Which Countries Are Famous for Sex Tourism?

Planning your next adventure and curious about countries with legalized or regulated prostitution? SIXT.VN understands the importance of responsible travel. Sex tourism is a serious global issue, and this article focuses on providing factual information about the legal status of prostitution in different countries. If you are visiting Vietnam, SIXT.VN offers comprehensive travel services, from airport transfers to exciting tours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. We are committed to ethical tourism. Consider exploring cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural wonders.

1. What is the Legal Status of Prostitution Worldwide?

The legal status of prostitution varies significantly across the globe. According to research, prostitution is fully legal in 53 countries, representing 51% of the global population. Another 12 countries have limited legal frameworks, accounting for 12% of the population, while 35 countries, or 37% of the population, consider prostitution illegal. This wide range of legal frameworks reflects the diverse cultural, social, and political perspectives on the issue worldwide.

2. Which Countries Have Fully Legalized Prostitution in 2024?

Here is a list of countries where prostitution is legal, along with relevant notes:

3. What are the Key Details About Prostitution Laws in New Zealand?

New Zealand legalized prostitution in 2003. The Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) decriminalized prostitution by removing most legal restrictions on sex work. This law established the Prostitution Law Review Committee to monitor and evaluate the law’s impact on sex workers’ well-being. Licensed brothels operate under public health and employment laws, granting workers social benefits like other employees. The New Zealand Prostitutes Collective (NZPC) estimates around 8,000 sex workers in New Zealand at any given time, marking a progressive move in labor rights.

Legalized prostitution in New Zealand

4. What is the Legal Status of Prostitution in Australia?

The legal status of prostitution in Australia differs by state and territory. Historically, state and territory governments have managed prostitution laws, resulting in varied legal approaches across the country. It is decriminalized in some areas and illegal in others. Brothel ownership also varies. South Australia’s decriminalization model prioritizes harm reduction and recognizes sex work as legitimate labor. The market size of the Brothel Keeping and Sex Worker Services industry increased by 19.5% in 2023, according to a report.

Australian prostitution laws vary by state

5. How is Prostitution Regulated in Austria?

Austria decriminalized prostitution in 1975, recognizing it as a legitimate form of employment. Prostitutes must register, undergo regular health examinations, be 18 or older, and pay taxes. The government oversees and regulates the industry to maintain standards and ensure the well-being of sex workers. Despite this, smuggling and forced prostitution remain concerns. In 2022, there were approximately 5,279 registered prostitutes in Austria.

Prostitution is legal but regulated in Austria

6. What are the Prostitution Laws in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, male prostitution is illegal, but other forms of prostitution are legal. The Penal Code of Bangladesh criminalizes soliciting, operating brothels, and living off the earnings of prostitution. The social stigma around sex work can create challenges for individuals in the industry. There are approximately 20 brothel villages in the country. Daulatdia, the largest, houses about 1,300 sex workers and is one of the world’s largest brothels.

Prostitution is legal but regulated in Bangladesh

7. What is the Legal Framework for Prostitution in Belgium?

Belgium decriminalized prostitution in 1995, acknowledging it as a legitimate form of employment. Efforts have been made to remove the stigma, violence, and fear associated with prostitution. Regulatory frameworks include regular health checks for sex workers to protect their well-being and prevent the spread of STDs. State-of-the-art brothels use fingerprint technology and keycards. Despite these measures, human trafficking cases remain a concern, with 303 sexual trafficking cases registered by Belgium’s Federal Police in 2022.

Prostitution decriminalized in Belgium to reduce stigma

8. How Does Brazil Regulate Prostitution?

In Brazil, engaging in sex work is generally considered a private activity between consenting adults. There is no specific federal law that criminalizes or fully decriminalizes prostitution. Brothels and pimping are illegal. A survey by the Minas Gerais Foundation for Education and Culture (Fumec) found approximately 1.5 million people engaged in prostitution.

Prostitution is considered a private activity in Brazil

9. What is the Current Legal Status of Prostitution in Canada?

The Supreme Court of Canada amended its Criminal Code in 2014 following the landmark case Bedford v. Canada. The amendments decriminalized the sale of sexual services, allowing consenting adults to engage in sex work. However, activities such as communicating in public to purchase sexual services and operating a brothel for sex work remain criminalized. A report indicates that only 36% of young people aged 18–34 consider prostitution “morally acceptable,” compared to 45% of those aged 35–54 and 44% of those older than 55.

Canada decriminalized the sale of sexual services

10. How Does Colombia Handle Prostitution Legally?

In Colombia, working in the sex industry is legal, but pimping is not. Prostitution is particularly widespread in cities such as Cartagena and Barranquilla. While prostitution itself is legal, regulations maintain public order, such as restrictions on soliciting in certain public spaces. Colombia is actively combating human trafficking and providing support to victims. UNAIDS estimates there are 7,218 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution is legal but regulated in Colombia

11. What Regulations Exist for Prostitution in Denmark?

Prostitution is legal in Denmark, with the government even assisting those with disabilities to access sexual services by covering extra costs. Regulations govern certain aspects of the industry, including licensing requirements for individuals in sex work and establishments like brothels. Trafficking remains a significant issue, with 717 out of 968 identified trafficked individuals being victims of trafficking into prostitution from 2009 to 2020.

