Australian Government issues LGBTI travel advice

The Australian Government has published a Smart Travellers guide for LGBTI travellers with advice about researching destinations before travelling, particular issues for LGBTI travellers (eg travelling in rural areas, awareness of local dress codes, restrictions on accommodation), local laws, travelling with children and sex and gender diverse passport holders.

The guide has been released following consultations with LGBTI rights groups and Foreign Minister Bob Carr at the LGBTI Roundtable and DFAT Roundtable. It comes weeks after the Smart Traveller website warned LGBTI travellers against visiting Russia since the introduction of ‘homophobic propaganda’ laws which could lead to LGBTI tourists from Australia facing fines, deportation or imprisonment.