Zambia
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
The types of restriction are:
- No restrictions.
Restrictions on entry to Zambia
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Zambia based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Zambia does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
Among the Visa Requirements by Purpose of Visit presented by the Zambian Department of Immigration there is no medical certificate needed and there is no other indication of an HIV-related restriction on entry.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Zambia
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Zambia based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Zambia does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
The Guide on Immigration Permits & Visas Requirements & Fees includes a list of 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.
The Zambia Department of Immigration provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with an application for short-term stay permit and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Zambia
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Zambia based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Zambia does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
Treatment access in Zambia
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Zambia. There is no evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
IOM reports that there are no limitations on migrant access to government-funded health care. Both the Constitution for the Republic of Zambia and the National Health Policy: “A Nation of Healthy and Productive People” promote the equitable provision of health-care services among the population. The National Health Policy highlights the Government’s commitment to providing equitable access to cost effective and quality health services as close to the family as possible in a caring, competent and clean environment. The Government strives for universal health coverage for all. Foreigners entering Zambia are required by section (14) (1) (2) of the National Health Insurance Act (2018c) to possess health insurance. Any foreigner who enters without health insurance shall register and pay for insurance on arrival. Additionally, section (16) allows exemptions from payment under the National Health Insurance Scheme for elderly and vulnerable citizens and residents, or as may be prescribed by the Minister of Health.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV may be criminalised in Zambia. While there are no HIV-specific laws in force, we are aware of reported prosecutions of alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission under general criminal laws. However, there is an HIV-specific sexual assault sentence enhancement provision in force in Zambia.
Visit the Zambia 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.
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