Traveler Security Tips plus advice for women and LGBTQ travelers

BASIC TRAVEL TIPS – what you should do every time you travel

• Don't stand out: dress inconspicuously and avoid displaying jewellery or valuables such as laptop computers or cameras.

• Do not carry large sums of cash.

• Familiarize yourself with your destination - the layout of the city and important routes – and be vigilant.

• Always carry a charged phone programmed with useful numbers - your hotel, local colleagues, police, or embassy - and the International SOS Assistance app.

• When out and about, keep a safe distance from large, unpredictable crowds – demonstrations or political rallies - and avoid commotions on the street.

• Don't give out personal information and don't discuss your plans with strangers.

• Memorize useful local phrases (please, thank you, yes, no, how much, stop here, etc.).

• Don't drink to excess: it is likely to reduce your level of awareness and judgment.

• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers: keep your food and drink in sight when socialising.

• Carry cash in more than one pocket, and keep a small amount in a top pocket to hand over to a criminal who confronts you. A dummy wallet – with a small amount of local currency, an expired credit card and some useless receipts – can be useful to satisfy a mugger.

• If walking in public, carry small denominations of currency and keep the bulk of cash and cards in a money belt, which should only be accessed in private places.

• If you suspect that you are being followed, enter any busy public place and call for help.

TIPS FOR USING SHARING ECONOMY SERVICES

• Confirm the services are legal at your destination.

• Use ‘for business' versions of the services.

• Safe use of sharing economy services for transport and accommodation services varies significantly according to your profile and destination: if in doubt, or for profile-specific advice, contact ISOS Assistance Centers.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELERS - Female travelers face additional risks in some destinations

• Observe and respect local clothing customs. Dress modestly to avoid drawing attention.

• Confirm the suitability of transport options at your destination, and prioritize security in your choice of transport.

• In some countries, a lone female traveler is a source of curiosity; you may be stared at if traveling alone. As a precaution, avoid eye contact with strangers, especially on the street and on public transport. Avoid wearing headphones, talking on the phone or texting when commuting or on foot to prevent appearing distracted and vulnerable.

• A wedding ring – even a fake one – can reduce levels of unwanted male attention.

• Decline politely but firmly any invitations which make you feel uncomfortable, even if faced by amicable pressure to accept.

• Ignore suggestive comments. If the situation escalates, do not be afraid to draw attention to yourself; typically, bystanders and locals will come to your aid.

• A door wedge and/or portable alarm are useful items for extra security in some destinations.

• Request a room near the lift lobby and on the third floor or above, or on the women-only floor if one is available. Ask your hotel reception to write down your room number for you instead of saying it out loud.

• If traveling alone, restrict evening entertainment to business-class hotels or membership clubs.

• Check additional precautions advised for women travelers; call for advice if you have any concerns about the specific risks you might face in a given destination.

ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR LGBTQ TRAVELERS

Regarding Gender X on passports:  On February 11, 2025 the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued an update that states issued passports bearing the Gender X marker remain valid until expiration.

Homosexuality is illegal in many countries. Additionally, social attitudes in many countries can result in harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) groups; harassment is also frequently reported in countries where same-sex relationships are legal. Transgender travelers also risk facing delays or difficulties at border controls and immigration points if they present as a different gender to that which is stated in their passport.

The following steps can be taken to minimize the likelihood of encountering social, legal or physical consequences arising from your sexual orientation:

• Keep a low profile: LGBT travelers generally face harassment or legal censure only if they draw attention to their sexuality. In higher risk locations, LGBT travelers should avoid drawing attention to themselves through public displays of affection or expressing opinions on LGBT issues in public. If LGBT employees receive unusual attention or are victims of abuse, they should leave the area and go back to their hotel or office.

• Follow the law: Travelers should always comply with local laws, including in countries where LGBT activity is illegal.

• Be vigilant: LGBT travelers should exercise higher levels of vigilance in areas with a higher likelihood of physical assault. They should remain alert to their surroundings, check for signs of being followed and be wary of over-friendly strangers. In some instances, the latter could be a tactic employed by individuals with violent homophobic intentions, or the sign of an entrapment campaign by police in countries where homosexuality is illegal.

• LGBT travelers should consider temporarily removing from mobile communications devices any applications or images which could inadvertently expose them to greater scrutiny from the authorities. This is especially important for countries where homosexuality is illegal (see below), and where scrutiny of electronic devices is common on arrival.

• Concerned LGBT travelers should call the Assistance Center for a detailed assessment of location-specific risks. 

In some countries, local authorities may be reluctant to provide assistance to LGBT individuals that have been targeted or assaulted due to their sexual orientation. If LGBT travelers do not feel confident reporting an incident to local authorities, victims should call International SOS and Control Risks, or their local embassy or consulate for advice and support.

Americas

Homosexuality is legal in most countries of the region, though violent verbal or physical attacks on LGBT individuals occur in some Central and South American nations, and it is best to avoid public displays of affection as a security precaution.

Homosexuality is illegal in some Caribbean nations, including Jamaica and Barbados; verbal and physical attacks on LGBT individuals occur regularly.

Africa

Homosexuality is illegal in the following countries: Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan; punishment can include the death penalty. Harassment of LGBT individuals is common.

Homosexuality is also illegal, and imprisonment and some harassment of LGBT individuals may be experienced, in the following countries: Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, , Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Asia

Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Kiribati, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, and parts of Indonesia.

In Afghanistan, homosexuality is punishable by death. In Brunei, Malaysia, and the Maldives, an LGBT individual could face Sharia law punishments such as whipping, imprisonment, or death by stoning; more commonly, punishment involves fines and jail. In Pakistan, while homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment, this is not uniformly implemented.

In Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kiribati, Myanmar, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka and Tonga homosexuality is punishable by fines and extended imprisonment.

Laws against homosexuality are only sporadically enforced in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kiribati, Myanmar, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Tonga. However LGBT individuals are vulnerable to police harassment.

Homosexuality is legal in India and most parts of Indonesia. Laws against homosexuality in the Indonesian provinces of Aceh and South Sumatra provinces apply to Muslims, but not non-Muslims.

Europe 

Homosexuality is legal in most European countries. Homosexuality is legal in Russia but there are laws against its expression, including fines for people giving information about homosexuality to minors. In recent years, countries such as Croatia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have all taken steps to attempt to restrict marriage as a union between a man and a woman only, or have adopted laws that prohibit marriage equality.

In the Balkans, there were several instances of attacks during events organized by the LGBT community (e.g. annual gay pride marches). Violent verbal or physical attacks on LGBT individuals occur in the region and it is best to avoid public displays of affection as a security precaution. .

Central Asia

Male homosexuality is illegal in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, where the sentence can be up to two and three years imprisonment respectively.

Middle East

Homosexuality is illegal in most countries. Homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran and Saudi Arabia , and could be punished by prison sentences, deportation or other significant punitive measures in many other countries. Same-sex relationships are legal in Israel and Jordan, though harassment can occur in both countries.