If you are a trans or non-binary person who intends to travel abroad, you may want to be aware of the laws of countries you may be visiting. The list of countries that criminalise on the basis of gender expression is much shorter than the list of countries that criminalise homosexuality, but is still information to be aware of for your safety.

The list below contains the maximum sentences in each country against the gender expression of trans people. While this list is useful as a first indicator of a country's stance, it is no means definitive and tells you very little about the specific laws in each individual location. The different offences resulting in each sentence below may be very different.

We recommend that before travelling anywhere you first check the Foreign Office website, search for the desired country, and look for guidance directed at LGBT+ people in the ‘Local laws and customs’ tab.

It's also worth noting that countries not on this list are not necessarily safe for trans people, who in many parts of the world are at risk of violence and persecution, even if the country in question has not legislated against trans people. 

For further information, check the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association website.

Brunei

Up to 3 months in prison, a fine of up to $1000, or both

Gambia

Up to 5 years in prison and a possible fine

Indonesia

Up to 2 years and 8 months in prison, or a fine

Kuwait

Up to 1 year in prison, 1000 Kuwaiti dinar fine, or both

Lebanon

Up to 6 years in prison

Malawi

Up to six months in prison, fines up to K50

Malaysia

Up to 3 years in prison, fines, and mandatory counselling

Myanmar

Up to 3 months in prison

Nigeria

Up to 10 years in prison

Oman

Up to 1 year in prison and a fine of OMR300

Saudi Arabia

Unspecified sentence, but Saudi Arabia has arrested, flogged, and imprisoned those who appear to be cross-dressers

South Sudan

Up to 1 year in prison

Sri Lanka

Up to 3 years in prison and a possible fine

Tonga

Up to 1 year in prison, up to $100 fine, or both

United Arab Emirates

Up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to 10000 dirhams

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Check out Which countries criminalise homosexuality?

For more information, check out Human Dignity Trust, Human Rights Watch, and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.