A new update of the LGBTQ+ Risk Map, presented at ITB Berlin in August 2026, once again names Malta, Iceland, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain as the safest travel destinations for queer tourists worldwide. In contrast, the situation in the United States has drastically worsened according to experts and travelers. Particularly trans* individuals are facing new uncertainties, as indicated by the survey of international experts conducted by A3M Global Monitoring.

The most important thing at a glance

• The current LGBTQ+ Risk Map ranks Malta, Iceland, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain as the safest countries in the world.
• In the United States, the percentage of respondents who perceive social respect towards queer people decreased from 35 to 17 percent.
• Fewer and fewer LGBTQ+ people feel safe reporting hate crimes in the USA.
• Germany shows significant differences between urban, queer-friendly cities and rural, less tolerant regions.
• The map is based on surveys of travel experts and local LGBTQ+ organizations.

Progress in Europe and New Hope Bearers

The new map not only features well-known favorites like Malta or Canada among the safest destinations. Botswana and St. Lucia have also made headlines: Botswana repealed all laws against same-sex acts, making it one of the few African countries to do so, while St. Lucia followed suit in May 2025 with a remarkable court ruling. In May 2026, China's Supreme Court spoke out against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for the first time. Such developments give hope that social change is gaining momentum beyond Europe.

Deterioration of Freedom to Travel in the USA

The latest update of the Risk Map highlights a development that is causing concern among many queer travelers: The United States, long considered a relatively safe travel destination, is rapidly losing trust among queer tourists. According to A3M Global Monitoring, this is particularly evident following Donald Trump's reelection in 2025. The proportion of experts perceiving societal respect for queer individuals has halved. Trans* people face stricter restrictions and experience uncertainty regarding entry, documentation, and the use of public facilities. Additionally, the willingness to report hate crimes has further declined.

Germany: Islands of Visibility and Rural Shadows

Germany remains a country of contrasts for travelers. While cosmopolitan cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne offer a vibrant, open LGBTQ+ scene, experts warn of homophobic and transphobic environments outside the metropolitan areas. According to A3M Global Monitoring, there are No Go Areas for queer people in every country – but few places are as starkly contrasting as in the Federal Republic. Therefore, anyone planning a safe trip should consult local advice and knowledge.

Further development of the LGBTQ+ Risk Map

The Risk Map is based on information from A3M that comes from discussions with local organizations and statements from international travel professionals. The assessments specifically inquire about public sentiment, police behavior, and societal moods in tourism centers. The next update is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027 at ITB Berlin. This keeps the ranking a valuable tool for travel and consultations – and encourages the exploration of those regions where openness is more than just a tourist promise.