Question
Are there HIV positive restrictions on travel to Dubai, Malaysia or Hong Kong?
2 May 2009. 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
You can get an official answer on entry restrictions to any country by contacting the appropriate embassy or consulate, or visiting their web site. If you are calling by phone, it is best not to give your name or say you are HIV-positive.
In practice, most people travel with their meds, sometimes in vitamin jars, and hope everything will be ok.
It can sometimes help to travel with a letter from your doctor, saying you are receiving medical care in the UK (not mentioning HIV), but that you are fit to travel. This might help if you are unlucky and get stopped by a customs officer.
I’m sorry this answer isn’t ideal but this is going to be a personal choice.
Some people decide on principle never to visit any country that has unfair entry criteria (including the US when those restrictions were still in place). Others decide they won’t let HIV stop them from doing everything they want in life, and decide that the relatively low risk of being questioned about meds is an acceptable risk to see other parts of the world (including the US).
This community site about HIV and travel lists statutory entry requirements for for most countries, but only includes the strict legal situation. Also check the information is up-to-date before relying on it.
Things can change over time. For example this site did not encourage visiting China when this question was first posted but this has now changed. This is because the Chinese policy changed to drop the entry bar to HIV positive people.
Even before this though, in practice, many thousands of HIV positive people probably visited these countries each year as tourists, travelling with their meds, without any problems.
Hi Johnny,
Are you staying in Dubai or just passing through? The HIVtravel site for the UAE says: Short-term tourist stays are possible but with some risk. HIV medication cannot be imported. For stays of more than 60 days, a traveller must obtain a visa before arrival in the UAE. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted.
You should get notice of this post in your email inbox.
I’m visiting Dubai, and I am wondering if it is safe to take my HIV medication with me?
I’m worried about being refused entry into Dubai when they find the pills in my suitcase.
should i tell them i am HIV carrier before visa?
and this my first time to use google，i dont konw how to get the reply，please send to
my email if you can，thanks a lot
Hi Evans,
If you’re planning to work in the USA please see this Q&A. And if you’re planning just to visit please see this question.
Hi, am planning to go to America, is it an issue when am positive, and how do l get medication if it’s not an issue
Hi Dc26,
Yes you can get a visa for Canada, being positive isn’t an issue. For info on how to access ARVs in Canada so that you don’t need to bring a 2 year supply please see here: https://www.catie.ca/en/treatment/paying-treatment
Hi and greetings to everyone. I am hiv positive and would like to work in canada. Am i eligible to work there for let’s say 2 years. Am i permitted? If so, can i bring 2 year (and a bit more) supply of ARV with me? I will put 3 bottles on my hand luggage and put the rest in my other luggage. Is this practice permitted?
Hi Mathe,
You can click on the map on HIV travel to find out about any rules on HIV treatment in each country. Some east African countries require a yellow fever vaccine on entry. But you can read about vaccines and HIV on this question here.
I’m hiv positive i have got job opportunity to work in East Africa i am allowed to take my medication with
Hi Steve,
Even if you’re undetectable, the UAE is very hostile towards people who are positive. However, if you want to give it a try then good luck. But please see here:
http://www.hivrestrictions.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=189
Hello, I am looking for insider information. I am a Professional Architect and planning to work in Dubai; however, I am HIV+. This doesn’t not affect my appearance or work performance. I just finished living in Singapore and Malaysia for 10 years where the HIV Issue is not an issue.
I’ve read that it’s more strict in Dubai – any sources or Doctors who are more ‘enlightened’? I am undetectable if that’s all that’s tested. Thanks for any feedback.
Best Steve