The mission of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is to promote the development of tourism worldwide. The IGLTA Charitable Foundation supports this goal by producing guides and safety recommendations for LGBTQ+ people, who often seek to explore the most remote corners of the globe.
Just as many countries have their own nuances for LGBTQ+ travellers, many places also have specific rules for people living with HIV.
This guide from IGLTA will help people living with HIV at every stage of planning their trip. We hope it will make your travels safe and comfortable.
Safe travel
The world is becoming more welcoming not only to LGBTQ+ people, but also to people living with HIV. However, entry restrictions are still in place in some countries. If you are travelling to one of these countries, it is important to know all the details in advance.
Can I travel?
HIV-related entry restrictions are no longer an issue for most international destinations. However, some countries continue to restrict or ban entry for people living with HIV, even for short stays.
“Whilst some countries refuse work or residency visas for people with HIV, most do not restrict those with HIV from traveling for holidays, short visits, or those in transit,” explains Dr Tristan Barber, a consultant in HIV medicine at London’s Royal Free Hospital and chair of the Education Committee of the British HIV Association (BHIVA).
Where strict restrictions apply:
- Total ban: Jordan explicitly prohibits entry to foreign nationals with HIV.
- Test for long-term travel: Bhutan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands allow short-term entry but require an HIV test for stays of more than 10 days (in Iraq and the Solomon Islands) or more than 14 days (in Bhutan).
- Unclear rules: In Equatorial Guinea and Papua New Guinea, testing rules for visitors are unclear and may depend on age, country of origin and where the visa was obtained.
- Russia: Does not usually require an HIV test for short-term visas (up to 90 days), but requires a certificate for visas valid for more than 3 months.
Can I stay for a longer period?
Many countries require an HIV test from those applying for long-term visas — including most student, work and residence visas.
- These countries include: Israel, Egypt, Russia and all countries on the Arabian Peninsula.
- Australia: An HIV test is required when applying for a visa to work or study in the medical sector, as well as for a permanent residence visa. A positive HIV status does not mean automatic refusal, but will be considered a chronic condition (the potential burden on the healthcare system is assessed).
Will I be safe?
The fact that you are allowed to enter a country does not necessarily mean that your HIV status will not be an issue during your stay there.
- Risk of deportation: Around 20 countries may deport you if officials discover your positive HIV status. Although these rules are not always enforced in some countries, it is important to be aware of the risks if you decide to visit one of these countries.
- Criminal prosecution: It is crucial to remember that same-sex relationships and transgender identity are still criminalised in more than 70 countries worldwide, and in a number of countries this carries the death penalty. Openly expressing your identity can be dangerous in many places.
Smart planning
Once you’ve made sure your destination is safe, follow this checklist to prepare.
Before you travel
Medical consultation
It’s best to start planning your trip with a visit to a clinic.
“People with HIV may want to take extra precautions before traveling internationally, such as discussing the medicines and vaccines they may need with their health care provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel,” advises Dr John T. Brooks, Senior Medical Advisor in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at the CDC (USA).
Important steps to take:
- Know your blood type.
- Have a list of the medicines you are taking (ideally translated into the language of your destination country or into English).
- Get the necessary vaccinations. Most vaccines are safe for people with HIV, but caution is required with ‘live’ vaccines (containing a weakened live virus) — discuss this at your appointment.
Stock up on medication
Travelling rarely goes exactly according to plan. Take more medication than you need, in case of delays. Searching for specific medicines or their equivalents in a foreign country can be expensive, difficult and risky for your health
Check your health insurance
It is important for people travelling abroad to ensure that their health insurance will work properly.
- Check whether the policy is valid in your chosen country.
- Check whether the insurance covers costs related to chronic conditions and HIV (many standard travel policies exclude these).
“Most policies should not now exclude those with HIV, but it is worth checking with your insurance company.” notes Dr Barber.
Research medical services at your destination
Emergencies do happen, so it is best to be prepared in advance. Find the addresses of clinics and pharmacies at your destination before you leave. In an emergency, it will be harder to find this information due to stress and language barriers.
ON THE GO: Luggage and documents
Experts strongly advise always keeping essential items in your hand luggage rather than checking them in:
- Medicines.
- Prescriptions and medical instructions.
- Proof of medical insurance.
“It is recommended that travelers keep medications in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags for flights, in case luggage goes missing,” advises Dr Barber, adding that pills shouldn’t be transferred into unmarked bottles, as this may
arouse suspicion.
Most countries do not require special certificates to import medicines for personal use, but it is useful to carry copies of prescriptions in case of any questions from customs.
WHILE YOU ARE THERE
Stick to your medication schedule
Try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible.
- When crossing time zones, it is recommended to switch to local time immediately, rather than spreading out your doses.
- If you are used to taking your medication before bed, take it before bed in your new location as well.
- If your treatment is working effectively and your viral load is undetectable (U=U), a delay of a couple of hours is not critical. However, if you travel frequently or are very concerned, it is best to consult a specialist in advance.
Watch your diet
In countries where water quality and sanitation may be poor, people living with HIV should take extra care to avoid infections.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat or fish.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruit that you have not peeled yourself.
- Be cautious about street food.
- Do not drink tap water or use ice in drinks (it is often made from untreated water).
Seeking medical help
If you need medication or medical care whilst travelling:
- Ask a local to recommend a reliable pharmacy or hospital.
- If you have an accident or a problem unrelated to HIV, you do not need to disclose your status.
- Important: If you are prescribed new medicines (such as antibiotics or painkillers), you must ensure they are compatible with your antiretroviral therapy.
- If you cannot consult a healthcare professional locally about compatibility, contact your clinic at home or use the online tool HIV Drug Interaction Checker (University of Liverpool).
Tuberculosis: This disease is widespread in many countries and can be severe in people living with HIV. Where possible, avoid overcrowded hospitals and clinics with poor ventilation, where there may be a high concentration of people being treated for tuberculosis.
