The Foreign Office has issued travel advice for lesbians and gays for the first time.

In the latest stage of its "Know before you Go" campaign, new information has been issued because of the growth in the gay holiday market.

The advice, launched by Foreign Office minister Baroness Amos on Thursday, includes 10 "top tips" and warns about attitudes towards homosexuality in some countries.

Officials admit that most of its information is "just common sense" such as making sure people take out travel insurance before they leave.

The Foreign Office says the new recommendations are basic advice and suggests that prospective tourists contact local consulates via the web and email for greater detail.

"We're just getting out some generalised tips but also saying to people if you need to know more contact us here in London or, even better, email our specific consulate in that particular country because they will have the information on the ground," said a spokesman.

Officials consulted widely with the gay community and admits that it is also seeking to change perceptions of its fusty colonial image which no longer reflects reality.

"The kind of stereotypical image that some people have of the Foreign Office is certainly not the way the Foreign Office is today," said the spokesman.

The department is also proud of the fact that it is the first foreign department of any government to offer specific advice to gay travellers.

"This issue we have taken the lead and we're very proud of that. But this is not something we have done on our own. We've had a tremendous amount of consultation by the gay community," said the Foreign Office.