Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
No restrictions for short-term tourist stays.		Students wishing to obtain a study grant for Cuba must undergo testing. HIV test required for foreign nationals who want to remain in Cuba longer than 3 months

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Cuba

There are no restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS for short term stays of up to 3 months (tourist visa).

An HIV test is mandatory for longer stays. An HIV test result must be presented upon application for a long term visa. There are no controls at the border. The extension of a residency permit requires a negative test result.

We have no information about the consequences for a person entering the country who is detected to be HIV-positive. Antiretroviral medication for personal use can be carried along.

(Source: 1)

Students receiving a scholarship must present a negative test result.

(Source: 2)

 

HIV treatment information for Cuba

Foreigners with permanent residence, like Cuban citizens, enjoy access to free treatment and care. Partial payment is required for medication. There is an additional resolution concerning people infected with HIV/AIDS, which guarantees completely free access to treatment and care and the right to work. 

Many drugs are only available on the black market or through donations from abroad. 

Foreigners staying temporarily in Cuba are treated in special clinics for foreigners. These clinics are better equipped than the normal hospitals. Care has to be paid for in US$. Cuban citizens do not have access to these clinics or to international pharmacies, which sell many drugs that are otherwise not available. 

Access to treatment and care is not adequate. Doctors have excellent training but are hindered in their profession due to the lack of equipment, bandaging material and medication. 

The following institutes are specialised in AIDS treatment and research: 

• Instituto Pedro Koudri
  P.O. Box 601 Marianao 13
  Ciudad de la Habana
  Dr. Jorge Perez
  Phone: +537 220 451
  E-mail: jorge.prez@ipk.sld.cu
   
  
• Sanatorio del SIDA
  Finca de los Cocos
  Santiago de las Vegas
  Phone: +537 579 310 
  
  (Source: 3)

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Cuba

You can get updated information through the aidsmap search engine at www.aidsmap.com/en/orgs/ux/default.asp.

 

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.

Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.

 

Key HIV resources for Cuba

1. Embassy of Germany, April 8, 2008
2. US State Department web site; Travel Publications / December 2006 http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html
   consulted July 1 2007, no longer online
3. Embassy of Germany, La Habana, 9 February 2000, via Dr Jorge Perez, Instituto Pedro Koudri

 

updated: 9/7/2008
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