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.
I’m from Myanmar and want to discuss the main subject of job opportunities. Because I am HIV positive and my country does not have good job prospects, I am trying to find work in other countries. Please help me with advice on what I can do.”
Feel free to ask if you need any more help!
Hi Musa, i-Base is in the UK and is focused on HIV treatment.
For info about travel and visas in other countries please see:
http://www.hivtravel.org
Can someone with hiv positive status stay or obtain a g1 visa in South Korea
Hi Favour, you can use this website to search by country and learn of each of their HIV travel regulations: https://hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=190
Am HIV positive can I travel to European country of my choice without denied me visa
Hi Fadhli, yes you can get a job in the UK. There are no restrictions for people living with HIV.
HIV treatment is free for anyone regardless of residency status. Access is from local sexual health clinics.
When moving it is advised to carry a minimum of a months supply of treatment and your medical history notes to help streamline the process of accessing medication.
Hi I would like to ask if someone with HIV status like me but my viral load is non detective and I take daily medicine (EFAVIRENZ 600mg and TENOFOVIR 300mg + EMTRICITABINE 200mg). It’s I can get an unskilled job in London as a foreigner. If possible how to get and what are the requirements I need to provide and it’s possible to get free treatment and medicine. I hope you can guide me.
Hi Jafar, unfortunately KSA tests for HIV on entry regardless of reason for stay. This is conjunction with already being identified as HIV positive will likely result in the deportation of your friend.
More information about travelling to KSA can be found here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=153
My friend has been terminated from his work in KSA because he tested positive in HIV and was sent back home. His question is can he still travel to Saudi Arabia using visit or tourist visa if ever he wants to visit his mom?
HI Gilbert, unfortunately some countries and not positively responsive towards people living with HIV. As with all types of discrimination there is no basis for this to occur, spawning from misinformation and other societal factors. Hopefully over time the UAE will follow suit with the progression of acceptance for people living with HIV.
It does not mean that the UAE is an HIV free country. They will treat home nationals and it is likely that other people living with HIV will not report their HIV status and continue to live in a country which is not welcoming to themselves.