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.
Hello – I lived in Malaysia for 2 years with HIV. No trouble at all – Just contact Martin at KLASS (Kuala Lumpur AIDS support services) I got a letter from the Government saying it’s OK to ship in my Meds. Plus, Dr YAP at RED Clinic has all current meds and can take blood tests without government interference. You’ll love Malaysia! Great County, lovely people, Lots of excitement with new government
Hi Lelo,
Info about living in Malaysia can be found here:
http://www.hivrestrictions.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=115
If you’re planning on going for a while, I’s consider getting in touch with the Malaysian Embassy.
Hi all, I need advice.
My husband and our two kids want to go and stay In Malaysia. I’m the only one HIV+ they are all negative. How are the restrictions for HIV in Malaysia? I don’t wanna stay there forever and I will be able to take two trips a year back to south Africa for my meds and all. I would mind staying in Malaysia for about three years or more ( havnt decided yet)
Any advice for me?
Hi Sannah.
Yes you can travel with your meds. My advice would be to carry them in your hand luggage.
Can I take my arvs by flight from Johannesburg to durban?for holiday
Hi Thando, This community site about HIV and travel lists statutory entry requirements for most countries including China, but only includes the strict legal situation. Also check the information is up-to-date before relying on it.
Hi what are the restrictions in China
Hi The link above links to this community site about HIV and travel and lists statutory entry requirements for most countries, but only includes the strict legal situation.
If you have hiv you CAN NOT visit Dubai!! They would like to be so modern but they are very old fashioned.
You can travel to Dubai with your medication. However if you are planning to work in Dubai and you are HIV +, then they will deny your visa. They will deport all immigrants that have HIV.