Syria
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 work visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for study visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
- Ban on residence.
- Deportation based on HIV status.
Restrictions on entry to Syria
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Syria based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS, Syria deports non-nationals on the basis of HIV status, however it does not list any specific entry restrictions.
The airport in Damascus indicates which countries of origin need a visa and offers a list of embassies to request the visa. The official e-visa platform does not offer a list of required documents. The visa application form does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
The Embassy in La Havana also has a list of visa requirements which does not include anything in relation with HIV or the health status of the applicant.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Syria
There is some evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Syria based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS, Syria requires HIV testing for work and study permits.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Syria
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Syria.
According to UNAIDS, Syria requires HIV testing for residency permits, and these are denied on the basis of HIV status.
The US Department of State reports that HIV tests are mandatory for those aged 15 to 60 who wish to reside in Syria. The HIV test must be conducted in Syria at a facility approved by the Syrian Ministry of Health. Non-nationals wishing to marry Syrian nationals in Syria must also be tested for HIV.
The Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information also states that you must be tested for HIV if you intend to obtain a residence permit in Syria or marry a Syrian national, and these a denied on the basis of a positive result.
Treatment access in Syria
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Syria. However, it is not clear whether non-nationals are able to access this treatment in the same way as nationals.
Syria’s public healthcare system provides basic and emergency care for citizens and, in some areas, for migrants and refugees. However, resources are limited, especially in conflict-affected regions. Public hospitals are under significant strain, with shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and infrastructure due to years of conflict.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) supports health clinics, mobile medical units, and hospitals to provide primary and sometimes specialised care.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is a primary provider of healthcare to vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees, throughout Syria. They operate hospitals, clinics, and mobile health units offering emergency and basic healthcare.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been active in some regions, offering emergency care and support to medical facilities. However, their access is limited in certain areas due to security and administrative restrictions.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Syria 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.
