PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Having HIV or AIDS can affect your ability to travel. If you are not a Canadian citizen, having HIV or AIDS can affect your ability to stay in Canada long term. It is also important to know what different countries allow before travelling to them.
You are not usually required to declare your HIV status on entry into Canada for visits shorter than 6 months. Canada does not ban people with HIV from visiting Canada on a short-term basis. However, immigration officers have the power to deny a non-citizen entry into the country if they think the person:
If you want to come for a longer period, you will likely have to disclose your HIV status or have an HIV test. As mentioned above, Canada can refuse entry on health-related grounds. However, there are some important exceptions for sponsored family members and for people claiming refugee status.
Some countries require you to declare if you are HIV-positive before you enter the country. They may also require you to be tested for HIV first. Most countries do not require you to reveal your HIV status or get an HIV test for visits on tourist visas, but some do. Some countries have laws that ban any person with HIV from entering the country, for any purpose or for any length of time. They may also allow for a non-resident with HIV to be deported. You can usually ask the embassy or consulate of the country in question here in Canada to find out the rules. You can also search for information on the website of the country’s government.
The Regina Public Library and Saskatoon Public Library are hosting free Law Fair events during Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week to connect people with free legal information, assistance, and support. Attend to acquire legal knowledge and to broaden awareness of legal rights and responsibilities!