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.
Hey can you help me please i have some questions
1- Can I travel to Dubai with my ARV just for one week or they won’t allow me to enter Dubai?
2 – did they check all travelers meds or there is something special about ARV they know it when see it?
3 – if i put my ARV pills in different bottle is that work?
Thank you in advance
Hi Audrey, i-Base is about HIV treatment, but this website has info onHIV regulations in different countries:
HIVtravel.org
It shows no specific entry or work criteria relating to HIV:
https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=75
Can I live and work in Ghana as an HIV patient
Hi Susan, neither country have restrictions for people living with HIV. Ghana does require a medical examination inc. HIV if intending to work. It is unclear if testing positive will have any impact on the application process.
Can I travel and work in Turkey or Ghana when positive
Hi Mercy, please follow this link: https://www.hivtravel.org/
This website allows you to search countries and their HIV regulations (if any). In the UK there are no restrictions for people living with HIV.
Which country CAn u travel
travel for work or resident permit if you are HIV positive
Hi Fatima, most countries are welcoming to those who are HIV positive. Where are you planning to go?
Hi, please which country’s can you travel to for work or resident permit if you are HIV positive.
Hi Destiny, in the UK there is no restriction. You will be able to travel with your medication. While resident and working in the UK you will be able to access HIV medication free of charge at sexual health clinics. Turkey, similarly has no restriction for HIV positive people and entry will be permitted with medication. Dubai is not possible. Attaining a work visa in Dubai requires a medical test, including a test for HIV. Testing positive can result in detention and deportation.