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Countries That Still Close Their Borders to Travelers with HIV

In an era of progress and increasing awareness about HIV and AIDS, it might come as a surprise that some countries still impose travel restrictions on individuals living with HIV. These policies often stem from outdated notions of public health risks or stigmatization, rather than science-based evidence. Here, we explore the current state of HIV-related travel restrictions, the countries enforcing them, and why these barriers need to be dismantled.

The State of HIV-Related Travel Restrictions

Globally, most nations have moved beyond such discriminatory practices. International organisations, including UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO), have long advocated for the removal of travel restrictions on people living with HIV, emphasising that such policies are unnecessary, unjust, and counterproductive.

Despite this, as of 2025, several countries still enforce either full or partial travel restrictions for people with HIV. These restrictions often fall into three categories:

  1. Full Entry Ban: Travelers with HIV are not allowed to enter the country at all.
  2. Long-Term Residency Restrictions: Individuals living with HIV may enter for short visits but are barred from obtaining long-term visas or residency.
  3. Mandatory HIV Testing: Some countries require HIV testing as part of visa applications, often leading to exclusion if the result is positive.

Countries with HIV Travel Restrictions

Some of the nations that still enforce these restrictions include:

  • Russia: Individuals applying for long-term visas or residency may face mandatory HIV testing, with positive results leading to visa denials or deportation.
  • Saudi Arabia: Visitors applying for work permits or long-term residency are required to undergo an HIV test. A positive diagnosis often results in visa denial or deportation.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): HIV testing is mandatory for work or residency permits. Those who test positive may be deported.
  • Qatar: Similar to the UAE, HIV-positive individuals face restrictions when applying for work or residency permits.
  • South Korea: Although progress has been made in reducing restrictions, certain categories of workers, such as entertainers, may still face mandatory HIV testing.

Additionally, countries such as Brunei, Yemen, and Turkmenistan have policies that either explicitly or implicitly restrict travel for people living with HIV.

The Consequences of Discrimination

These restrictions are often justified on the grounds of public health. However, experts agree that they serve no legitimate public health purpose. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, and travelers living with HIV do not pose a risk to public safety.

Instead, these policies perpetuate stigma and discrimination, discouraging individuals from seeking diagnosis or treatment for fear of being marginalised. For travelers, such restrictions can be humiliating, intrusive, and isolating.

The Call for Change

Many advocacy groups, including UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society, continue to call for the removal of these restrictions. They argue that such policies violate basic human rights and are incompatible with modern understanding of HIV transmission and management.

Countries that uphold these bans are urged to:

  1. Eliminate mandatory HIV testing for visa applications.
  2. Base immigration policies on scientific evidence rather than fear or prejudice.
  3. Foster greater global inclusivity by recognising the rights of people living with HIV.

Progress and Hope

While some countries maintain restrictive policies, many others have eliminated them in recent years. For example, the United States lifted its entry ban on people with HIV in 2010, followed by nations like China and Ukraine. These changes demonstrate that progress is possible and pave the way for further advocacy.

Conclusion

Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are a relic of the past, grounded in stigma rather than science. As the world continues to advance in its understanding of HIV, it is crucial that all nations follow suit by dismantling these barriers. Removing such discriminatory policies is not only a matter of public health but also of justice, equality, and human dignity.

By amplifying awareness and advocating for change, we can create a world where people living with HIV are free to travel, live, and work without fear of discrimination.