HIV Travel and Migration: Overview
Immigration and Travel to Canada for People Living with HIV – Questions and Answers
In general, people living with HIV are allowed to travel and migrate to Canada. However, in certain circumstances, HIV status is a factor considered by the Government of Canada to decide if a person can enter or remain in Canada. This Q&A provides information on how Canadian immigration law and policy affect people living with HIV who wish to visit or live in Canada.
This guide is also available in Spanish
This Q&A describes Canadian immigration law and policy as of July 2023. From time to time, changes are made to the laws and regulations, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues new directives to immigration officers. Immigration officers are allowed some discretion, which they may or may not use to the advantage of an applicant. Officers may also make mistakes in applying laws, regulations, and policies. In other words, the law may be applied unevenly, which could have a positive or negative effect on an application. Therefore, an application to enter or stay in Canada may not proceed precisely according to the procedures described in this Q&A. Please seek legal advice as appropriate (see the “Getting legal advice” section on page 12).
Proposition of post-migration infections among foreign-born individuals discovering their HIV infection in France, 2012–2022
In this study, a mathematical model was applied to data from the mandatory declaration (OD) of HIV in France, in order to estimate the proportion of infections after arrival in France among people born abroad who discover their seropositivity in France. Nearly half of people born abroad who discover they are HIV-positive in France were infected after arriving in France. This proportion varied according to the mode of infection, country of origin and region of residence. These estimates could provide a more appropriate approach to HIV prevention and care for people born abroad.
The study report is in French, please use Google translate for access in English.
Update on implementation of the HIV response for migrant and mobile populations
Report covering activities and trends since PCB meeting in 2018. Informed by extensive desk research, it builds on the information provided in the 2018 report by the NGO representative.
High proportion of post-migration HIV acquisition in migrant men who have sex with men receiving HIV care in the Paris region, and associations with social disadvantage and sexual behaviours: results of the ANRS-MIE GANYMEDE study, France, 2021 to 2022
This cross-sectional study focused on ≥ 18-year-old MSM born outside France, receiving HIV care in the Paris region. Information on migration history, socioeconomic condition, sexual activity, and health was collected in May 2021–June 2022 through self-administered questionnaires and medical records. Post-migration-HIV-acquisition rate and delay between arrival in France and HIV acquisition were estimated from biographical data and CD4+ T-cell counts. Predictors of HIV acquisition within 1 year after migration were determined using logistic regression.
Podcast: HIV Migration and Disclosure
Carlos and Emil from Living Positive Victoria share with us about HIV migration, with many recent HIV notifications occuring amongst newly arrived migrants in Australia. They talk about access barriers to testing, treatment, and navigating services once in Australia – potentially without access to Medicare. We talk about HIV disclosure with partners, and in legal settings.
Situation and economic analysis of HIV services for international migrants in the Russian Federation
Desk study included analysis of published Russian and foreign studies and recommendations. The field stage involved conducting and analysing interviews with foreigners who have experienced interacting with the Russian healthcare and/or surveillance system.
HIV and Migrants – Monitoring implementation of the Dublin Declaration on partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia: 2022 progress report
In 2022, a ECDC survey was used to collect data to monitor the implementation of the 2004 Dublin Declaration. The survey contained specific questions in relation to the HIV epidemic among migrants, in addition to questions relating to the current national prevention interventions, policies and barriers to the public health response. This report presents the results of the survey.
Making darkness visible: breaking the silence on HIV travel restrictions
This article discusses the ongoing stigma and discrimination faced by people with HIV/AIDS due to restrictive travel policies in many countries. Despite better understanding of HIV, these policies persist, leading to human rights violations like mandatory testing without consent, lack of confidentiality, and deportation. The article argues that such restrictions are ineffective for public health and perpetuate stigma, calling for informed, humane policy reforms and better education to ensure people with HIV can live without discrimination.
HIV-related travel restrictions: trends and country characteristics
Describes the geographical distribution of countries with travel restrictions and to examine the trends and characteristics of countries with such restrictions.
Deported, denied access, discriminated against because of their HIV status
This article discusses the experiences of LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive migrants based on interviews and surveys. The individuals interviewed describe instances of sexual assault, harassment, inadequate medical care, and discrimination while in detention. Many also report mental health struggles and solitary confinement, along with having their confidential health information disclosed without consent. The article highlights the mistreatment of vulnerable populations in immigration detention.
Still not welcome — HIV-related travel restrictions
2019 report on HIV-related travel restrictions throughout the world.
Universal Health Coverage ” Leave no migrants behind”
Infosheet - Summarises advocacy work of IOM with case studies.
The GAP report – Migrants
Provides data and information on migration and HIV.
