United Kingdom

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to United Kingdom based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, the United Kingdom does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry. 

The Government of the United Kingdom provides a list of entry requirements and supporting documents that should be included with a visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.

A summary of requirements for different entry types and origin countries is available here.

The Immigration Rules Appendix Tuberculosis (TB) details the conditions upon which a TB test is required and the requirements for a TB certificate to be valid. However, neither a medical certificate nor an HIV test result is required when entering the country.

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in United Kingdom based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, the United Kingdom does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.

The Government of the United Kingdom provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with the standard visitors visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.

A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate might be required, depending on the country of previous residence.

The Government of the United Kingdom provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with a skilled worker visa and the visa to study applications and none of those documents makes reference to HIV. However, in both cases it requires tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country.

If the visit is for private medical treatment, among other documents, a certificate proving the applicant is ‘not a danger to public health if you have an infectious disease, such as leprosy’ might be needed.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, the United Kingdom does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.

The indefinite leave to remain visa does not have any HIV or other health requirement.

In 2003, the government suggested that people seeking asylum should receive mandatory HIV testing. The Terrence Higgins Trust successfully pursued a comprehensive campaign against the planned measures, and in 2004 the government decided against mandatory HIV testing of people seeking asylum.

The Terrence Higgins Trust reports that HIV treatment is free for all UK residents, regardless of immigration status, and patients can choose any HIV clinic. General NHS healthcare is available to those who are ‘ordinarily resident,’ which includes British citizens, naturalized individuals, and those with Indefinite Leave to Remain. To access treatment, register with a local HIV treatment clinic.

Visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) can access necessary medical treatment during their stay if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Without an EHIC, they may be charged for services. The EHIC covers emergency care, treatment for pre-existing conditions, and routine maternity care (unless the visit is specifically for childbirth). These rules also apply to Swiss visitors.

Non-EEA visitors, including former UK residents, must have personal medical or travel insurance for their stay in England. If uninsured, they will be charged 150% of NHS treatment costs unless they qualify for an exemption, such as government employees, war pensioners, and citizens from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements.

Asylum seekers and their dependents are entitled to free NHS care, including help with travel costs. Although failed asylum seekers are not automatically eligible for free care, NHS Trusts may still provide it in some cases. Both asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers can register with a GP.

Some services are free to everyone, including emergency treatment (though charges apply if admitted), family planning and sexual health services (except for pregnancy termination and maternity care), treatment for specific infectious diseases, and compulsory psychiatric care.

PrEP and PEP are available free of charge on the NHS from sexual health clinics (or emergency care outside working hours). AIDSMap reports that these services are available to all regardless of immigration status.

• UNAIDS
• US Department of State
• Government of the United Kingdom
• Immigration Rules Appendix Tuberculosis (TB)
• AIDSMap

Migrant populations

Refugees and asylum seekers