Israel

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 Israel

It is unclear whether Israel imposes restrictions on entry of people living with HIV.

The websites of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and Embassy of Israel in London provide lists of supporting documents that should be included with a visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant. 

However, the entry visa application form includes a tick box with the following text: ‘I declare that the particulars contained in this application are correct and have been made in awareness of the fact that they are to serve as basis for the consideration of my application. I also declare that […] I am not affected with any illness which might endanger public health.’

It is not clear if such illness would include HIV and whether declaration results in denial of entry.

According to UNAIDS, Israel does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.

Restrictions on short-term stay in Israel

It is unclear whether Israel imposes restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV.

According to UNAIDS, Israel requires HIV testing or disclosure for work visas.

The Embassy of Israel in London lists among the documentation to apply for a working visa: ‘Confirmation of medical tests carried out at laboratories or hospitals recognised by the mission.’ It is unclear, however, the nature of such tests and whether they include HIV testing.

Restrictions on long-term stay in Israel

It is unclear whether Israel imposes restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV.

The Government of Israel website on the Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return, states that no HIV test or disclosure is required, but the residence permit form includes the declaration of not being ‘affected with any illness which might endanger the public health.’ It is not clear if this would involve HIV disclosure.

Historic regulations in Israel

Some sources prior to 2018 had reported that the Israeli Ministry of Health imposes some HIV entry restrictions on visitors to and foreign residents of Israel, and the Ministry of Health reserves the right to deny entry to visitors who declare their status. However we did not find evidence of this being the case. 

Treatment access in Israel

The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Israel. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.

We have no evidence of specific conditions on importing antiretroviral medication for personal use.

The Levinsky Clinic in Tel Aviv and the Haparsim Clinic in Haifa, funded by the Ministry of Health, provide free and anonymous STD treatment and services, including HIV. These clinics focus on high-risk populations, such as sex workers, drug users, and those with multiple partners, but are open to everyone. Services include diagnostic testing, treatment, counselling, and education on safe sex practices. All services are provided at no cost, without the need for medical insurance, and are accessible to anyone regardless of age, gender, or citizenship status. However, according to an article published in Haaretz in 2021 doctors and professionals in the field say the treatment regimen for undocumented HIV carriers is very narrow, and far removed from the quality provided to Israeli carriers, who enjoy treatment that is among the most advanced in the world. In addition, the program does not cover treatments for other complications and AIDS-related illnesses.

The National Program for the Treatment of Undocumented HIV Carriers was launched in 2026. This program targets undocumented immigrants, including refugees and migrant workers from Africa, as well as individuals from the former Soviet Union who overstayed their visas. The program provides treatment for uninsured HIV carriers aged 18 and over who have been in Israel for at least six months. Candidates must appear before a medical committee to qualify.

The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database

People living with HIV may be criminalised in Israel. 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.

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

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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.