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. Gilbert

    But why this discrimination?so,this means that dubai country is an HIV free?

  2. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Vuyo, unfortunately Saudi Arabia is not a welcoming country to people living with HIV.

    As an HIV test will be required for visa/residency applications, after testing positive you will be detained and/or deported. Saudi Arabia is a country that is kind to foreign nationals living with HIV.

  3. Vuyo

    Hi I’ve just tested positive HIV and applied to work to Saudia Arabia, are they still going to consider my application

  4. Josh Peasegood

    Hi David, how are you doing? Even though Uzbekistan has lifted it’s restrictions for people living with HIV to be granted work visas, in practise this is not formallyy observed.

    As an HIV test will ultimately be required to access treatment/be granted a work visa, testing positive will unfortunately lead to being denied entry and unable to be offered work.

    For any more information you can see here about Uzbekistan HIV travel regulations: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=192

  5. David

    Hi my name is David, I’m from Nigeria. Can I work in Uzbekistan even if I’m HIV Positive.
    And do they have any treatment center in Uzbekistan?

  6. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Ral, Albania has no specific HIV regulations. A medical certificate nor an HIV test is required for a visa application.

    More information about Albania’s regulations can be found here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=16

  7. Ral

    Hi my name is ral…I’m a Filipino..can I work in Albania even I have HIV? But I continue treatment a medicine everyday….

  8. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Meena, if you are applying for a work/residency visa you will require HIV testing. A positive result will lead to being deported.

    For tourism a test is not required, however if you are found to be HIV positive this will result in the same outcome and being deported.

    How long are you intending to go for? and will you be carrying your medication with you?

    More information about this can be found here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=138

  9. Meena

    HIV positive person can go to oman on visit visa????

  10. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Tummy, unfortunately the UAE is not a welcoming country for people living with HIV.

    Intending to work in Dubai will require an HIV for a visa application. When testing positive the application is denied. If in the country when this result is given, people can be subject to detention and deportation to their original country.

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