Benin
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
The types of restriction are:
- No restrictions.
Restrictions on entry to Benin
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Benin based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Benin does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
The e-visa system established by the Government of Benin contains information on the process to obtain an entry visa, and it contains no mention of HIV or the general health of the applicant.
The visa application form published by the Embassy of Benin in Washington does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Benin
According to all available sources, Benin does not have any official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV.
Both UNAIDS and the US Department of State report that Benin does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
The official website of public administration of Benin offers a list of supporting documents that should be included with a work permit application, among which is a medical certificate.
Decree No. 2008.423 of 28 July 2008 on the substantive conditions, effects and measures for monitoring the performance of the apprenticeship contract, also establishes that the issuing of a work visa depends on a medical certificate issued by the Occupational Health Inspector or a doctor approved by the Minister for Employment, certifying that the apprentice is physically fit to fulfil the obligations arising from the contract.
The Labour Code of Benin also establishes that the Ministry of Labor should determine that a work visa is subject to medical examination (Articles 13 and 68).
While it is not excplit whether such medical certificates include HIV disclosure or testing, the report “VIH ET DROIT AU BENIN : CE QU’IL FAUT SAVOIR” published by IDLO, UNAIDS, UNDP and the OPEC Fund for International Development, explicitly answers the question of whether migratory authorities can conduct mandatory HIV tests with a negative, stating that such tests are not required under Benin law and that the Constitution of Benin (Article 26), defines that all rights under Benin law are enjoyed without distinction of origin.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Benin
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on long-term stay in Benin based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and US Department of State, Benin does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
The Government of Benin requires that all foreign nationals staying for more than three months request a residence permit. The official website of public administration of Benin offers a list of supporting documents that should be included with a residence application, among which includes a medical certificate. However, as outlined above, this should not require HIV testing or disclosure.
Treatment access in Benin
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Benin. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
Medical facilities in Benin can be limited, and not all medicines are available. Travellers should carry a supply of prescription and preventive medicines. You should be prepared to pay for medical services, including consultations and tests, before receiving medical advice or treatment. Credit cards are not accepted.
While there is a state health insurance system under Act no. 2015-42 establishing the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (RAMU) in the Republic of Benin, travellers and expatriates to Benin are advised to take out comprehensive international health insurance before arriving in the country.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV are criminalised in Benin. There are HIV-specific criminal laws in force which target alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission. We are aware of reported prosecutions under these or other laws.
Visit the Benin page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
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