Cyprus
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 Cyprus
Sources are mixed on whether Cyprus imposes entry restrictions on people living with HIV.
Both the US Department of State and UNAIDS report that there are no restrictions for entry.
Furthermore, the website of the Embassy of Cyprus in Beirut offers a list of supporting documents that should be included with an entry visa application, and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or general health of the applicant.
Additionally, the Visa Application Form published by the Embassy of Cyprus in Beirut does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
However, Article 6 of the The Foreigners and Immigration Law (CHAP. 105) includes in the list of prohibited travellers: ‘any person who has been certified by a doctor as suffering from a communicable or contagious disease which, in the doctor’s opinion, is a danger to public health or who ceases to comply with the conditions laid down in each case v which was issued on the basis of any interest deposit public health.’
Furthermore, the CyprusVisa website includes among a list of required documents for entry permits a medical certificate. It is not clear if this asks any questions related to HIV status.
Additionally, the HUMA Network reports that people living with HIV are not permitted to enter Cyprus under any circumstances.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Cyprus
It is unclear whether Cyprus imposes restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV.
According to UNAIDS, Cyprus does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
However, the US Department of State reports that authorities from Cyprus will not grant a residence permit for work or study to a U.S. citizen who tests positive for HIV.
Similarly, according to the Government of the United Kingdom, the documentation to request a permit for work includes a medical certificate.
This is supported by the CyprusVisa website, which includes among a list of required documents for work permits a medical certificate. It is not clear if this asks any questions related to HIV status.
Additionally, the HUMA Network reports that non-national workers are required to have an HIV test when renewing a work permit.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Cyprus
We found no evidence of additional requirements beyond those established for short stays, however these are likely also to impact long-term stays.
Treatment access in Cyprus
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Cyprus. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
The HUMA Network includes information on access to HIV testing and treatment for non-nationals and reports that HIV testing is officially available free of charge for authorised residents, but in practice some non-nationals including asylum seekers and undocumented migrants have to pay the costs. Similarly, HIV treatment is available free of charge in most cases but some may have to cover costs.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV may be criminalised in Cyprus. While there are no HIV-specific laws in force, we are aware of reported prosecutions of alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission under general criminal laws.
Visit the Cyprus 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.
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 | N/A |
Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
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 | N/A |
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 |
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.