China

Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV

The categories of restriction are:

  • Unclear restrictions - it is not clear to what extent restrictions apply.

Restrictions on entry to China

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to China based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.

Among the Visa Requirements by Purpose of Visit presented by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center there is no medical certificate needed and there is no other indication of an HIV related restriction on entry, stay or residence.

Restrictions on short-term stay in China

Sources are mixed on whether China imposes restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.

However, anecdotal information shared by two users suggests that practice may differ from official policy on the restrictions in China. See the case studies section below.

Restrictions on long-term stay in China

We found no evidence of any official restrictions on long-term stay in China based on HIV status.

According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, China does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.

Historic regulations in China

In 2007, the Global Fund negotiated with the Chinese Government on a change in regulations so that international meetings can continue to take place in China in the future.

In April 2010, the Government of China announced the lifting of entry restrictions against people living with HIV with immediate effect. The entry ban against people with leprosy and with sexually transmitted diseases was also lifted.

Until 2021, disclosure of HIV status and completion of health check certificates were required for certain residence, work and study permits. In 2021, these restrictions were lifted and there are no longer any HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, or residence.

Treatment access in China

The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in China. However, it is not clear whether non-nationals are able to access this treatment in the same way as nationals.

A detailed analysis of laws and regulations applying for non-nationals living with HIV in China is available in this resource. The guide states that there are fees involved for HIV-related care.

Anecdotal information shared by a user suggests that there are concerns around practice concerning HIV treatment in China. See the case studies section below.

Case Studies

If travelling to China on a tourist visa or short-term business trip, do not declare your status on the visa application form. Historically, people declaring their status truthfully have been denied entry.

There are concerns around confidentiality of an HIV diagnosis and stigma in the employment and health care system.

The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database

People living with HIV are criminalised in China. 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.

UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data

This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.

Migrant populations

Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens Yes
Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) Yes
Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens No
Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) N/A
Migrants are able to access HIV services Yes

Refugees and asylum seekers

Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens N/A
Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) N/A
Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens N/A
Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) N/A

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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.