Q and A

Question

Which countries that do not allow HIV positive people to visit?

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.

283 comments

  1. Tummy

    I am from South Africa and would like to teach in Dubai, is that possible? I’m HIV positive

  2. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Christel, yes this is possible and you can bring your medication.

    More information about HIV regulations in Canada as a foreign national can be found here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=39

  3. Christel

    Hi am HIV positive planning to go and work in Canada is that possible Can I also go with my medication?

  4. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Taib, application for a working/residency visa will require an HIV test. Unfortunately anyone who tests HIV positive will be denied their application.

    Any further information about HIV regulations in the Maldives can be found here: https://hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=116

  5. Taib

    It’s Maldives welcoming people with HIV stay and working at there?

    How much cost for HIV treatment and ARVs at Maldives if I stay and working at there?

  6. Josh Peasegood

    Hi John, congratulations on your job offer. There are no restrictions in France for people living with HIV. An HIV positive will not lead to deportation.

    For further information please see here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=70

  7. John

    Hi can I work in France with HIV status but my viral load is non detective I take daily one medicine I get offer from France so kindly tell me what should I do I am from Pakistan

  8. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Sophia, yes you can be granted a visa in Canada. Being HIV positive is not a barrier to employment in Canada.

    As i-base is UK based we do not have specific information about employment in Canada. You can contact: https://canfar.com/

    CANFAR is an HIV charity based in Canada that will be able to offer more suitable information.

  9. Sophia

    Hlooo,,am Sophia,,j want to work as midwife in Canada,,but am j HIV positive can j be granted a visa,,and need some connections

  10. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Swazi, please see this previous question: https://i-base.info/qa/958

    Unfortautnely Saudi Arabia is not a welcoming country for people living with HIV. During the process for a work visa you will be required to undergo a medical examination including an HIV test.

    When testing positive, even on treatment, Saudi Arabia will detain and deport immediately.

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