Question
Can I transit through Qatar if I am HIV positive?
7 May 2010. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Southern Africa, Travel.
I am traveling to South Africa in a few months with a stop off in Qatar. Will there be a problem with my bag check if I am found to have HIV medication with me as I have been informed I would be deported if my medication is found?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I have spoken to the UAE embassy and as long as you are passing through Qatar in transit to South Africa, this should not be a problem at all. Your HIV status will be an issue only if you try to emigrate to live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If you are simply passing through there should be no problem at all.
Hi Greg, unfortunately we do not have any further information than what is listed in the stem to this question.
There is no reason to think that the recommendation from the UAE embassy has changed and transmitting through Qatar should not be a problem.
Are there any reports of people having issues in transit through Qatar with HIV meds? Not entering the country, just a connecting flight. Travelling next month to Australia via Doha and a bit nervous.
Hi Maria, unfortunately Qatar is not a very welcoming country for people living with HIV.
Visiting as a tourist means that you do not require an HIV test to enter, however if your meds are found and are known to treat HIV you will be detained and deported.
Some people suggest storing pills in vitamin pots instead of their original packaging to help ensure they can be carried through customs without detection but there is still risk.
If you declare you are HIV positive to carry through your medication you will be detained and deported also.
These regulations are explained further here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=147
Hi, I am HIV positive and is on ARV’s. I want to visit my daughter in Qatar for about two or three weeks. Will there be any problems with my status and the medication when I travel to Qatar?
Hi Jq, does this special permit mention being HIV positive and your treatment? As i-base is not a travel organisation, I am unsure of the law regarding specific permits. Are you able to contact a local Qatar embassy to ask?
Hello iam Hiv + and suppose to travel to Qatar for a conference with special permit by government of qatar, apparently its for a week,will I be allowed to pass with my medication ? Please help
Hi Esther, it is possible but Saudi is not a very welcoming country for people living with HIV. If you are only intending to visit you will not require an HIV test, though if you intend to work you will do. Any HIV positive result will culminate in your deportation from the country. Travelling with your medication may be difficult. While strict law has not been imposed to other visitors of the country that do not intend to work, having medication that can identify your status may cause an issue. Some people may get around this by using non-descript containers to carry their pills. The problem being if found, there is no way to explain what they are or prove why you have them.
Can I travel to Saudi for a family visit if my hiv status is positive.