World Aids Day 2018: Countries where HIV positive tourists face travel restrictions

Attitudes to the condition vary around the globe

Now in its 30th year, World Aids Day aims to promote awareness and combat discrimination surrounding the disease.

While huge strides have been made in treating HIV since it reached epidemic proportions in the early 1980s, attitudes to the condition vary around the globe.

Here is a guide to the countries that currently restrict travel for those suffering from HIV.

Bhutan

Any visitor staying for 14 days is free to do so but those holidaying for longer will require an HIV test taken within the last six months. Denial of entry or deportation is possible without it.

Brunei

While there is no mandatory testing system in place, those known to carry HIV face expulsion. A test is required for anyone seeking a work or study visa.

Equatorial Guinea

Travellers are required to have verification they have received a yellow fever vaccine. An HIV negative test many also be required and a denial of entry or deportation is possible without one.

Iran

While Tehran does not place restrictions on those visiting for up to three months, travellers from South Africa specifically may be asked to take an HIV test and are advised to contact their embassy before departing. The country may deny visas to HIV positive travellers and those seeking a working or residential visa require an HIV negative test.

Iraq

Baghdad requires anyone staying for longer that 10 days to take a test in a state laboratory. It could refuse entry or deport anyone found to be, even diplomats.

Jordan

HIV positive people can be refused entry at the border. The presence of antiretroviral drugs among their possessions may be used as confirmation of carrier status.

Krygystan

People staying for longer than 30 days are required to provide documentation proving their HIV negative status.

Papua New Guinea

Medical documentation may be required, including an HIV test, for all travellers aged 16 or older. The same applies to those seeking residency.

Qatar

Travellers staying for more than a month are required to take an HIV test in a Qatari state laboratory. Those found to have the condition may be turned away or deported.

Russia

Moscow does not require any proof of HIV testing for those staying less than three months but those applying for work and student visas must have documentation of negative status.

Singapore

No HIV testing is required for tourists staying for 30 days. Foreign certificates proving HIV negative states are accepted but the import of antiretrovirals must be approved by the country’s Health Science Authority. Persons found to be HIV positive can be expelled but not in the event they are married to a Singapore citizen.

A Chinese passenger receives a free HIV check at Beijing International Airport (Cancan Chu/Getty)

Solomon Islands

Visitors and residents are free to stay for 90 days without testing but are required to provide documentation of a clear HIV test for any longer.

Sudan

An HIV negative test may be required for proof of entry and will be required for those seeking to stay longer than 90 days.

Suriname

People from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe require a health certificate stating they are clear of HIV​ and can import antiretrovirals for personal use if they have a doctor’s prescription proving the necessity. Those subsequently found to have HIV could face deportation.

Taiwan

Visitors are free to stay for three months without testing and to bring antiretrovirals for personal use. However, those known to have HIV could be denied entry and those with residency visas subsequently found to be carriers may be ordered to leave with three months’ notice.

Tunisia

People staying for longer than 30 days may be required to have an HIV taste after arrival. Antiretroviral drugs are allowed for personal use. A test is required for anyone seeking a working or study visa.

Turks and Caicos Islands

People staying for longer than 30 days are required to have an HIV test after arrival. A test is also required for anyone seeking a working or study visa.

UAE​

No HIV testing is required for tourists but those seeking a work or residency visa are required to be tested upon arrival. Foreign documentation is invalid and the import of antiretrovirals is not permitted.