Equatorial Guinea
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Restrictions on long-term stays which in most cases is defined as over 90 days.
The types of restriction are:
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
Restrictions on entry to Equatorial Guinea
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Equatorial Guinea based on HIV status.
The US Department of State and UNAIDS report that there are no HIV entry restrictions for non-nationals.
The Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Berlin has a list of supporting documents that should be included with the visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
The visa application form does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Similarly, Law No. 4/2010, dated 31 May, on Prevention and Civil Protection of Equatorial Guinea establishes, among other elements, the criteria for entry of non-nationals, none of which refers to medical or health criteria.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Equatorial Guinea
We are not aware of any official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Equatorial Guinea.
Law No. 4/2010, dated 31 May, on Prevention and Civil Protection of Equatorial Guinea establishes, among other elements, the criteria for stay for non-nationals, none of which refers to medical or health criteria.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Equatorial Guinea
There appears to be some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Equatorial Guinea.
According to the US Department of State, the Government of Equatorial Guinea is starting to require medical documentation, including the determination of the HIV status of third country nationals who are renewing or obtaining residency in Equatorial Guinea.
Similarly, according to the Embassy of France in Malabo, when applying for a residence permit, ‘its first issue and renewal may involve the presentation of an HIV test.’
Historic regulations in Equatorial Guinea
There was formerly an entry restriction but in 2011 this was repealed, however a number of sources continue referring to HIV testing on entry. A 2012 UNAIDS report noted that these restrictions were removed ‘with the aim of reducing HIV stigma and social discrimination.’
Treatment access in Equatorial Guinea
We did not find any available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Equatorial Guinea.
According to the US Department of State, medical facilities are limited in terms of space and capability. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medicines including antibiotics but do not carry U.S. brand names or generic over the counter (OTC) medications. Outside of these cities, many medicines are unavailable.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV are criminalised in Equatorial Guinea. There are HIV-specific criminal laws in force which target alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission. We are not aware of any reported prosecutions under these or other laws.
Visit the Equatorial Guinea 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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