Qatar
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 study visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
- Ban on entry.
- Ban on work.
- Ban on residence.
- Deportation based on HIV status.
Restrictions on entry to Qatar
Sources are mixed on whether Qatar imposes entry restrictions on people living with HIV.
According to UNAIDS, Qatar bans entry and deports non-nationals on the basis of HIV status.
However, the US Department of State reports that medical exams are not required for entry or transit, and Qatari authorities will not bar HIV-positive temporary visitors from entry to Qatar based on their health status.
The official website of the government of Qatar for e-visa requests contains general information on visa requirements. The information contained does not suggest an HIV related travel ban.
The Embassy of Qatar to the United States provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with the visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or general health of the applicant.
The visa application form does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Qatar
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Qatar.
According to UNAIDS, Qatar requires HIV testing for study and work visas, and prohibits short-term stay on the basis of HIV status.
Medical examination forms for some specific industries specifically ask for blood tests for HIV screening.
Companies must register their employees through the Ministry of Public Health website and medical fitness examinations must be undertaken for non-nationals. The results of the medical examination are sent electronically to the residency system at the Ministry of Interior. We understand that only tests performed in the country are recognised.
According to the US Department of State, Qatar denies employment visas on the basis of HIV status. Those with medications on their person are advised to carry a copy of their prescriptions.
According to the information provided on the Ministry of Public Health website, visitors who intend to stay for more than one month should undergo a medical examination including HIV testing.
Couples wishing to get married are advised to visit one of the accredited health centers in Qatar to undergo the required medical examination.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Qatar
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Qatar.
According to UNAIDS, Qatar requires HIV testing for residency permits, and denies them on the basis of HIV status.
According to the US Department of State, medical exams are required for individuals seeking residency in Qatar, and residency is denied on the basis of HIV status.
According to the Ministry of Public Health website, who wish to obtain a residence permit in Qatar should visit the Medical Commission with all the required documents to undergo a medical examination. They must provide a medical certificate issued by an accredited centre in the country of the foreign labor. Registration and medical examination may be carried out in the accredited private hospitals (Al-Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, Al-Emadi Hospital) for VIP employees and families only in accordance with applicable procedures of these hospitals. The result of the medical examination shall be sent electronically to the residency system of the Ministry of Interior.
Treatment access in Qatar
The Hamad Hospital (the largest hospital in Qatar) has a clinic with specialised doctors and other health professionals who are trained to treat HIV/AIDS. Treatment at this hospital is free of charge and provided to all patients on equal terms.
Non-nationals who acquire HIV while resident in Qatar will not be deported. They are entitled to receive HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services, on equal basis with Qatari citizens.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Qatar 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 | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| 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 | N/A |
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.
