China
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
Restrictions on entry to China
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to China based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
Among the Visa Requirements by Purpose of Visit presented by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center there is no medical certificate needed and there is no other indication of an HIV related restriction on entry, stay or residence.
Restrictions on short-term stay in China
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in China based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
However, anecdotal information shared by a user suggests that practice may differ from official policy on the restrictions in China. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on long-term stay in China
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on long-term stay in China based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
Historic regulations in China
In 2007, the Global Fund negotiated with the Chinese Government on a change in regulations so that international meetings can continue to take place in China in the future.
In April 2010, the Government of China announced the lifting of entry restrictions against people living with HIV with immediate effect. The entry ban against people with leprosy and with sexually transmitted diseases was also lifted.
Until 2021, disclosure of HIV status and completion of health check certificates were required for certain residence, work and study permits. In 2021, these restrictions were lifted and there are no longer any HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, or residence.
Treatment access in China
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in China. However, it is not clear whether non-nationals are able to access this treatment in the same way as nationals.
A detailed analysis of laws and regulations applying for non-nationals living with HIV in China is available in this resource. The guide states that there are fees involved for HIV-related care.
Anecdotal information shared by a user suggests that there are concerns around practice concerning HIV treatment in China. See the case studies section below.
Case Studies
If travelling to China on a tourist visa or short-term business trip, do not declare your status on the visa application form. Historically, people declaring their status truthfully have been denied entry.
There are concerns around confidentiality of an HIV diagnosis and stigma in the employment and health care system.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the China page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | No |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
