-------
What's up on the Ruta Pantera?

• Latest travel news
• Country advisories
• Travel planning
------- ------

------

Trans traveler navigating security checkpoints with determination and caution at a U.S. airport. Photo Pexels


United States
UNITED STATES ------------------------------------2133ADVISORY

Traveling to the United States as a Transgender or Non-Binary Person

The Safety and Comfort of Transgender and non-binary Travelers require Meticulous Planning.

Since early 2025, federal policies in the United States have introduced significant restrictions for trans and non-binary people, particularly regarding identification documents and passports. An executive order issued in January of that year limited gender markers on federal passports to “M” (male) or “F” (female), based exclusively on sex assigned at birth. This eliminated the “X” option for non-binary identities on new passport issuances, renewals, or replacements. Although existing passports with an “X” marker or updated designation remain valid until expiration, airlines are required to ignore the “X” in international reservation systems, forcing travelers to select “M” or “F”, which can lead to discrepancies and additional scrutiny at airports.

This measure affects not only U.S. citizens but also international visitors whose documents include non-binary gender markers. Several allied countries have issued travel advisories recommending caution — or even avoiding non-essential travel — for trans individuals, due to potential complications in immigration processes, airport security, and everyday interactions.

Changes in Documentation and Airport Security

The impact on travel becomes particularly evident at airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has adjusted its protocols, and while there are no widespread reports of entry denials, trans travelers face a higher risk of invasive screenings, questioning about their identity, or delays. Discrepancies between physical appearance, passport gender markers, and binary systems can trigger alerts in body scanners or result in manual inspections.

For foreign visitors, advisories emphasize that although the United States does not criminalize trans identity at the federal level, political polarization has emboldened discriminatory behavior in certain contexts. Organizations such as Lambda Legal and the ACLU advise carrying supporting documents, including birth certificates or explanatory medical letters, and being aware of legal support hotlines in case of incidents.

State-Level Polarization

Variation between states further complicates the landscape. While cities such as New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles maintain relatively welcoming environments, with strong local protections and visible communities, other states have enacted restrictive laws. More than a dozen states impose bans preventing trans people from using public bathrooms aligned with their gender identity, particularly in schools and government buildings. Similar legislation limits participation in school sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare for minors, indirectly affecting adults by fostering a hostile climate.

States such as Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina frequently appear on lists of destinations to avoid for LGBTQ+ travelers, due to legislation that creates legal and social uncertainty. In contrast, places like California or Illinois offer refuge through inclusive policies. This division reflects deep polarization: recent surveys indicate growing anxiety among trans travelers, with many choosing to reduce visits or select alternative routes.

Recommendations for a Safer Trip

In this context, preparation is key. Researching the specific destination — both state and city — through up-to-date resources from international organizations is essential. Choosing accommodations and transportation providers with inclusive certifications, joining local support networks, and monitoring travel advisories issued by one’s country of origin can help mitigate risks.

Although the United States continues to attract travelers for its cultural diversity and iconic landscapes, the balance between opportunity and caution defines the current experience for trans and non-binary people. In an interconnected world, these changes affect not only individual mobility but also highlight the need for progress toward genuine inclusion. For many, traveling there involves not only logistics, but a personal evaluation of emotional and physical well-being.

By Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 1/22/2026 7:52:13 AM

×
References:
Lambda Legal. (2024, 15 de noviembre). Identity Document Guidance for Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People. https://lambdalegal.org/tgnc-checklist-under-trump/ U.S. Department of State. (2025). Sex Marker in Passports. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/sex-marker.html Human Rights Watch. (2025, 10 de noviembre). US Supreme Court Allows Discriminatory Passport Rule. https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/10/us-supreme-court-allows-discriminatory-passport-rule Riskline. (2025, 16 de junio). Riskline's 2025 LGBTQ risk map. https://riskline.com/risklines-2025-lgbtq-risk-map-some-places-moving-forward-others-facing-pushback/ Idyllic Pursuit. (2026, 3 de enero). 12 States LGBTQ+ Travelers Are Avoiding in 2026 (And Why). https://www.idyllicpursuit.com/12-states-lgbtq-travelers-are-avoiding-in-2026-and-why/ Movement Advancement Project. (2025). Bans on Transgender People Using Bathrooms and Facilities According to their Gender Identity. https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/nondiscrimination/bathroom_bans


Please leave a comment about this article:
Enter your email address:
Your email will not be displayed.
Your nickname:
Your comment:
Was this article helpful to you?
 