Prostitution legal in Denmark, government aids disabled

12. How Does Ecuador Approach Legalizing Prostitution?

Ecuador decriminalized adult consensual sex work in 2011. Quito regulated prostitution in 1921, requiring prostitutes to undergo weekly STI testing. All aspects related to sex work are legal, including selling services, running a brothel, and pimping. Permits and licenses are issued to those involved in sex work. Forced prostitution remains a problem. UNAIDS estimates there are 35,000 prostitutes in the country.

Ecuador decriminalized sex work

13. What are the Laws Governing Prostitution in France?

In France, prostitution is legal, but soliciting in public is outlawed. Pimping is illegal, and brothels were outlawed in 1946. In 2016, France adopted a new framework criminalizing the purchase of sex while decriminalizing the sale of sex. Regulations include restrictions on where sex work can occur, forbidding street solicitation in certain areas. Over 30,000 people were estimated to be involved in prostitution in France in 2023.

Prostitution legal but buying it is illegal in France

14. How Did Germany Legalize Prostitution?

Germany decriminalized prostitution in 2002. Alongside decriminalization, Germany implemented regulations to govern the sex industry, including health and safety standards, taxation, and licensing for sex workers and establishments. The number of registered sex workers in Germany at the end of 2022 was 28,280, a rise of 19.1% compared to the previous year, according to the Federal Statistics Agency.

Prostitution legalized and regulated in Germany

15. What is the Legal Status and Regulation of Prostitution in Greece?

Greece decriminalized prostitution in 2016, adopting a similar approach to Germany by including prostitution as an actual job. Sex workers have equal rights and undergo frequent health checkups. Registration with authorities may be required, and establishments such as brothels must meet specific health and safety standards. Fewer than 1,000 women are legally employed as prostitutes, while approximately 20,000 women, half of whom are foreign and half Greek, are engaged in illegal prostitution.

Prostitution is an official job in Greece

16. What are the Key Considerations Regarding Prostitution in Indonesia?

Indonesia is among the Asian countries where prostitution lacks clear legal regulation. Prostitution itself isn’t explicitly addressed in their law, suggesting that the sex trade is legal. This absence of regulation poses dangers for forced workers and minors. It is estimated that 40,000 to 70,000 Indonesian children are involved in prostitution within the country.

Prostitution without clear regulation in Indonesia

17. How Does the Netherlands Regulate Prostitution?

The Netherlands decriminalized and regulated prostitution in 2000. Famous for its red-window sex workers, the Netherlands has a more open approach to taboo subjects. The legal age for sex work is 21. Amsterdam is a well known sex tourism destination, with legal and regulated sex work establishments drawing visitors from across the world. Approximately 25,000 prostitutes work in the Netherlands, with about 1,000 working daily in Amsterdam’s Red Light District alone.

The Netherlands is famous for its legal red-light districts

18. What is Switzerland’s Approach to Regulated Sex Work?

Switzerland has decriminalized and regulated prostitution for decades. Both selling and buying sex are legal for consenting adults. This approach has attracted visitors, contributing to sex tourism in specific areas. One estimate puts the number of street sex workers in Zurich at 5,000. UNAIDS estimates there are 20,000 prostitutes in the country.

Switzerland has regulated prostitution for decades

19. How is Prostitution Addressed in India?

India is one of the Asian countries where prostitution is legal. However, soliciting and public prostitution are illegal. Owning a brothel is also against the law, though enforcement is rare. Buying, selling, or importing minors for prostitution is illegal under Sections 372 and 373. UNAIDS estimated there were 657,829 prostitutes in the country as of 2016, but unofficial estimates suggest roughly 3 million prostitutes.

Prostitution is legal, brothels are illegal in India

20. What Are the Varying Prostitution Laws in the United States?

Prostitution laws in the United States vary by region. Some states have stricter criminalization measures, while others pursue regulation or decriminalization. Nevada is an exception, allowing regulated and legal prostitution in licensed brothels in certain counties. A 2012 report by Fondation Scelles estimated approximately 1 million prostitutes in the U.S.

US prostitution laws vary by state

21. How Does Mexico Address Prostitution Legally?

The legal status of prostitution in Mexico varies among the states. Mexico City decriminalized sex work in 2010, allowing adults to engage in it without facing criminal penalties. Laws address human trafficking, including sex trafficking. UNAIDS estimated the number of prostitutes in the country at 236,930 in 2016.

