Kazakhstan
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- 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 work visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
- Ban on work.
- Ban on residence.
Restrictions on entry to Kazakhstan
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Kazakhstan based on HIV status.
The travel portal of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation states that no HIV test is needed to request or renew a visa in Kazakhstan.
Similarly, information available in the Visa-migration portal of the Republic of Kazakhstan does not include a certificate of health nor disclosure of health status among the visa requirements.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Kazakhstan
We found some evidence of official restrictions on short-term stay in Kazakhstan based on HIV status.
The official website for online services and public information of the government of Kazakhstan describes the process and requirements to grant a residence permit. While HIV is not explicitly listed, some visa categories, such as WORK – Business-Immigrant (C5) require ‘a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases, the presence of which prohibits entry of foreigners and stateless persons to the Republic of Kazakhstan.’
UNAIDS reports that HIV testing is required for work and study visas. Similarly, the US Department of State reports that negative HIV test results are required for a work visa and must be submitted as part of a health certification form to the Migration Police in the city where they intend to work or reside in order to receive a work permit after arriving in Kazakhstan. The results must be less than three months old. The city HIV clinic in the place of registration can conduct the test or may certify test results performed abroad. If the original test results are in a language other than Russian or Kazakh, they must be accompanied by an official, notarised translation.
However, anecdotal information shared by a civil society advocate suggests that HIV tests are not compulsory for visas including work permits, but that there is confusion about the appropriate process. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Kazakhstan
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Kazakhstan.
According to UNAIDS, Kazakhstan requires HIV testing for residence permits.
Similarly, the US Department of State reports that negative HIV test results are required for a residence visa and must be submitted as part of a health certification form to the Migration Police in the city where they intend to work or reside in order to receive a residence permit after arriving in Kazakhstan. The results must be less than three months old. The city HIV clinic in the place of registration can conduct the test or may certify test results performed abroad. If the original test results are in a language other than Russian or Kazakh, they must be accompanied by an official, notarised translation.
Anecdotal information shared by a user supports the information that we have on these restrictions in Kazakhstan. See the case studies section below.
Treatment access in Kazakhstan
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Kazakhstan. There is no evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
StayonART.com reports that antiretroviral drugs are not sold in the pharmacy network of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, PrEP is currently available in pharmacies in Almaty.
Antiretrovirals can be carried for personal use in quantities appropriate to the duration of the stay.
Treatment is free for labour migrants in possession of a residence permit. Refugees receive medical care under the same conditions as foreign nationals, including HIV care and treatment.
For people with a residence permit, contact the nearest clinic specialising in HIV treatment (AIDS Prevention and Control Center). You can find the addresses of all AIDS Prevention and Control Centers in Kazakhstan on the website of the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases. Medical insurance is not required when visiting the Center.
Without a residence permit, viral load and CD4 tests will need to be done, with the results being forwarded to the country where you’re registered. Relatives or friends can collect ART on your behalf (procedures might vary in different countries) and send it to Kazakhstan. Keep in mind that shipping can occasionally encounter issues, and authorities may sometimes request a permit to ship medications.
Case Studies
There is no requirement to submit an HIV test result in order to obtain a visa or work permit to/in Kazakhstan. There are no new visa rules and other legislation on migration and HIV/AIDS setting such requirements. There is some confusion, as many people avoid obtaining a work permit through a complicated procedure. They prefer to apply for a permanent residency permit, in which case a negative HIV-test result is mandatory.
Asian American Partnership Civic Foundation, Aliya Tonkobayeva, by email, 25 June 2010
Sources
- UNAIDS
- US Department of State
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation
- Visa-migration portal of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Official website for online services and public information of the government of Kazakhstan
- StayonART.com
- Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Kazakhstan 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 | No |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | No |
| 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 | No |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
Share
If you want to refer to this page when travelling and may not have internet access, you can use your browser to Save or Print this page - how you do it will depend on the device and browser you are using.
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.
