Iran
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Restrictions on entry limiting the entry of people living with HIV.
- Restrictions on short-term stays which in most cases is defined as under 90 days.
- Restrictions on long-term stays which in most cases is defined as over 90 days.
The types of restriction are:
- HIV testing/disclosure required for entry.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
- Ban on residence.
Restrictions on entry to Iran
We are aware of some official restrictions on entry of people living with HIV to Iran.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State there is no evidence that Iran has entry restrictions based on HIV status.
However, there is evidence that different rules may be in place for different countries. For instance, people applying for a visitor visa (short term tourist stay) via the embassy in South Africa are required to present original pathologist test results for HIV, TB, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, not older than one month.
Anecdotal information shared by a user supports the information that we have on these restrictions. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Iran
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Iran.
According to UNAIDS, Iran does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
However, according to the US Department of State, if you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.
As above, anecdotal information shared by a user supports the information that we have on stay restrictions in Iran. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Iran
The same restrictions apply on long-term stays.
We have also found that other legal processes, such as marriage, require blood tests specifically addressed to identify STIs.
Treatment access in Iran
We did not find any available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Iran.
Case Studies
Tourist visa applications ask for existing chronic and infectious diseases. People declaring a positive HIV status will not be granted an entry visa. According to the local embassy, people living with HIV are not allowed to enter Iran.
From our experience in Baku/Azerbaijan, we know that all applicants for an Iranian visa are required to provide a blood test, performed by an Iranian organisation in Baku. Visas are denied if there is any problem.
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Iran 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 | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
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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.
