Research Your Destination

Visit our Traveler’s Checklist. Review our country information pages for information specific to LGBTQI+ travelers (under Special Laws & Circumstances). 

Update Your Passport

Some LGBTQI+ travelers have reported difficulties entering a country on a passport bearing a name and photo that no longer correspond to their gender identity. 

• To change your name only, see Change or Correct a Passport.
• To select the gender marker on your passport, see the Selecting your Gender Marker page.
• As of April 11, 2022, U.S. citizens can select an X as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application.
• While the United States Government issues passports with the X gender marker, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You may face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the X gender marker.  Before you travel, check with the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States for more information.
• In late 2023, we will begin offering the X gender marker on Consular Reports of Birth Abroad for U.S. citizens born abroad.  In the meantime, follow the instructions on how to Replace or Amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) to update your gender marker (binary M and F gender markers currently available).

Pack Important Documents

LGBTQI+ travelers should take copies of important documents, especially when traveling in countries where legal rights differ from those in the United States:

• Legal and health documents (such as a living will or health care directive).
• Parentage and/or custody documents for accompanying minor children (especially if your children do not share your last name).
• Contact information for your family and/or lawyer in the United States, including someone who has a copy of your itinerary.
• Address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, in English and the local language.

Consider Buying Insurance

Travel insurance can cover your costs during emergencies, including in cases where medical evacuation may be required. Some insurance companies have products specifically tailored to LGBTQI+ travelers. Verify that any insurance you purchase will cover all traveling family members.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. 

• We encourage all travelers to enroll in STEP, regardless of gender identity.
• Enter information about your upcoming time abroad so that we can send you current Travel Advisories and Alerts. 
• In case of emergency, include an email address or phone number where we can reach you when traveling.
• Note: While additional technological updates are needed to make the X gender marker option available when enrolling travel in STEP, gender is not a required field on the enrollment form. We appreciate travelers’ patience as we continue the process of updating our systems to include the X gender marker.

Here are some pointers for staying safe while abroad:

• Remember you are subject to the laws of the country where you travel. In many countries, consensual same-sex sexual activity, public gathering, or dissemination of pro-LGBTQI+ material—among other things relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics—may be illegal. Read the country information for your destination for more details.
• Be cautious of potentially risky situations.
• Watch out for entrapment campaigns. Police in some countries monitor websites, mobile apps, or meeting places, so be cautious connecting with the local community.
• Be wary of new-found “friends.” Criminals may target or attempt to extort LGBTQI+ foreigners.
• Some resorts or LGBTQI+ neighborhoods can be quite segregated. Be aware attitudes in surrounding areas can be much less accepting.

If You Need Help, Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to help if you run into problems overseas, especially if you feel you cannot approach local police or have had difficulties already.

• Consular officers will protect your privacy and will not make generalizations, assumptions, or pass judgment.
• Let them know about any inappropriate treatment or harassment you experience.
• If you are arrested, immediately ask the police to notify the U.S. Embassy.

Living Abroad with your Foreign National Spouse or Partner

• Check the website of the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States to learn about any special documentation requirements, such as work authorization or a residence visa. 

Obtaining a U.S. Visa for your Foreign National Spouse or Fiancé

• Read our information about visas for same-sex spouses or fiancés
• For information on filing an immigration petition for your same-sex spouse or fiancé, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Same-Sex Marriages page.

Adopting Children Overseas

• If you plan on traveling overseas to adopt, be aware that some foreign countries do not permit LGBTQI+ individuals or same-sex couples to adopt. See Resources for LGBTQI+ Adoption.

Registering the Birth of your Child Born Abroad

• If your child was born abroad, they may be eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Learn more about eligibility requirements and application procedures.
• Keep in mind important legal considerations for children born abroad conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy. 
• Laws about the use of surrogacy and ART for LGBTQI+ individuals and couples vary by country. Some same-sex parents using a surrogate abroad have had difficulties bringing their baby home after changes in local surrogacy laws.
• In late 2023, we will begin offering the X gender marker on Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.  In the meantime, CRBA applicants must choose a binary gender marker (M and F gender markers currently available).

• TSA Transgender Passenger information
• Traveler’s Checklist
• IGLTA, the International Gay/Lesbian Travel Association
• International Lesbian and Gay Association
• Equaldex collaborative LGBT knowledge base
• The Trevor Project is a private organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQI+ young people ages 13-24.
• National Center for Transgender Equality travel page.