Restriction Classifications
We have classified the restrictions in place on travel and migration for people living with HIV into ‘categories’ and ‘types’, and each country is classified by both.
Restriction categories provide a broad overview of the degree of restrictions imposed on people living with HIV who want to travel or migrate to a new country. For each country, we make an assessment of the restrictions in place and assign the category, or categories, most appropriate. This provides a snapshot summary of the depth of restrictions in place, allowing users to quickly understand the ease of entering and staying in a country. Where a country has one or two restriction categories, we have classed this as ‘partial’ and where there are three restriction categories, we class this as ‘severe’.
Restriction types provide a more granular explanation of the individual restrictions in place on HIV-related travel and migration in a country. For each country, we assign as many individual restriction types as operate in that country. This allows users to examine each country in more detail, or to review all countries with a particular type of restriction in place.
To see definitions of each category and type, use the ‘Jump to’ menu below, and to see which categories and types apply to different countries, select ‘Countries’.
Disclaimer – these are general observations based on our understanding of official policies. However, practice may differ from policy, and people living with HIV may still experience challenges beyond the letter of official policy. Restrictions may not apply equally to all groups or in all circumstances. Waivers may also exist to provide exceptions to official rules, for instance where it concerns those with diplomatic status.
Restriction Categories
Restriction categories provide a snapshot summary of the depth of restrictions in place.
No restrictions
There are no restrictions which prevent people living with HIV from entering a country and staying on a short or long-term basis.
There are no official policies which require refusal of entry or stay based solely on HIV status, or condition entry or stay on disclosure of HIV status or completion of a HIV test. People living with HIV are free to bring medication into the country. Deportations based solely on HIV status are not carried out.
Restrictions on entry
There are restrictions limiting the entry of people living with HIV into a country.
Completion of an HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status on a health screening form may be a condition of entry. People living with HIV may be banned from entering.
Restrictions on short-term stay
There are restrictions on short-term stays, which in most cases is defined as under three months (90 days).
Completion of an HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status on a health screening form may be required for a short-term stay. Applications for short-term visas, whether for tourism, work, or study may be denied on the basis of HIV status.
Restrictions on long-term stay
There are restrictions on long-term stays, which in most cases is defined as over three months (90 days). This includes, but is not limited to, long-term residence.
Completion of an HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status on a health screening form may be required for a long-term stay. Applications for long-term visas, whether for tourism, work, study, or residence permits may be denied on the basis of HIV status.
Unclear restrictions
While there appears to be some restrictions in place, information received from various sources is contradictory or inconclusive. It is not clear to what extent restrictions apply.
No information
Despite all efforts, we do not have any information about entry, short-term stay, or long-term stay restrictions in these countries.
Restriction Types
Restriction types provide a more granular explanation of the individual restrictions in place
HIV testing/disclosure required for entry
An HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status is required when entering the country.
HIV-positive status may result in entry being denied.
HIV testing/disclosure required for work visa
An HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status is required when applying for a work visa.
HIV-positive status may result in a work visa being denied.
HIV testing/disclosure required for study visa
An HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status is required when applying for a study visa.
HIV-positive status may result in a study visa being denied.
HIV testing/disclosure required for residence
An HIV test and/or disclosure of HIV status is required when applying for a residence permit.
HIV-positive status may result in a residence permit being denied.
Ban on entry
People living with HIV are denied entry to a country for any purpose, including tourism, work, or study.
Ban on work
People living with HIV are permitted to enter and stay in the country, but are denied a work visa based on their HIV status.
Ban on study
People living with HIV are permitted to enter and stay in the country, but are denied a study visa based on their HIV status.
Ban on residence
People living with HIV are permitted to enter and stay in the country, but are denied a residence permit to stay long-term (usually longer than 90 days) based on their HIV status.
Restrictions on importation of HIV medication
There are restrictions governing the transport or importation of HIV medication into the country. This may include a ban on certain types of medication, for instance antiretroviral medication or PrEP.
Deportation based on HIV status
People living with HIV who are non-nationals of these countries are subject to deportation based on their HIV status.
Non-nationals may be subject to regular mandatory HIV testing, or otherwise removed if they are found to be HIV-positive. Deportation may be imposed at any time from entry into the country, even in cases where someone has long-term residency.
