Question
Are there HIV positive restrictions on travel to Dubai, Malaysia or Hong Kong?
2 November 2024. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term.
I’m visiting Dubai, Malaysia and Hong Kong and I am wondering if it is safe to take my HIV medication with me?
I’m worried about being refused entry into one of these countries, should they find the pills in my suitcase.
Thanks
Answer
Hi there
i-Base is a treatment information service and I am sorry we don’t have detailed information about travel and visa’s.
Please see this website for these details on each country: www.hivtravel.org
You should also be able to get an official answer on entry restrictions to any country from their embassy or consulate. This should also be on their web site.
If you are calling by phone, it is best not to give your name or say you are HIV positive.
Informal advice is that in practice, many people travel with their meds and hope everything will be ok. Airport transfers through countries with restriction might be ok.
It can sometimes help to travel with a letter from your doctor. This can say you are receiving medical care in the UK but not mentioning HIV. The letter should say that you are fit to travel. This might help if you are unlucky and get stopped by a customs officer.
Some people decide on principle not to visit a country that discriminates again HIV.
Others decide they won’t let HIV stop them from doing everything they want in life. They decide that the relatively low risk of being questioned about meds is something they balance with the chance to travel and see the world.
Things can change over time. Both the US and China had entry bans against people living with HIV. Both countries later changed these policies and now allow us to visit.
Even before these changes though, many people still visited these countries. They travelled with their meds, and were lucky, without any problems.
This question was updated in November 2024 from an original post in May 2009.
Hi Salvatore.
Thank you for you comments. However, as the following states the UAE is not a welcoming country:
http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189
Its great however to hear that you’ve never had any problems.
hi to all the guys HIV who want to go to Dubai stop reading those crap answer on here , and let me tell you just relax and yes you can go no one search for your bag . Before i went to Dubai i have called 3 years ago and they told me it is fine to carry your meds with you . when u are there is so relaxed and nothing to worry about hope this help . If you want to can call the EMbassy and get the confirmation of what i just said
Hi Ruben, it is a shame that any country continues to discriminate against HIV positive people. Sounds like a good idea to spend your time in other places.
What a shame Dubai bills itself as a tourist spot but yeah turns away tourist been planning to go there for many years now unfortunately going to have to go somewhere thats. a little more welcoming to positive people
Hi Jennifer,
Dubai is one of the few countries that has a very negative view about people who are positive as the following explains:
http://www.hivrestrictions.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189
I am deeply worried because I recently got a job in Dubai but am Hiv positive and on medication. Is it possible to travel with my drugs and doctor’s report or will I be deported immediately. Am ready to be getting my medicines and also live a healthy life
Hi Nobahle,
Please see the above post.
HIV meds cannot be imported into Dubai.
hy I’m worried I found a job in Dubai my problem is how I can I get threament it is possible
I’m hiv positive
Hi Nosi,
The UAE isn’t a very welcoming place for people who are positive as the following explains:
http://www.hivrestrictions.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189
I’m deeply worried. I recently got a teaching job in Dubai but my biggest worry is I’m HIV+ and on medication. My agency has sorted out my work visa. Will I be deported back to SA or allowed medication until my contract ends after 3 years because I can’t stay that long without my meds.
Pls help out