News Photo
HEMISPHERE ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
Several Countries Move to Cancel Visas for U.S. Citizens

Reciprocal measures emerge amid expanding U.S. travel and immigration restrictions.

In a growing climate of diplomatic tension and shifting migration policies, several countries have announced the cancellation or suspension of visas for ... [read more.]



News Photo
COSTA RICA ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
Costa Rica Makes the Best Places to Visit List for 2026, the Only Country of the Region To Do So

Osa Peninsula stands out in The New York Times global ranking for biodiversity and authentic travel experiences.

Costa Rica has been recognized as the only Central American country included in the prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2026” list compiled by the New Yo... [read more.]



News Photo
PERU ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
Peru Surpasses 4.1 Million Visitors in 2025 and Accelerates Tourism Recovery

Subtitle: South America Leads Source Markets as the Country Prepares to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2026.

Peru closed 2025 with the arrival of more than 4.1 million international visitors, confirming a sustained recovery of inbound tourism and growth of nearl... [read more.]



News Photo
PANAMA ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
Panama Advances On the Rehabilitation of Panamericana Este Highway

A public-private investment aims to modernize 192 km of strategic highway and boost regional development.

Panama has taken a major step in rehabilitating the Panamericana Este Highway, one of the most important road corridors in Latin America, linking Panama ... [read more.]



News Photo
AMERICAS ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
U.S. Completes First Venezuelan Oil Sale, Holds Proceeds in Qatar Account

The initial $500 million transaction marks a historic shift in energy relations with Venezuela.

The United States has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at approximately $500 million, under an energy agreement that could reach up to ... [read more.]



News Photo
HEMISPHERE ------------------------Active NEWS STORY
Trump Mentions Figure for Greenland, Sparks International Rejection

The former U.S. president estimated a potential price for the island, but Greenland and Denmark insist it is not for sale.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked renewed controversy by mentioning a possible purchase value for Greenland of around 700 million dollars, accor... [read more.]


Photo
UNITED STATES --------------------------Active ADVISORY
Ruta Pantera Urges Latinos To Avoid Travel to the U.S. in 2026

Migration Tensions, Institutional Violence, and Legal Uncertainty are a Cause for Concern for Latin American Travelers in 2026.

As a travel news outlet covering Pan-America, Ruta Pantera doesn't speak from the comfort of tourism marketing or from a supposed corporate neutrality.... [read more.]


Photo
UNITED STATES --------------------------Active ADVISORY
Traveling to the United States as a Transgender or Non-Binary Person

The Safety and Comfort of Transgender and non-binary Travelers require Meticulous Planning.

Since early 2025, federal policies in the United States have introduced significant restrictions for trans and non-binary people, particularly regarding ... [read more.]


Photo
UNITED STATES --------------------------Active ADVISORY
Traveling to the US Now: Is It Safe or Should You Wait?

Advice for Latin American Travelers

Fgrom the Andes to the Caribbean, many Latin Americans feel the urge to travel to the United States, whether to study, work, reunite with family, or simply... [read more.]


Photo
WORLD --------------------------Active ADVISORY
Artificial Love and Real Airlines

Does a Life-Size Doll Need a Seat on an Airplane?

In an era where technology is redefining human relationships, life-size dolls—known as sex dolls or companion dolls have shifted from controversial obj... [read more.]


Photo
UNITED STATES --------------------------Active ADVISORY
The Passport to the Digital Profile

The New Migration Proposal Under Review by the U.S.

In early 2026, the United States plans to implement a series of immigration reforms that mark a shift toward digitization and the intensive use of biomet... [read more.]


Photo
COLOMBIA --------------------------Active ADVISORY
Crime Puts Tourism at Risk in Cartagena: More Robberies Targeting Foreigners

Criminal Groups Exploit Digital Platforms, Historic Areas, and Security Gaps to Strip Tourists of Their Belongings

The growing wave of crimes against foreign tourists in Cartagena has raised serious concerns among authorities and the tourism sector, following the disclosure of multiple cas... [read more.]


News Photo
HEMISPHERE -------------ID:2166------Active TRENDING
Impact of the Attack on Venezuela on Oil Prices

The US Military Operation Introduces Volatility into Energy Markets

The US military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, which included attacks on infrastructure and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has had im... [read more.]


