Question
Which countries that do not allow HIV positive people to visit?
16 April 2021. Related: All topics, Travel.
Can you please name a few countries who do not allow hiv +ve people? What about Saudi Arabia ?
Answer
Further information on the legislation of the different countries is published at the following link:
https://www.hivtravel.org
It is important to recognise that what countries have on paper is impossible to enforce in practice. Even when countries say that HIV is a bar to entry, and even if they maintain the right to test you, this very rarely happens unless they have a reason to think you are HIV positive.
Even with restrictive policies, for short trips, some HIV positive people still travel for holidays and business. The main complication comes if your meds are found by border control or immigration.
For this reason some people decide not to travel to countries that show this discrimination.
This Q&A was updated in 2021 from a post in May 2008.
Greetings
I would like to raise my concern about this matter if Thailand authorities/agencies are requiring to have an HIV test. I’m undetectable for almost 7 years HIV positive. I have the offer to work as a private school teacher somewhere in Bangkok Thailand. and I’m a bit hesitant to accept the offer because I’m worried about they might CANCEL their offer to work as a private school teacher in their INSTITUTION. Your advice will help me to enlighten my mind if I will accept their offer or not due to my status. Thank you so much and looking forward to hearing from you soon. God Bless and More Power to your organization.
Hi Nomonde, this will depend on the country you are intending to move. Do you know where you are intending? Speaking to a HIV charity based in that country will be more suited to providing this information.
In the UK you can access treatment free from any sexual health clinic. You do not need to be a citizen nor registered with a doctors. Taking your current medical records with you can help speed up the process of access. Sexual health clinics can be found all over the country and each can provide access to HIV treatment.
I do hear you saying there are no restrictions to going to countries overseas and work there even if you’re HIV positive. But my question is “where will I continue to get my treatment from” because remember I’m new in that certain country and the treatment I had in my handbag is almost finished. Where do I go for my life to continue normally?
Hi Anna, please follow this link: https://www.hivtravel.org/ It is a database which provides information on each country’s travel and visa requirements/restrictions for people living with HIV.
There are no restrictions in the UK for people with HIV. A visa application will not be impacted by your status. I-base is a HIV treatment charity, I am unsure of the visa application process to enter the UK. Contacting your local UK embassy will be able to guide you through the process.
Hello. May I work in phillipine if have HIV positive? Or which country can I entry to live? If I have inadmissible enter to Canada 5 years can I apply UK visa online?
Hi Michael, as you are only transiting through Qatar there should be no problem. As you will not be entering Qatar there is no requirement for testing or disclosure. Carrying a doctors note detailing that your medication is for personal use will prevent any delays if your hand luggage is queried.
Hello,
I’m going on holidays to Phuket, Thailand next month and my flight is stopping for 2 hours in Qatar. There is any problem if they see my HIV medication on my hand luggage? I will not leave the airport as I’m only transit and my destiny is Thailand
Hi Alex, yes you can work in the USA as a nurse.
Do you have an idea if HIV positive NURSE from the Philippines can apply/work in USA as a nurse also?thank you.
Hi Vee, congratulations on your teaching offer. Thailand has no restrictions for people living with HIV. As there are no tests required for entry/residency your employer should not ask for tests either.
This is a previous question with more information: https://i-base.info/qa/14067