Capital city, Russia
Is Moscow LGBTQ+ friendly?
2/5Hostile
Is Moscow LGBTQ+ friendly?
Hostile: the 'LGBT movement' is declared extremist, clubs are raided and displays of affection risk fines or worse.
LGBTQ+ laws in Russia
Hostile. The 'LGBT movement' is banned as extremist, clubs are raided and dating apps are used for entrapment. Chechnya is dangerous.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
| Legal penalty | 'Extremism' and 'propaganda' laws: fines, deportation, prison for symbols or activism. |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Russia
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moscow | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Saint Petersburg | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Kazan | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Sochi | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Kaliningrad | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Irkutsk | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Yekaterinburg | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Vladivostok | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Murmansk | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Novosibirsk | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Olkhon Island | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky | 2/5 · Hostile |
Quick answers
Is Moscow safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Hostile: the 'LGBT movement' is declared extremist, clubs are raided and displays of affection risk fines or worse.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Russia?
No.
More about Moscow
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- UK FCDO travel advice: Russia
- Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal
- Moscow Metro
- Sheremetyevo Airport
- Domodedovo Airport
- Aeroexpress
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.