How we collected this information

This record of entry restrictions was originally based on information provided to us by the London diplomatic representatives of each country in March 1997, and on entry restrictions summarised from a variety of sources by the US State Department in December 1998. Since that time we have updated the information annually.

The latest US State Department list is available at http://travel.state.gov/HIVtestingreqs.html The February 2001 version has been consulted in preparation for this edition.

In addition, further information was obtained from The free movement of persons living with HIV/AIDS edited by Dr Lieve Fransen, published in 1999. 

In April 2001 the Deutsche AIDS Hilfe published its research into international entry and residence restrictions and access to treatments. In total information was received from 162 countries. The results were astounding, with over 60% of countries covered continuing to practice discrimination and exclusion against people with HIV/AIDS. 

The document is available in full in both German and French online at www.aidsnet.ch/immigration/d/  An English language version is planned.

The German survey asked about any entry or residency restrictions that would apply to HIV-positive German nationals. The research need to be carefully read in light of this. It may be that other European Union passport holders have the same rights of freedom of movement as German nationals, but the same cannot be said for passport holders from countries outside of the European Union.

Research of this kind is urgently needed.    

When conducting our own research, we asked whether countries imposed restrictions on nationals of any other country, not merely the UK, it should not be assumed that the answers provided by London diplomatic representatives are automatically applicable to holders of other passports.

If you are in any doubt before you travel, check with the diplomatic representatives of the country you are planning to visit. Also check this against information from any local AIDS service organisations listed in NAM's AIDS Organisations Worldwide and European AIDS Directory, and tell them that you are coming. That way, if you are detained at a port of entry, at least someone will know, and may be able to provide help.