Important Travel Information For Transgender, Nonbinary, & GNC Guests

At Out Adventures, we believe that every traveller deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

As one of the world’s leading LGBTQIA+ tour operators, it’s our responsibility to go above and beyond to support the most vulnerable in our community.

Today, LGBTQIA+ rights continue to be debated and, in some places, rolled back. And in the travel world, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) travellers experience an extra set of unique barriers.

This guide was created to help. Whether you’re navigating travel documents, airport security, or just looking for peace of mind before takeoff, we hope these resources offer clarity, confidence, and support.

Navigating Travel as a Trans, Nonbinary, or GNC Person

Transgender travellers around the world have long faced barriers to safe and affirming travel. In early 2025, concerns escalated when the U.S. government announced it would no longer issue passports with “X” gender markers or allow updates that reflect transgender individuals’ lived identities—part of a broader wave of anti-trans legislation and executive orders.

In response to the current climate, urgent questions arise: What documents are required? What to expect? What legal protections exist? And how safe is it to cross international borders as a trans person in today’s climate?

Current Recommendations for TGNC Travellers

A great first step is researching desired destinations. Tools like Equaldex can help you understand current LGBTQIA+ laws and cultural attitudes around the world. Having a general sense of local customs and norms can help travellers feel more prepared and confident.

TGNC Traveller Check List

Be sure to prepare all necessary and recommended travel documents in advance. Here’s a helpful checklist to help ensure a smoother, more affirming experience.

• Valid passport
  • Ensure your name, date of birth, and gender marker match your ticket exactly.
    
• Government-Issued ID
  • Bring a backup form of ID (e.g. driver’s license or national ID card) in case it’s requested during domestic travel or for hotel check-ins.
    
• Copies of Legal Name/Gender Marker Change Documents (Optional but helpful)
  • If your documents don’t match, carrying a copy of your legal name or gender marker change documents may be helpful if questioned.
    
• Medical Documentation (if traveling with prescriptions)
  • Make sure to carry prescriptions in the original packaging.
  • Ensure all medications are legal in the destination.
    
• Travel Insurance Info
  • Make sure the name and gender marker on your insurance match your ID.
    
• TSA or Airport Security Notification Card (for U.S. travellers)
  • You can print a card from the TSA website to discreetly communicate medical conditions, gender-related info, or mobility needs. (i.e. “My carry-bag contains syringes for my prescription hormone therapy. I can provide a doctor’s note and proof of prescription.)
    
• Embassy or Consulate Contact Information
  • Embassies may provide support or help if documents are questioned.
    
• Copies of All Documents
  • Keep both paper and digital backups of your passport, prescriptions, travel insurance, and ID.

X Gender Marker

Due to a recent executive order recognizing only binary sex markers, the U.S. State Department has temporarily paused issuing passports with the X gender marker. This suspension affects new applications and those currently in process—but if you already hold a valid passport with an X marker, you can still use it for travel, including re-entry to the U.S. 

That said, not all countries recognize the X gender marker, so it’s important to check with your destination’s embassy in advance. Policies are evolving, so staying informed through official government sources is key. While this shift is deeply concerning, you are not alone. We’re committed to supporting our trans and gender-diverse travellers and will continue to share resources and guidance to help you travel with confidence and care.

Because this policy is actively evolving, we strongly encourage you to check official government sources for the most up-to-date information. Here are some resources by country:

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/sex-marker.html
Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/change-sex.html
Australia: https://www.passports.gov.au/SexAndGenderDiverse
New Zealand: https://www.passports.govt.nz/change-your-name-or-gender/change-your-gender-in-your-passport

Navigating Full-body Scanners

Full-body scanners at airport security can create issues for trans and gender-diverse travellers. Although the technology has improved, the system still operates on a binary model—agents must choose either a “male” or “female” scan setting. If your body doesn’t match the scanner’s expectations based on that selection, it may flag something as an “anomaly,” leading to additional screening.

If you’re based in the U.S., enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can make the airport experience significantly smoother. These programs offer expedited screening and, in most cases, allow you to bypass full-body scanners altogether—helping reduce stress, wait times, and unnecessary interactions. While not guaranteed, PreCheck often leads to a quicker and more private screening process.

Know Your Rights

All travellers in the U.S. have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and discretion by TSA agents. If issues arise, you have the right to request a private screening and to speak with a supervisor at any time. You’re also entitled to bring a friend or travel companion with you during a private screening. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself—you deserve to travel safely and with support.

For more information and tips on navigating airport security, check out this article.

Enroll in STEP

If you’re a U.S. citizen, consider enrolling in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before your trip. This service allows you to register your travel plans with the U.S. Department of State so they can contact you quickly in case of an emergency abroad. If any issues arise—such as questions about your documents—your local U.S. embassy or consulate can often provide support and guidance.

Optional Questions To Help Us Support You

We understand that navigating travel as a trans or gender-diverse person can bring up unique challenges. We’re here to offer support and resources when needed, and we aim to create a respectful, inclusive experience for everyone. For transparency, here are some of the optional questions we may ask during booking:

• Name as it appears on passport
• Preferred name (optional)
• Pronouns (optional)
• Gender marker on passport 
• Is there anything you’d like us to know to support your comfort and safety while traveling with us?

Sensitive information like legal name or gender marker will remain private and only be shared with team members on a need-to-know basis. Preferred name and pronouns may be shared with guides and fellow travellers to help foster an inclusive group environment, but always with your consent.

Out Adventures’ Commitment To Your Safety

What sets us apart from other LGBTQ+ travel companies is our commitment to personalized service and safety. We work behind the scenes to ensure every traveller is welcomed with open arms. That includes having clear conversations with our partners to confirm they share our values of inclusion and requiring all guides and staff to complete diversity and inclusion training. While not every guide is part of the LGBTQ+ community, each one is carefully vetted and equipped with the tools to host our groups with care, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

We also ensure that all accommodations are LGBTQ+ welcoming—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind, knowing we’ve done the work to support you every step of the way.

During the trip, we travel together as a group for most activities, which naturally adds a layer of safety and support. That said, we always build in free time so travellers can explore independently at their own pace. If anything comes up during that time, your host or group leader will be available 24/7 to assist.

If you feel comfortable, you can share your live location with the host or group leader through apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps. This can offer added peace of mind and help us stay connected.

Our world is a vast and beautiful place filled with an unending diversity of landscapes and people. As travel experts, our mission is to introduce all travellers to the cultural wonders of our destinations, and it’s our top priority to keep them safe during the trip.

If you have any questions or concerns about a destination, a tour, or the logistics of traveling as a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming person, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@OutAdventures.com. We may not have all the answers, but we want you to know: we stand with you, we support you, and we’re committed to navigating this ever-changing landscape together.