Safety is a concern that should be top of mind for all travelers, but for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, safety is especially important as there are additional challenges they may face while traveling. Legal and cultural acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community varies throughout the world, so here are some recommended steps to take before traveling.

Do Your Research

Research is one of the most important things you can do prior to traveling outside of your home country. While many popular destinations such as France, Spain, and Mexico are more accepting of the community at large, according to the U.S. Department of State website, there are approximately 70 countries that consider LGBTQIA+ relations a crime. You can search by destination on the U.S. Department of State's website to view a country's local laws and special circumstances relating to LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Beyond researching a country’s laws and regulations, it is also a good idea to explore a destination’s accommodations and service providers to find LGBTQIA+ friendly establishments. IMG is a proud member of the IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian+ Tourism Association), which provides a useful directory of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals that are all supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Prepare Important Documentation

Make sure your passport is up to date. If the name, photo, or gender marker on your passport does not match your current presentation, you could run into difficulties entering another country. If possible, it is recommended to update your passport and select the appropriate gender marker prior to traveling internationally to avoid any potential issues and ensure a more seamless travel experience.

Have copies on hand of your emergency contact information for a trusted friend or family member as well as the contact information for legal representation, especially if you are traveling to a country where the legal rights for LGBTQIA+ people differ from your home country. Keep the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you in case you need help while abroad and don’t feel comfortable going to the local police.

Another important document to consider before traveling is a Power of Attorney form. By submitting a Power of Attorney form to your state’s Department of Revenue, this designates who has the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf in certain capacities, such as medical care.

Protect Your Travels with Travel Insurance

To make sure you are protected in the event something unexpected happens before or during your trip, IMG’s iTravelInsured travel protection plans offer a wide range of benefits related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, and much more. With an iTravelInsured travel protection plan, you can protect your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses should you have to cancel a trip for a covered reason. iTravelInsured travel protection plans also offer 24/7 access to travel assistance experts who can provide emergency travel arrangements, embassy or consulate referrals, lost passport or travel documents assistance, and many other assistance services.

IMG’s welcoming and knowledgeable staff is composed of experts who are well-versed in the nuances of different cultures and languages to help customers navigate any issues they may have while traveling. You can compare IMG’s travel protection plans and get a quote today.

No matter who you are or where you're going, let us give you Global Peace of Mind as you head into the unknown.