Prostitution is decriminalized in Mexico City

22. What is the Legal Stance on Prostitution in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic decriminalized prostitution in 1990, after the end of communist rule. Sex workers must register, and health and safety standards are enforced. The legal age for engaging in sex work is 18. Some estimates suggest that 12,000 to 13,000 women worked as sex workers in the Czech Republic in 2019.

Prostitution is decriminalized in Czech Republic

23. What are the Regulations Surrounding Prostitution in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg decriminalized prostitution and implemented a regulatory framework for the sex industry. Both selling and buying sex are legal for consenting adults, with a legal age of 18 for sex work. Brothels and other establishments must adhere to specific health and safety standards. There are an estimated 300 prostitutes in Luxembourg, most of whom are immigrants.

Luxembourg has legalized and regulated prostitution

24. What are the Laws Concerning Prostitution in Spain?

Spain decriminalized prostitution in 1995. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid attract tourists interested in the legal and regulated sex industry. Both selling and buying sex are legal for consenting adults. Medicos del Mundo estimates that there are some 350,000 women in prostitution in Spain, with 80% being foreigners without legal papers.

Prostitution decriminalized in Spain since 1995

25. How is Prostitution Dealt With in Mozambique?

Prostitution is legal and widely accepted in Mozambique. However, police often target sex workers due to legal loopholes. Encouraging, promoting, or facilitating ‘prostitution’ is criminalized under the penal code. Sex workers and clients engaging in sex in public places are liable to arrest under the Penal Code for an outrage to public modesty. UNAIDS estimates there are 13,554 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution widely accepted in Mozambique

26. What are the Prostitution Regulations in Venezuela?

Prostitution is legal in Venezuela, with regulations in place to govern the sex industry. Brothels and other establishments must comply with specific health and safety standards. Major issues like human trafficking persist due to the legal status of prostitution. Victims are often recruited through false job offers and forced into prostitution or labor exploitation. A study of 212 sex workers conducted in 2003 found that 91% were Venezuelan.

Prostitution is legal but human trafficking is rampant in Venezuela

27. How Does Sierra Leone Address Prostitution?

Prostitution is legal and commonplace in Sierra Leone, but third-party involvement is prohibited by the Sexual Offences Act 2012. The country is a source and destination for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking. UNAIDS estimates there are 240,000 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution is commonplace in Sierra Leone

28. What Steps Has Bolivia Taken to Regulate Prostitution?

Bolivia has taken steps to decriminalize and regulate prostitution. The legal framework recognizes sex work as a legitimate occupation, aiming to provide protections for sex workers. The legal age for engaging in sex work is 18 years. In 2016, UNAIDS estimated there were 30,523 prostitutes in Bolivia.

Bolivia has taken steps to decriminalize and regulate prostitution

29. How is Prostitution Managed in Peru?

Peru has decriminalized adult consensual sex work. The vast majority of prostitutes work in the informal sector, where they lack health protection. Individual police officers tolerate the operation of unlicensed brothels. Peru is a source, transit point, and destination for trafficked persons. The majority of human trafficking occurs within the country. UNAIDS estimates there are 67,000 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution is decriminalized in Peru

30. What are the Laws Regarding Prostitution in Lebanon?

Lebanon does not have clear-cut laws specifically addressing prostitution. Instead, aspects of sex work may be subject to interpretation under existing legal provisions related to morality and public order. Police can check if prostitutes are registered and have attended a clinic in the past 20 days. In 2016, UNAIDS estimated there were 30,523 prostitutes in Bolivia.

Lebanon does not have specific prostitution laws

31. How Does Panama Govern the Sex Industry?

Prostitution is legal in Panama, and there are regulations in place to govern the sex industry. Street prostitution also occurs on Avenida Ricardo Arias, Central Avenue, and Avenida Perú. Unregistered prostitutes can still access health services at clinics such as the one in Santa Ana, Panama City. There were 2,650 sex workers registered with the government in 2008, but there was no accurate information regarding the total number of people practicing prostitution in the country.

Panama has regulations in place to govern the sex industry

32. What is Uruguay’s Approach to Regulating Prostitution?

Uruguay has legalized and regulated prostitution. Both selling and buying sex are legal activities for consenting adults in Uruguay. It was legislated in 2002 through the sex work law. Article 31 of the law provides penalties for selling sex without a health card, and their names are placed on the register. UNAIDS estimates there are 8,195 prostitutes in Uruguay.

Uruguay legalized prostitution in 2002

33. Which Countries Currently Prohibit Prostitution?

Here is a list of countries where prostitution is illegal:

FAQ’s

What country has the highest number of prostitutes?

China, India, and the United States have the most prostitutes.

Which country is most famous for prostitution?

The Netherlands is often considered a primary destination for sex tourism, with prostitution being legal and well-regulated.

In which Indian state is prostitution most prevalent?

Mumbai and Kolkata have the largest brothel-based sex industries in India, with over 100,000 sex workers in Mumbai.

Is prostitution legal in Dubai?

Prostitution is prohibited in Dubai, but it remains prevalent and easily accessible.

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