Which Country Has the Most Racism for Travellers in 2026 – A Reality Check by Travel Explorer

Introduction: Why Racism Still Shapes Travel Experiences in 2026

International travel in 2026 is easier, cheaper, and more interconnected than ever before. Digital visas, AI-powered translation tools, and global tourism campaigns suggest a borderless world. Yet, for millions of travellers, the reality is very different. Racism and discrimination continue to influence how people are treated abroad, often shaping their entire travel experience.

Racism in travel does not always appear as open hostility. It can be subtle—longer security checks, refusal of service, excessive questioning, suspicious stares, or being followed in shops. For some travellers, especially those from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or darker-skinned backgrounds, these experiences are frequent enough to affect destination choices.

This Travel Explorer report does not aim to shame countries. Instead, it provides an honest, traveller-focused analysis of where racism is most commonly reported by tourists in 2026, why these patterns exist, and what travellers should realistically expect.

Understanding Racism in Travel: What Counts as Discrimination?

Before identifying countries, it is important to clarify what “racism for travellers” typically looks like:

• Refusal of hotel rooms or rentals

• Extra scrutiny at airports or border controls

• Verbal abuse or racial slurs

• Unequal treatment in restaurants, nightlife, or transport

• Harassment by locals or authorities

• Stereotyping based on nationality, skin tone, or religion

Racism may be systemic (laws, policing, immigration practices) or social (attitudes, prejudice, historical bias). Both impact tourism.

United States: A Divided Travel Experience

The United States remains one of the world’s most visited countries, but it also ranks high in reported racial discrimination against travellers.

Why Travellers Face Issues

In 2026, racial profiling at airports, immigration counters, and public spaces remains a concern. Travellers of Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian descent often report secondary screenings, invasive questioning, and denial of entry without clear explanation.

Who Is Most Affected

• Muslim travellers

• Black tourists

• Visitors from politically sensitive countries

Reality Check

The U.S. is not uniformly racist. Major cities are diverse and welcoming. However, regional differences are extreme, and systemic bias within law enforcement and immigration continues to impact tourists.

France: Cultural Pride Turning into Exclusion

France attracts millions of tourists yearly, yet racism—particularly in urban areas—remains a persistent issue.

Key Problems for Travellers

• Hostility toward visible religious symbols

• Discrimination against Arab, African, and South Asian visitors

• Unwelcoming service in restaurants and hotels outside tourist hubs

Cultural Context

France’s strict secularism laws often blur into intolerance. In 2026, travellers wearing hijabs or traditional attire still report denial of services.

Travel Explorer Insight

Paris may appear cosmopolitan, but prejudice becomes more noticeable in suburbs and smaller towns.

Italy: Visual Bias and Open Stereotyping

Italy’s tourism image contrasts sharply with reports from travellers of color.

Common Complaints

• Staring and unsolicited comments

• Shopkeepers refusing entry

• Negative assumptions about African and South Asian tourists

Why It Happens

Italy struggles with immigration debates and media-driven stereotypes. These issues often spill into everyday interactions with foreigners.

Japan: Polite Yet Exclusionary

Japan is often seen as safe and polite, but racism here is subtle and structural.

Challenges for Travellers

• Hotels refusing foreign guests

• “Japanese only” signs in bars and restaurants

• Social avoidance of non-East Asian tourists

Who Feels It Most

• Black travellers

• South Asians

• Long-stay visitors

Important Distinction

Japanese racism is rarely aggressive. Instead, it manifests as exclusion and social distance, which can feel isolating.

China: Surveillance and Racial Profiling

China’s strict monitoring environment makes travel uncomfortable for many foreigners.

Traveller Experiences

• Frequent passport checks

• Extra questioning by police

• Heightened scrutiny of African and South Asian visitors

2026 Context

Post-pandemic surveillance systems remain in place. Foreigners are still treated as security variables rather than guests.

South Korea: Appearance-Based Discrimination

South Korea’s tourism sector is advanced, but racism persists in social spaces.

Key Issues

• Nightclubs banning foreigners

• Stereotyping based on skin tone

• Employment and accommodation bias for long-term visitors

Social Roots

A strong emphasis on homogeneity fuels exclusion, particularly against Black travellers.

Russia: Nationalism and Xenophobia

Travelling in Russia in 2026 involves navigating heightened nationalism.

What Travellers Report

• Police harassment

• Racial slurs toward Asian and African tourists

• Suspicion toward Western visitors

Safety Consideration

Racism often overlaps with political hostility, making discrimination more intense.

Australia: Friendly Image, Hidden Bias

Australia markets itself as multicultural, but racism remains a concern for many travellers.

Reported Experiences

• Indigenous and Asian travellers facing verbal abuse

• Discrimination in rural areas

• Racial profiling by security staff

Urban vs Rural Divide

Major cities are diverse. Outside them, bias becomes more visible.

Germany: Politeness with Structural Barriers

Germany ranks high for efficiency but mixed for inclusivity.

Issues in 2026

• Discrimination against Middle Eastern and African tourists

• Increased far-right visibility

• Unequal treatment by authorities

Travel Explorer View

Germany is generally safe but emotionally unwelcoming for many non-European travellers.

United Kingdom: Class, Race, and Subtle Exclusion

The UK remains a top destination, but discrimination persists.

Where Problems Appear

• Airports and immigration checks

• Nightlife entry refusals

• Class-based and racial stereotyping

Key Note

Racism is more subtle but deeply ingrained in systems.

Countries With the Least Racism for Travellers in 2026 (For Balance)

While this article focuses on challenges, it is important to highlight contrast.

Travellers consistently report more inclusive experiences in:

• Portugal

• New Zealand

• Canada

• Iceland

These countries invest heavily in inclusive tourism policies and public awareness.

Why Racism Toward Travellers Is Increasing in 2026

Several global trends contribute:

1. Political polarization

2. Immigration fears

3. Economic instability

4. Media-driven stereotypes

5. Social media misinformation

Tourists often become symbolic targets rather than individuals.

How Travellers Can Protect Themselves

While racism is never the traveller’s fault, preparation helps:

• Research cultural norms

• Choose accommodations with inclusive reviews

• Avoid confrontations with authorities

• Travel insurance with legal coverage

• Keep embassy contacts ready

Final Verdict: Which Country Has the Most Racism for Travellers in 2026?

There is no single winner, but based on traveller reports, systemic bias, and frequency of incidents, the countries most often cited in 2026 are:

• United States

• France

• Italy

• Russia

• China

Racism varies by region, city, and individual encounters. A bad experience does not define an entire nation—but patterns matter.

Closing Thoughts from Travel Explorer

Travel should expand perspectives, not reinforce prejudice. As global tourism grows in 2026, addressing racism is no longer optional—it is essential for sustainable travel economies.

At Travel Explorer, we believe informed travellers are empowered travellers. Understanding where challenges exist allows you to travel smarter, safer, and with realistic expectations.