News Photo
UNITED STATES -------------ID:2167------Active TRENDING
The Unchecked Rise of the Super Rich in Latin America

The Threat to Regional Democracy

In recent years, Latin America and the Caribbean have witnessed a troubling phenomenon: the accelerated growth of the fortunes of a small group of billio... [read more.]


News Photo
WORLD -------------ID:2177------Active TRENDING
The Political Impact of the U.S. on World Tourism

Migration Tensions and Domestic US Policies are Changing the Country's Perception for International Travelers.

From the political and social unrest in Minneapolis to travel warnings issued by foreign governments, domestic US policy under the Trump administration i... [read more.]


News Photo
WORLD -------------ID:2178------Active TRENDING
El impacto político de Estados Unidos en el turismo mundial

Las tensiones migratorias y las políticas internas de EE. UU. están cambiando la percepción del país entre los viajeros internacionales.

From los disturbios políticos y sociales en Minneapolis hasta las advertencias de viaje emitidas por gobiernos extranjeros, la política interna de Esta... [read more.]


News Photo
GREENLAND -------------ID:2127------Active TRENDING
Greenland in Trump's Sights

Strategic Ambition, Local Resistance, and a Growing Dilemma for the Western Alliance

Donald Trump's insistence that the United States should acquire Greenland has once again placed the island at the center of international geopolitical ... [read more.]


News Photo
CANADA -------------ID:2015------Active TRENDING
The Rise of Rainbow Families in Canadian Destinations

A Reflection of Inclusion and Diversity in Motion

In recent decades, Canada has established itself as one of the most welcoming countries in the world for LGBTQ+ people. This reputation is built not only... [read more.]


News Photo
COLOMBIA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
New archaeological findings in Arví Park

Six new archaeological sites reveal indigenous, colonial, and republican-era artifacts

Six new archaeological sites have been identified in Arví Park, covering an area of 40,000 square meters. Among the discoveries, 17 structures stand out, including walls m... [read more.]


News Photo
SOUTH AMERICA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
Cerro Adentro

Enter subtitle

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of northern Argentina, Salta province offers a gateway to some of the country's most captivating natural and cultural treasures. Among the s... [read more.]


News Photo
COLOMBIA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
Essential Guide for Colombians Planning a Trip To New York

Enter subtitle

In order to travel to the United States to visit the great city of New York for 7 days, you must apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2). To do so, you must complete the DS-160 form ... [read more.]


News Photo
COLOMBIA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
Colombia's Tourism Renaissance

Unveiling the Top Visitor Nations and the Drivers of Growth

Imagine wandering through the colorful colonial streets of Cartagena, sipping world-renowned coffee amid misty Andean mountains, or trekking into the heart of the Amazon rainf... [read more.]


News Photo
NORTH AMERICA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
US Raises National Park Fees for Foreign Visitors

$100 Surcharge and Higher Annual Pass Costs for International Tourists

The United States government announced a significant change to its national park fee structure, stating that beginning January 1, 2026, all foreign visitors will be required t... [read more.]


News Photo
NORTH AMERICA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
The Poker Scandal That Shook Las Vegas

The Technological Fraud That Exposed the Vulnerability of High-Stakes Gambling

Enter body_explanationOn a September night in 2025 at Hustler Casino Live in Los Angeles, streamer Ryan Feldman was broadcasting a Texas Hold'em game with $1,000/$2,000 stak... [read more.]


News Photo
SOUTH AMERICA --------------------------Active TRIP IDEAS
Reclaiming the Leaf: A Journey Through South America Following the Living Traces of Coca

Where Tradition Meets Controversy in the Land of the Sacred Leaf

In the heart of La Paz, amidst the cold air of the high plateau and the steep streets that seem to never end, the coca leaf breathes without guilt. In the markets of Villa Fá... [read more.]



News Photo
BRAZIL ----------------------Active & Featured CULTURAL EVENT
São Paulo's Biennial Art Show

A Global Contemporary Art Exhibition & Dialog

When: September 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Where: São Paulo, Brazil
Highlights: One of the wor

Explore More: The São Paulo Biennial is the epicenter where contemporary art redefines its boundaries and the city beco... [read more.]



News Photo
COLOMBIA - CARTAGENA ----------Active & Featured CULTURAL EVENT
FICCI 2026 - Cartagena International Film Festival

Cinema, Red Carpets and Caribbean Charm

When: March 25-30, 2026
Where: Cartagena, Colombia
Highlights: Screenings, red carpets, and works

Explore More: Dive into Latin America’s oldest film festival set against Cartagena’s stunning colonial backdrop. Atte... [read more.]



