United Arab Emirates
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.
- Restrictions on importation of HIV medication.
- Deportation based on HIV status.
Restrictions on entry to United Arab Emirates
We are aware of some official restrictions on entry to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS, the UAE deports non-nationals on the basis of HIV status. However, it does not outline any specific entry requirements.
The US Department of State reports that travellers for tourism are not tested or requested to provide information about HIV on entry.
However, it is forbidden to enter the UAE with HIV antiretroviral medication for personal use. People who do so may be subject to detention and deportation.
Anecdotal information shared by a user supports the information that we have on the restrictions in the UAE. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on short-term stay in United Arab Emirates
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in the UAE.
According to UNAIDS, the UAE requires HIV testing for work and study permits.
The US Department of State reports that a full medical exam is required for work permits. The exam includes tests for HIV and must be performed after arrival. US citizens have been detained and deported for testing positive for HIV. Medical exams performed outside of the UAE will not be accepted.
The Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information highlights that medical tests, including tests for HIV, are required to obtain or renew a work permit. Emirati authorities don’t recognise foreign-issued HIV test results.
Cabinet Resolution No. (7) of 2008 regarding the medical examination system for expatriates to the country for work or residence states that applicants should submit a ‘Certificate of freedom from diseases that pose a threat to public health’ including HIV/AIDS.
The Dubai Ruler Issues Cabinet Decree to Amending Expatriates’ Medical Examination System of 25 February 2016 further explains that the tests aim to identify AIDS or HIV.
Restrictions on long-term stay in United Arab Emirates
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in the UAE.
According to UNAIDS, the UAE requires HIV testing for residency permits, and these are denied on the basis of HIV status.
The US Department of State reports that a full medical exam is required for residence permits. The exam includes tests for HIV and must be performed after arrival. US citizens have been detained and deported for testing positive for HIV. Medical exams performed outside of the UAE will not be accepted.
The Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information highlights that medical tests, including tests for HIV, are required to obtain or renew a residence permit. Emirati authorities don’t recognise foreign-issued HIV test results.
As established in Article 2 of the Cabinet Resolution No. (7) of 2008 regarding the medical examination system for expatriates to the country for work or residence, HIV tests are conducted to applicants for residence permits and these are not granted when the test result is positive.
The necessary examinations to detect diseases shall be conducted for all categories of expatriates entering the country for residence when granting residency for the first time or upon renewal. Residency shall not be granted or renewed for positive cases, and they shall be considered medically unfit.
The Minister or the head of the health authority, as the case may be, may decide to exempt some cases from the medical fitness requirement as he deems appropriate.
Anecdotal information shared by a user supports the information that we have on the restrictions in the UAE. See the case studies section below.
Treatment access in United Arab Emirates
We did not find any available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in the UAE.
Case Studies
Despite entry ban policies, short term visits are generally possible. Make sure you have a doctors’ prescription for your medication with you. Carry your medication in your hand luggage.
I was tested HIV-positive when renewing my resident permit in the UAE, and immediately put in jail for a long time before deportation (minimum 10 working days). I was not even allowed to collect my personal items at my home.
Sources
- UNAIDS
- US Department of State
- Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information
- Cabinet Resolution No. (7) of 2008 regarding the medical examination system for expatriates to the country for work or residence
- Dubai Ruler Issues Cabinet Decree to Amending Expatriates’ Medical Examination System of 25 February 2016
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the United Arab Emirates 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.
