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.

277 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Chrissy,

    You being positive won’t be an issue when applying for a visa for the US.

  2. Chrissy

    I’m positive and want to travel to the USA, will they allow me the Visa? I’m going for a visit.

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Thant,

    The following website gives info about traveling when positive, as well as working: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?pageId=142

  4. Thant

    Hi, I would like to apply for teaching posts in Turkey and Singapore. Will they allow me to work there with my Hiv + status? I am on treatment.
    Thank you

  5. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Zee,

    Please see the following link: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=48

  6. Zee

    Hi

    I want to go and teach English in China next year. If I’m HIV+ are there any restrictions on this?

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Traveler,

    Dubai isn’t the most friendly of places for people who are positive. Please see the following: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189

  8. Traveler

    Hello Everybody,
    I am planning to go for 5 days to Dubai as tourist but I’m affraid they will see my pills and figure out I’m +, will this be an issue and be deported? Has anyone entered Dubai with medication? Thank you.

  9. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Asanda,

    Info about New Zealand can be found here: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=133 the best thing to do is to contact the nearest consulate to you, they should be able to give you more info.

  10. Asanda

    Hello
    I’m HIV + currently living in South Africa studying teaching my plan is to go to teach in New Zealand after completing my degree. Will be that possible since I’m HIV positive

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