Which countries will be particularly queer-friendly in 2026 - and where will it be more difficult for LGBTQIA+ travelers? The "Gay Travel Index" shows climbers, regressors and the new frontrunners among vacation destinations.
For many LGBTQIA+ travelers, finding safe and welcoming destinations is often a challenge - even in countries that are traditionally considered liberal. According to the new "Gay Travel Index 2026", the most queer-friendly countries are mostly in Europe, with Germany in fourth place.
Since 2012, the "Gay Travel Index" of the Spartacus International Gay Guide has annually assessed the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in 217 countries and regions. It is based on 18 criteria, including the legal situation, social acceptance, freedom of the press and the risk of state repression.
The biggest surprises in the "Gay Travel Index 2026" come from Poland and Nepal. Poland shot up from 118th to 59th place in the ranking, Nepal from 53rd to 32nd place. For Poland, this is mainly attributed to progress in political rights, especially for trans people, as well as increased social openness. Nepal is also increasingly scoring points for growing tolerance and safety for queer travelers.
Iceland remains the friendliest country in the world for "gay travelers" with a plus of 14 points, while Yemen once again occupies the inglorious last position with minus 24. Malta, Spain, Belgium, Canada, Germany and Portugal follow in the top group. Compared to the previous year, Germany has moved up two places and is now the fourth most queer-friendly destination in the world.
A striking trend in 2026 according to the Spartacus report : While many countries are modernizing their legislation - for example in Europe and parts of Latin America - social acceptance is declining. Even in liberal pioneering countries such as Canada, Australia and Denmark, queerness is increasingly viewed with skepticism. The discrepancy between legal equality and a harsher social climate characterizes the image of the year.
Particular attention is being paid to the USA, which appears deeply divided in the 2026 index. Liberal states such as New York, Delaware and Rhode Island are continuously expanding their anti-discrimination protection. At the same time, conservative regions such as Idaho or Tennessee are tightening restrictive laws, blocking medical care for trans people or abolishing alternative gender options. For travelers, even a state border can mean the difference between a safe environment and a hostile atmosphere.
