Question

Are there travel restrictions to Dubai?

28 December 2011. Related: All topics.

I am travelling to Dubai for a holiday (1 week) and would like to know are there any travel restrictions for people with HIV? I heard that Dubai is one of the countries where they wont let anyone with HIV in, is that true? If this is the case, what is my risk of them finding my arvs on me? Should I carry them in my hand luggage? And do I need to carry a letter from my specialist saying the medicines are to manage a condition?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Please see this earlier question with a link to a community site about HIV and travel.

13 comments

  1. Manuel •

    Is there an updated 2020 or 2021 documentation related to traveling to Dubai with HIV medication? Can I travel to Dubai with my HIV Medication? All the reference links and documents were last updated in 2008 and 2009.

  2. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Zam,

    Please see this link to HIV travel. This gives more details on work and residence permits for United Arab Emirates.

  3. Zam •

    hi

    i have been proposed to be seconded to a company in Abu Dhabi for two years..

    i am on ARV since march 2018.

    i am really in dilemma now on how i should respond..

  4. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Jimmy,

    It’s very clear that people who are positive aren’t welcome in the UAE. Please see here: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189 Though this is deeply unfair, unless you want to stop taking medication and risk being deported, you won’t be able to take up the employment offer. It’s simply too risky.

  5. jimmy •

    so what should someone do if he or she is on treatment but gets an employment offer in dubai

  6. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Tressy,

    It’s not possible to get ARVs in Dubai. If you start asking around you risk being deported as the UAE has a zero tolerance policy to positive people. If you’re meds are due to run out at the end of March and you’ll not have any until May your viral load will rebound. If you must stay in Dubai, you’re going to need to leave the country to get some ARVs.

  7. Tressy •

    I came to Dubai in October and I kind of went into an overstay,my medication was to last me until end of this months march,does anyone on this blog knows where I can get more medication in Dubai as I intend to close my business deals in may.thank you so much

  8. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Patie,

    Please see HIV travel for the United Arab Emirates here.

    It says, Short-term tourist stays are possible but with some risk. HIV medication cannot be imported.

  9. Patie •

    I have a HlV positive friend who wants to go to Dubai for 3 months, can she carry her medication with her?

  10. Rob •

    Hi

    I travelled to Doha,Qatar and Dubai, UAE last year on my own to visit a friend and didn’t experience any problems. My meds were in my hand luggage and in the original containers. I packed them in a clear zip lock bag with a copy of the prescription. I must admit that I did cross out any reference to HIV on the prescription.

    They obviously scan your hand luggage on arrival but that was all fine. The only bummer was having to get up very early to take them. I normally take mine at 7.30am in the UK so this meant taking them at 4.30am. Urggggh!

    I was very anxious before I travelled but i had no worries in the end.

    Rob

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