News Photo
UNITED STATES - NEW YORK CITY ----------Active FASHION EVENT
New York Fashion Week – Fall/Winter 2026–2027

The Urban Pulse of American Fashion

When: February 11–16, 2026
Where: New York City, USA
Highlights: Runway shows by Ralph Lauren,

Explore More: New York opens the main fashion circuit with cosmopolitan and pragmatic energy. It is the event that defin... [read more.]



News Photo
BRAZIL - RIO DE JANIERO ----------Active & Featured CULTURAL EVENT
The Rio Carnival 2026

Samba Spectacle

When: February 13 - 22, 2026
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Highlights: Samba parades, extravag

Explore More: Welcome to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival - the biggest party on the planet! Carnival is nothing less than th... [read more.]



News Photo
COLOMBIA - BOGOTA ----------Active FASHION EVENT
Bogotá Fashion Week 2026

The Key Platform for Colombian Sustainable Fashion

When: May 12–14, 2026
Where: Bogotá, Colombia
Highlights: A focus on sustainability and local

Explore More: Bogotá is consolidating itself as a Latin American hub with an emphasis on conscious design and cultural ... [read more.]



News Photo
BRAZIL ----------------------Active CULTURAL EVENT
Círio de Nazaré – Brazil’s Largest Religious Procession

Faith in Motion

When: October 11, 2026
Where: Belém, Brazil
Highlights: Millions join a moving procession honori

Explore More: The Círio de Nazaré is Brazil's most moving expression of faith, an event where devotion becomes a hum... [read more.]



News Photo
COLOMBIA ----------------------Active CULTURAL EVENT
Semana Santa 2026 - Holy Week in Popayán

Devotion and Pageantry

When: March 29 – April 4, 2026
Where: Popayán, Colombia
Highlights: Religious processions, can

Explore More: Discover Colombia’s rich religious heritage during Holy Week in Popayán. Witness elaborate processions f... [read more.]



News Photo
UNITED STATES - SANTA CLARA ----------Active SPORTS EVENT
Super Bowl LX - American Football Final

Sport, Music And Spectacle

When: February 8, 2026
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
Highlights: NFL cham

Explore More: The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American sports and entertainment. Cheer alongside passionate fans, witne... [read more.]



News Photo
UNITED STATES - COACHELLA ----------Active MUSIC EVENT
Coachella 2026 - Music and Arts Festival

Music, Fashion and Desert Vibes

When: April 10 – 12 and April 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Indio, California, USA
Highlights: World-c

Explore More: Coachella is more than a music festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Experience performances by top arti... [read more.]



News Photo
COLOMBIA - BOGOTÁ ----------Active CULTURAL EVENT
FILBo 2026 - Bogotá International Book Fair

Literature and Creativity

When: April 23 – May 7, 2026
Where: Bogotá, Colombia
Highlights: Authors, publishers, and read

Explore More: FILBo invites visitors to immerse themselves in one of Latin America’s largest literary gatherings. Atten... [read more.]



News Photo
WORLD ----------------------Active CULTURAL EVENT
Pride Month 2026 - Global Celebration of Diversity

Color, Unity and Freedom

When: June 1 – 30, 2026
Where: Major cities worldwide
Highlights: Parades, music festivals, and

Explore More: From New York’s dazzling parades to São Paulo’s vibrant festivities, Pride Month celebrates diversity,... [read more.]



News Photo
BRAZIL ----------------------Active CULTURAL EVENT
Festas Juninas – Brazil’s Winter Traditions

A Country Lit by Tradition

When: June 13 – 29, 2026
Where: Across Brazil
Highlights: A nationwide celebration honoring thr

Explore More: The Festas Juninas are the warm embrace of the Brazilian winter, a season when the entire country ignites ... [read more.]



News Photo
BRAZIL ----------------------Active CULTURAL EVENT
Parintins Festival – Amazonian Cultural Spectacle

Legends Come Alive

When: June 26 – 28, 2026
Where: Parintins, Amazonas, Brazil
Highlights: The vibrant competition

Explore More: The Parintins Festival is a deep heartbeat born in the Amazon and resonating throughout Brazil, a celebrat... [read more.]





TravelDesk Finder
(Find past news, advisories and travel trends here.)
1.  Select a country


2.  Select category [example: "News Story"]


3.  Enter a keyword [example: "soccer" or "mexico city"]




            promotion