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.
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.