalcy and perhaps even a gay tour group like it once had. Syria is extremely unsafe and should obviously be avoided.
Travel
Syria used to be an okay place to travel before 2010 but you can forget about traveling here. This is a war zone and if you were a westerner going into this country, you’re risking your life. Many of the beautiful monuments and mosques have been destroyed and most of the country is lawless. Not that you needed to know but being openly gay could get you killed here as well as coming in contact with a jihadist. Stay out of Syria.
1. Afghanistan
ShawnVoyage Total out of 10:
0.00
Reasoning
Afghanistan after years and years of war is still in serious trouble and suffers bombings and attacks from Islamic extremism. It would be very unsafe for any foreigner to enter Afghanistan and the chances of kidnapping are very high. Kabul routinely is attacked and westerners in the past were captured and murdered. It wouldn’t matter too much if you were gay or not at this point but yes Afghanistan has laws against gay people and could lead to your execution. There is essentially no safe part of Afghanistan and you are risking your life by going there.
Travel
Afghanistan is visually stunning and it is a shame that it’s almost completely lawless. It would be hard to even travel to any tourists sites given that the risk to do so is high. In fact, you would most likely be kidnapped and or killed. Being gay wouldn’t matter too much at that point but it would just be another thing for you to get in trouble with and murdered from. What used to be a beautiful country to travel in has essentially become a war zone and a no go zone for any traveler.
Thoughts
After researching these countries and understanding more about them, it does make me sad as a traveler. I think all of these countries would not be safe for any type of traveler, let alone a gay one. And I want to point out that these are only the worst of the worst. There are many countries that also don’t score well that gay travelers should consider before traveling like, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Guinea, Iran, Liberia, Mauritania, and Nigeria.
This type of post is to point out the facts and to help fellow travelers decide where to go or not. That’s why I enjoy making this type of post and that’s why I made the ranking page. I will be making more posts on this subject to help travelers better understand the world in which they travel in!
