3.1 Age
Definition: A person belonging to a particular age or range of ages (for example, 18 to 30 year olds).
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Alcohol consumption age limits
- Rental car limitations (typically 25+)
- Age-based social hierarchies may also influence professional or research interactions
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Check the local legal age for activities such as driving, alcohol, or hotel check-in.
- Carry proof of age if needed (passport, national ID).
3.2 Disability
Definition: A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment or long-term health condition which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Limited physical accessibility of travel facilities and buildings
- Unavailable or insufficient healthcare or medication
- A lack of legislative protections
- Poor recognition of hidden disabilities
- Different cultural attitudes towards ‘ability’ or ‘disability’.
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Contact transport providers and hotels in advance about accessibility.
- Carry medical documents and prescriptions in English and, if possible, in the local language.
- Identify the nearest medical facilities before you arrive.
3.3 Gender Identity1
Definition: A person has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment if they are proposing to undergo, are undergoing or have undergone a process (or part of a process) to reassign their sex by changing physiological or other attributes of sex.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Higher discrimination in some countries
- Mismatch between legal documents and gender presentation
- Legal penalties in certain jurisdictions
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Check whether your gender marker on ID matches local legal recognition – plan accordingly for border checks.
- Carry a letter from your GP or relevant authority explaining any medical devices or medication.
- Avoid disclosing personal information unnecessarily.
Useful resources:
3.4 Marriage and civil partnership
Definition: Marriage is a legally recognised union between two people. In the UK, same-sex couples can alternatively have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably, except in specific legal contexts permitted by the Equality Act2.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Non-recognition or criminalisation of same-sex unions
- Lack of next-of-kin rights
- Impact on accommodation or healthcare access
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Carry necessary documentation if your relationship status may affect access to healthcare or accommodation.
- Book twin rooms if in a same-sex relationship and travelling to countries where it may be illegal.
Useful resources:
3.5 Pregnancy and maternity
Definition: Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant; maternity refers to the post-birth period, including protections against discrimination for 26 weeks, such as during breastfeeding. In some countries, pregnancy or childbirth outside marriage may exclude you from local medical insurance (distinct from international travel insurance). Abortion access can be heavily restricted, even in life-saving situations.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Limited medical cover
- Restricted abortion access (even in emergencies)
- Cultural norms around breastfeeding
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Carry a medical letter from your GP stating your due date and travel clearance.
- Confirm insurance covers pregnancy-related care in your destination.
- Research local hospital facilities and birthing options.
Useful resources:
3.6 Race
Definition: Race refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Minority ethnicity travellers may face harassment, racial profiling, or hate crimes.
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Learn about local cultural norms and potential racial sensitivities.
- Meanings of race depend on history, time and place: racial categories mean different meanings in different places. Awareness about these locally and historically situated differences can contribute to better communication and better risk management (for example, the term “coloured” is in common use in South Africa, including as a self-proclaimed identity, but is offensive in the US).
- In high-risk areas, avoid travelling alone at night; share your live location with a trusted contact.
3.7 Religion and belief
Definition: Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief includes any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Lack of acknowledgement of religious beliefs
- Legal penalties for atheism, blasphemy, or religious conversion
- Restrictions on religious practice
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Research laws on religious practice; avoid carrying items that may be restricted (e.g. certain texts or symbols).
- In countries with strict dress codes, plan clothing accordingly.
3.8 Sex
Definition: A man or a woman.3
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Gender-based travel restrictions
- Legal or cultural dress codes
- Reduced rights for women in some countries
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Research country-specific guidance for women.
- Carry a scarf or modest covering when mandatory or relevant to your itinerary (e.g. visiting religious sites).
- Avoid isolated travel at night if local safety risks are high.
Useful resources:
- This Gov.uk guidance provides an overview by country on travel notice for women.
3.9 Sexual orientation
Definition: Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.
Examples of potential risks associated with this characteristic:
- Legal restrictions on same-sex relationships
- Differing social attitudes
- Potential harassment or legal penalties
Actionable mitigation tips:
- Research advice on local laws affecting same-sex relationships.
- Avoid public displays of affection in countries where this may be illegal or draw unwanted attention.
- Use discretion in booking shared accommodation.
Useful resources:
- A crucial resource for detailed, destination-specific information can be found via gov.uk or the ILGA.
Footnotes:
1Note: Known as ‘gender reassignment’ in the Equality Act 2010.
2Note: A religious or belief organisation is excluding persons of a particular sexual orientation from its membership or participation in its activities, or its provision of goods, facilities and services. This only applies to organisations whose purpose is to practice, promote or teach a religion or belief, whose sole or main purpose is not commercial. The restrictions they impose must be necessary either to comply with the doctrine of the organisation, or to avoid conflict with the ‘strongly held religious convictions’ of the religion’s followers. (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2016).
3Note: The definition of ‘sex’ in the UK’s Equality Act 2010 is biological sex. Trans and non-binary people are protected from discrimination, harassment and victimisation in the Equality Act 2010 under the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.