Poland is the climber of the year, while the US shows deep divisions. Iceland is the most LGBTIQ*-friendly travel destination in the world.
The updated SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index, presented by Booking.com and its Travel Proud initiative, provides an overview of the situation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, asexual, and queer people (LGBTIQ*) in a total of 217 countries and regions.
The 2026 Index is led by Iceland, followed by Malta and Spain in 2nd place, and Belgium, Canada, Germany, and Portugal in 4th place. While Poland and Nepal significantly improved their rankings, countries like Iraq, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan deteriorated. A group of countries (especially in Europe and parts of Latin America) has improved due to progressive legislation—particularly regarding self-determination rights for trans people— while others are falling back due to a worsening social climate or even physical danger. It is noticeable that social acceptance (“Locals Hostile”) is coming under pressure even in liberal pioneer states like Canada, Australia, or Denmark, causing them to lose ground in the ranking—also because the top group is moving closer together
The Winners: Poland and Nepal
The biggest climber is Poland, which moves up from rank 118 to rank 59 with an increase of six points. Following political changes, trans rights, protection against state repression, and the social environment have noticeably improved. Nepal is also developing positively: With the introduction of self-ID procedures for trans people and growing social tolerance, the country is significantly gaining attractiveness for queer travelers. The Himalayan country is now ranked 32nd, improving by 21 places
The Losers: Iraq, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan
In contrast, there are clear steps backward. Iraq, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan each lose three points and drop in the ranking to places 208 and 202, respectively. Reports of increasing violence and state repression worsen the risk assessment. A negative trend can also be seen in parts of Western Europe and Oceania: Countries like Canada, Australia, or Denmark are losing points in the “Locals Hostile” category as survey ratings on the social acceptance of LGBTIQ* people decline. A central pattern in 2026 is therefore the discrepancy between stable or improved laws and an increasingly harsh social climate. At the bottom of the SPARTACUS GAY TRAVEL INDEX 2026 are Afghanistan, Chechnya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen
Deep Division in the US
A special focus in 2026 is on the US, which shows deep divisions. Liberal states like Delaware, Rhode Island, and Michigan continue to expand anti-discrimination protections and legal equality, significantly improving their rankings.Delaware, for example, is abolishing the so-called “Gay/Trans Panic Defense”. At the same time, conservative states like Idaho are significantly tightening their legislation. Censorship measures, restrictions on medical care for trans people, and the blocking or abolition of a third gender option characterize the development there. For travelers, this means: Only a state border can lie between a “Safe State” and a hostile environment. While New York State, California, and Nevada lead the list of the most LGBTIQ*-friendly states, Tennessee brings up the rear.
The SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index 2026 is available for download immediately. Two interactive maps additionally invite a clear comparison of the values with previous years:
https://spartacus.travel/blog/spartacus-gay-travel-index
Spartacus International Gay Guide App
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