US issues surprise new warning about travel to this country

The advisory’s focus on LGBTQ discrimination goes against current White House strategy.

Apr 28, 2025 - 19:39

US issues surprise new warning about travel to this country

While the Trump administration is currently focused on scaling back multiple protections and programs for LGBTQ individuals, the U.S. government has for many years warned such travelers about countries where they could face discrimination or even prosecution.

“Travelers can face unique challenges abroad based on their real or perceived sexual orientation,” the State Department writes in a travel guidance page from 2024. “[…] More than 60 countries consider consensual same-sex relations a crime. In some of these countries, people who engage in consensual same-sex relations may face severe punishment.”

Countries which criminalize LGBTQ relationships and in some cases even individuals include Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Guyana, Brunei, and United Arab Emirates.

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‘Crimes, terrorism, and laws targeting persons on the basis of sexual orientation’

While the African nation of Uganda is a popular destination for those looking to experience a safari, the U.S. government has recently upped its travel advisory rating to level three’s “reconsider travel.”

The four-tier system reserves the highest “do not travel” rating to countries with authoritarian governments and active war zones.

In 2024, Uganda saw just under 1.4 million international arrivals to the country; some of the most popular activities include hiking and boat rides through the country’s numerous waterfalls, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and visiting sanctuaries for African animals like the rhino.

Uganda is also home to numerous luxury resorts offering lodges from which one can see these animals up close.

“Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and laws targeting persons on the basis of sexual orientation,” the advisory reads. “Exercise increased caution due to potential security risks and the unpredictable nature of public demonstrations.”

The advisory was updated on April 23 to note the presidential elections taking place in 2026 and warned of foreigners being caught up in crowds where police can break up demonstrations.

“National elections are set for January to February 2026,” the updated section reads. “When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn chaotic, security services respond with force. They have used batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to break up the crowds.”

‘Fines, imprisonment, or attacks by vigilantes or mobs’

While the advisory was focused on telling travelers to avoid demonstrations and keep a low profile, the warning page for the country also has an extensive section on the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that the country passed in 2023.

Putting Uganda among countries with the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world, the AHA makes anyone convicted of homosexual activity liable for life imprisonment while a sentence of “aggravated homosexuality” could carry the death penalty. The law has repeatedly been called out by Western governments and multiple human rights organizations.

More on travel:

“The 2023 AHA applies to both visitors and residents of Uganda,” the government wrote when the law was passed in 2023. “The AHA increases the danger for persons who may be targeted on the basis of their sexual orientation, those seen as or perceived to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those accused of ‘promoting homosexuality.’ They could face fines, imprisonment, or the death penalty and may also face harassment, violence, or attacks by vigilantes or mobs.”