We’ve provided some basic information about common destinations. Entry restrictions may be subject to change, so contact your local AIDS Council or PLWHA organisation for updates, or for more detailed information.
New Zealand
No restrictions for tourists with HIV.
Indonesia (Bali)
No restrictions for tourists with HIV.
Thailand
Visas are not required by Australian passport holders for stays of less than 30 days. According to the law, people with communicable diseases are not allowed to enter Thailand. However, no doctor’s certificate is required at the border, so that an illness (as long as is not known) does not affect the granting of a visa.
European Union Countries
All have different immigration legislation however there are no HIV restrictions for tourists. Restrictions are in place in some member states for longer stays.
Hong Kong
No testing is required on entry as a tourist.
China
Health declaration forms are distributed prior to entry. Entry is denied to people declaring themselves HIV-positive. These regulations do not apply for Hong Kong and Macao.
Malaysia
No restrictions for short-term tourist stays.
Vietnam
There are no specific restrictions for tourists with HIV.
Canada
There are no restrictions for tourists with HIV. However if you transit to Canada through the USA you will have to fill in a US health declaration form and pass through US immigration. Some positive people prefer to transit through Europe or Japan to avoid this process.
USA
People with HIV are barred from entry to the USA unless an HIV waiver is obtained from a US Embassy or Consulate, well in advance of planned travel. HIV waivers may be granted for business, pre-approved medical, conference or family reunion purposes. They are not generally granted for leisure/tourism purposes.
You should be aware that once you’ve been recorded as HIV positive in the US Immigration Service database, you’ll need to apply for the waiver every time you wish to travel to the US.
It’s illegal to make a false declaration about having a transmissible disease on US entry documentation and US border control may deport you immediately if you are found to have done so. Detection of your HIV medication during a routine arrivals bag search would obviously risk your deportation if you have answered “no” on the arrivals form. Contact your local AIDS Council or PLWHA organisation for more information.
Russian Federation
Mandatory testing for stays in excess of 3 months – custom & immigration officials who suspect tourists to be HIV+ have discretionary power to refuse entry and passports are reportedly stamped “Entry refused HIV positive”.
Saudi Arabia
Holiday visas aren’t granted. Contract workers are tested upon arrival.
South Korea
HIV testing required for visits longer than three months, however immigration officials have discretionary powers to refuse entry to people with HIV. Foreigners whose occupations are listed as dancer, entertainer, actor or singer are required to show proof of HIV negative status upon entry.