In an unusual move from the State Department, a “worldwide caution” travel alert was issued on May 17, warning of “increased potential for foreign-terrorist-organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events.” The blanket global warning for US citizens traveling overseas comes ahead of Pride Month and advises travelers to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.”
The broad advisory is unlike standard State Department issuances, which grade the safety levels associated with traveling to specific countries on a scale ranging from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel.”) A similarly wide worldwide travel advisory was last issued in October, warning against demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The latest alert “feels more broad than anything we’ve seen, but it’s also just another reminder that LGBTQ+ travelers are targets in certain parts of the world,” John Tanzella, the president and CEO of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), tells Condé Nast Traveler.
The advisory comes exactly a week after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a public service announcement about foreign terror organizations’ potentially targeting upcoming Pride gatherings in June (the FBI did not distinguish between domestic and international threats in the May 10 announcement). The State Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“Sadly, it’s not all that uncommon to hear warnings for LGBTQI+ travelers lately,” says Miles Mitchinson, owner of gay adventure travel company Detours, pointing to last summer’s Canadian advisory against travel to certain parts of the US and the UK’s warnings last month about discrimination in parts of Greece.
How LGBTQ+ travelers can stay safe
“Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person always carries a certain degree of risk,” says Tanzella, of the IGLTA. “It is the reality of our world, with more than 60 countries criminalizing our relationships—and a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world.”
Despite those challenges, he adds that “it’s crucial not to let fear completely stifle travel,” noting that the community should “prioritize vigilance” when traveling, particularly during Pride Month.
The State Department’s advisory suggests US travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends alerts in precarious situations and can inform the local embassy of your whereabouts during an emergency. The social media sites for the State Department, such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), also provide real-time updates.
Both Tanzella and Mitchinson say it’s important for LGBTQ+ travelers to research the laws and cultural norms of their travel destinations prior to departure. Country-specific guides to regulations around the world can be found on the State Department website under each country’s travel page in the “Local Laws & Special Circumstances” section, which has a subsection with resources specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Additionally, Mitchinson suggests the International Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association travel map as another reliable resource. Planning trips with LGBTQ+ travel experts (IGLTA’s own network includes more than 13,000 travel professionals) can also offer travelers an extra level of assurance, Tanzella says. He adds that people attending large-scale Pride events in June can also reach out to the event organizers with questions about security measures.
“We have long been a community whose first instinct is not necessarily to retreat, hide, or cancel all travel plans,” Mitchinson says. By connecting with reputable resources, staying on top of the news, and following advice to stay alert, he says individuals can make the decisions that best align with their own risk tolerance.
Tanzella agrees, with this advice for LGBTQ+ travelers: “Don’t be afraid of the world, but always research information specific to your travels.”
