Travelling with HIV: a map of restrictions that still persist

In 2025, while medical progress and public awareness continue to advance, there remain borders that do not welcome. For people living with HIV, the right to travel is still shaped by outdated policies—often invisible, yet deeply consequential.

This map is not merely a list of countries; it is a reflection of the inequalities that endure. In over 50 nations, restrictions exist on entry, residence, or long-term stay for HIV-positive individuals. Some countries deny access even for short tourist visits; others require mandatory testing for work or study visas, and in certain cases, disclosure of status can lead to deportation.

Red Ribbons Travelers, founded in 2012 as a personal act of resilience, now becomes a collective voice. With this map, Blend London Magazine inaugurates a new chapter in its Impact section—a space where travel meets justice, and visibility becomes a tool for change.