Foreign laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics SOGIESC can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada. Research and prepare for your trip in advance to help your travels go smoothly. Visit the Travel Advice and Advisories pages for your destination countries.
Research the laws, safety recommendations and social customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in your destination country. Some useful resources include:. While you are travelling outside Canada, you are subject to, and must follow, the local laws of your destination country, even if these laws infringe on your human rights.
Not all countries have the same values and legal system that we have in Canada. As a result, it is important for you to be informed about the legal framework and social customs governing sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in your destination country. You should always be conscious of your personal, and online, safety while you travel. Be conscious of your online presence and any public-facing content that may disclose information about your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.
Depending on your destination, this information may affect your safety or have legal implications. In many countries, only heterosexual relationships between cisgender people are recognized as legal and accepted by society. In some cases, same-sex relationships are not recognized, and are criminalized. Even if your relationship is legally recognized in Canada, this may not be the case abroad.
Local laws in destination countries may be enforced or applied inconsistently. For instance, countries that criminalize same-sex relations may also use the law to criminalize gender identities and gender expressions. You may face discrimination because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Canadian children should carry a consent letter if they are travelling abroad alone, with only one parent or guardian, with friends or relatives or with a group.
