Canada
LGBTQ+ friendly
Have an unforgettable time full of Pride and new friends in one of these countries, which all have strict anti-discrimination laws and plenty of local hangouts for the LGBTQ+ community.
Canada
Attending plenty of Pride events and enjoying the pristine nature.
In Canada, you can feel the pride of the people and its government. Over the years, the country has taken many legal strides to make the country safe and welcoming for the queer community, including legally recognizing a third gender option. There are also dozens of Pride events held throughout the year, most notably the vibrant Toronto Pride and Ottawa's Capital Pride, and gay villages are in every major city. When not exploring its thriving city gay scene, head out to its mountains for skiing or hiking, swimming in refreshing and clear lakes, or to the forest for camping and bonfires.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Canada.
Travelers are recommended to wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during travel. Travelers must also wear a mask in public in some provinces and cities.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required on public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
TorontoVancouverBanffJasper
Netherlands
Unique Pride events, a very open-minded society and a cosy-by-day, rockin'-by-night capital.
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage, all the way back in 2001. So it's no surprise that city locals don't even bat an eye when seeing an LGBTQ+ traveller. You won't want to miss Amsterdam for its lively neighbourhoods, diversity and welcoming atmosphere. It also hosts the Canal Parade every year in August and Roze Filmdagen, the LGBTQ+ film festival, in March. Rotterdam, the Hague and Utrecht are also well worth a visit.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Netherlands.
Foreign citizens regardless of their vaccination status and purpose of travel can enter The Netherlands. Travelers from Russia are not able to travel or transit through this country. The European Union closed its airspace for all Russian planes.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
AmsterdamRotterdamThe HagueEindhoven
Sweden
Just being able to walk down the street and freely express your affections to your partner.
Sweden has long been a country that has advocated LGBTQ+ rights - everything from the decriminalisation of homosexuality to declassifying "transgender identity" as an illness. While there may not be an overabundance of gay bars outside of the major cities, you can instead experience nature in its raw beauty. Come in the winter for northern lights, dogsled rides and stays in ice hotels. In the summer there are plenty of lakes to swim in and amazing hiking trails.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sweden without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Sweden.
Travelers from Russia are not able to travel or transit through an EU country. The European Union closed its airspace for all Russian planes.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required on public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
StockholmGothenburgMalmöKiruna
Malta
Quaint, historical towns, gorgeous beaches and friendly locals - all in a manageable size.
Malta is rising like a star on the radar of LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, mostly because of its positive view and support of the community. You're sure to find friendly like-minded locals who will happily show you the best hangouts in the gay scene and gay-friendly accommodation. If you also want to get some sun and sand, head to the more secluded beaches on the western part of the island, like Riviera Bay on the left side of the cove, or Ras il-Qarraba. The country has fantastic diving opportunities too, like wreck diving on Gozo.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Malta.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in enclosed environments.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
VallettaSt. Julian'sMelliehaSliema
Portugal
Gorgeous countrysides, beautiful raw beaches, seafood and Lisbon.
When in Portugal, you can relax and feel safe being yourself in the street - especially in the larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon has a great vibe and two main Pride events: Lisbon Pride in June and Lisbon Bear Pride in May, so early summer is a great time to check out the city. There are gay bars aplenty in the Principe Real and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods. And if you want to retreat to nature, head to the magical islands of Azores.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Portugal without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Portugal.
As of July 1. 2022 - COVID entry requirements have been lifted. Measures may be reviewed in accordance to the evolution of the pandemic.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required on public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
LisbonFaroPortoFunchal
Belgium
Picturesque European architecture, cute villages and very progressive equal rights laws - all in a manageable size.
It may take only three hours to drive from one side of this country to the other, but Belgium has made some monumental laws for the LGBT community early on. It was the second country to make same-sex relationships legal, and also the second to legalise gay marriage. Belgian Pride takes place in Brussels in May, and the capital also offers a few gay bars and clubs. Antwerp is also emerging as a lovely and LGBTQ+ friendly city within which to have fun and explore its medieval architecture.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belgium without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Belgium.
Belgium is now open for tourism as entry rules have been lifted.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required on public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
BrusselsBrugesAntwerpGhent
United Kingdom
Cities with larger-than-life party scenes and events, shopping, culinary delights and Pride galore.
The UK has the most Pride events of any country worldwide. And though many of them are held in hotspots like Manchester and Brighton, the lion's share takes place in London. In fact, London is proclaimed by many as the LGBTQ capital of the world. Especially Soho delivers, with not just clubs and bars but shops, cafés and restaurants and theatre performances for the diverse and open-minded. If you need to get away and relax, escape to Bath for its famous thermal spa treatments.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United Kingdom.
Travelers from Russia cannot fly directly to the United Kingdom.
This page covers COVID-19 related travel restrictions only. For other travel restrictions, please check the guidance from your local authorities.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
LondonManchesterEdinburghBrighton
Spain
Stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, beaches and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere.
Spain has very progressive rights (LGBT people gained the right to openly serve in the military back in 1995), fresh and flavourful tapas and seafood, varied architecture, loads of beaches and a vibrant queer scene. Thousands flock to Madrid every year for its Pride festivities and cultural events like Les Gai Cine Mad LGBT film festival. If you're there for the wild parties, don't miss Gran Canaria and Ibiza but also Sitges, the home of Carneval, a week-long party held early March.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Spain.
Travelers from Russia cannot fly directly to Spain.
This page covers COVID-19 related travel restrictions only. For other travel restrictions, please check the guidance from your local authorities.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
MadridBarcelonaBenidormPalma de Mallorca
Uruguay
A totally laid-back culture where visitors from the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and enjoy nature.
Uruguay is an LGBTQ sanctuary in the heart of South America. Its biggest event for the community is Marcha por la Diversidad, held in Montevideo in September, which often draws crowds of more than 100,000. As the capital, Montevideo has the most gay bars and hangouts in the country - don't forget to stop by The Plaza of Sexual Diversity. Outside the capital, Punta del Este is increasing its attractiveness as a luxury LGBT area and offers beautiful beaches, tranquil nature and world-class wines.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uruguay without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Uruguay.
Travelers can enter Uruguay as long as they have the proper documentation.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
MontevideoPunta del EsteColonia del SacramentoPiriápolis
Norway
Fresh air, mountain treks, wonderfully genuine parades and a charming capital.
Like its Nordic sister countries, Norway has been supporting the LGBTQ community for years - starting all the way back in 1972 with the legalisation of homosexuality. The capital Oslo hosts its Pride event every year in June, with Bergen to the west hosting its parade in May. Because of its magical combination of LGBTQ support and nature lovers, some fun alternative events also exist - notably Skeive Ski in Hemsedal. This four-day gathering celebrates diversity with ski and snowboard competitions, queer nights and aprés ski.
Entry information
OpenMost visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway without restrictions.
Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Norway.
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Local summary
Masks:Not required in public spaces and public transportation.
Restaurants:Open
For more information, visit our guidance for global travel page.
Flight, stay and hire car pricing per city
OsloBergenTromsøStavanger