Question
Can I transit through Qatar if I am HIV positive?
7 May 2010. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, South 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 Justin, Qatar is not the friendliest of countries for people living with HIV. If you are intending to remain in Qatar for less than one month you will not be required to complete a medical examination including an HIV test. Travelling with your medication can be difficult. Some people choose to have their medication in non-descript containers so not to identify HIV medication. Others will carry medical notes that notify the that the medication is for personal use. As Qatar remains unclear if the strict entry ban remains in place since 2008, it is not possible to say if you will be deported or not if your medication is questioned.
Hi ill travel to the fifa world cup, i ll be a few days and then qatar. Im positive, is there any problem to carring hiv drugs? Like no enter to theses countries or deport? Thanksss
Hi Hamadi, I am sorry that your friend is having these difficulties. This is a database which provides information on countries acceptance of people living with HIV and if a visa will be granted: https://www.hivtravel.org/
Hi i just want to know if there is a country allowed a syrian to have a medication for hiv ?and easy to get visa? Because he cant go back to his country he is hardly trying to have chance to have a medication to live longer because in the country where he work for 11 years will soon deport him
Hi Ron, if anyone replies to this I will post the reply.
Please see HIVtravel.org about travel restrictions to each of these countries.
It looks like any foreign workers found doing this in countries that have HIV bans risk being deported.
Hi good day everyone i just want to know if there’s any person who is HIV+ but undetected is already working in any GCC countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrai). Thanks for answering.
Hi Bright, traveling to Bahrain to work may be difficult. If you are applying for a visa to work you will be required to have a local medical screen including an HIV test. Upon being declared HIV positive you would risk being immediately deported. If you are intending to travel and work without a visa you will not need to declare your status upon arrival. It is recommended you carry enough medication for the length of your stay. Pharmacies in Bahrain will not sell HIV medication to non-Bahrain citizens without a permit from the ministry of health. Also, pharmacies and health providers are required to inform the ministry of health of any foreign citizen with HIV.
Please ,I am HIV positive,and I want to travle to Bahrain to work. Can I travel to Bahrain from Nigeria with HIV medication?
Hi Pradip,
I’m sorry but I don’t understand your question, are you asking if it’s OK to leave Qatar? The info that we have about being positive and living in, wanting to get a visa for Qatar can be found here: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=147
I am in Qatar but I am HIV positive. But I give resign already… If I go resign from ministry they will block me or not. Plz help me