I've always dreamed of studying abroad. My dream countries were France, Canada, and the United States. In 2015, when I was in 8th grade, my sister who lives in the United States had planned, along with her friend living in Germany, to bring me to Europe so I could live with that friend. We started the process: national ID, passport… But the project was never completed.
After I graduated high school in 2019, I resumed my search for universities abroad. I had found two institutions in Canada: Laval University and the University of Montreal. I had already started filling out the application forms, and my sister was ready to cover the costs. But as I dug deeper, I discovered that Canada imposes restrictions on people living with HIV, especially for long-term stays. This information deeply disappointed me. I felt excluded from a dream I held dear and gave up.
Unfortunately, many countries still maintain entry restrictions for people living with HIV, whether for studies or work. So eventually, I gave it all up.
For a long time, Canada was a highly sought-after destination for young Cameroonians. It still is today. Many of my friends now live there. When I see their photos, I feel a silent pain. I had that dream too. But because of an illness I didn't choose, that dream was never fulfilled.
My sister wanted to bring me to the United States, but the process turned out to be very complicated. The U.S. family reunification program gives priority to parents, spouses, and children under 21. Siblings are not considered a priority, which makes the process very long and difficult. Given this challenge, she suggested I apply for the U.S. DV Lottery. I hesitated, unsure whether the U.S. would accept someone living with HIV. But she showed me a screenshot proving that it was no longer a disqualifying factor. Still, once doubt settled in my mind, I gave up again.
Unfortunately, many countries still maintain entry restrictions for people living with HIV
In 2024, she sent me a post listing countries that Cameroonians can enter without a visa, including Singapore. She said, "If you spoke English well, I would have told you to go there right away." Curious, I did some research. I discovered a modern, safe, and technologically advanced country. I started imagining myself there, as a photographer capturing the landscapes, filming life, discovering the local culture. But when I checked the hivtravel.org site (now positivedestinations.info), my hopes were quickly dashed. Singapore prohibits stays longer than 90 days for people living with HIV. I wrote to an organization (Afa Singapore) to ask if this restriction was still in place. They confirmed that nothing had changed. I simply thought, "That's life."
But among all these closed doors, there is hope. Countries like Greece, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal, and Spain no longer have restrictions for people living with HIV. These countries show openness and humanity. I hope others will follow their example.
As for me, I'm still searching for a country where I can live, study, access healthcare, find housing, and build something stable. I have several destinations in mind, but what holds me back today are financial means. My sister is willing to support me in my efforts, and I know how lucky I am. But the requirements are sometimes very demanding.
Right now, I'm keeping the dream alive. I want to leave. I want to see something new, give myself a chance elsewhere. What I want is a new chapter in my life, a fresh start. I hope this will finally be the moment when my life takes a positive turn where I can be useful, fulfilled, and fully myself.
sending you love and hope!
thank you for sharing this Mina! as I was reading I felt so many emotions. i often think about if my HIV status had not stopped me from going to teach english abroad right after i graduated college. like, where would my life be now? to know that the status was the only thing that kept that experience from me at the time is gut wrenching on one side. and on the other, i am grateful for where i am so many years later. but those feelings don't leave easy. i am sending you so much love and patience as you continue to search for the place that is waiting on all that you have to offer!
It will happen!
I hate this has been a barrier for you to have so much support from your sister. I know your dream will come true. This is your time to prepare for that next chapter. Thank you for sharing.
Traveling abroad
This is so informative and I thank you for the information. I thought I could never leave the country. Congratulations on your studies and Glad it workout! You have just given me fresh hope of traveling out of the Country. Thank you and have a great afternoon. Stay Beautiful!
Solidarity!!
Dear Sister,
Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. I saw myself in your words—the dreams, the setbacks, the silent pain of being held back by something we did not choose. Like you, I once faced the crushing weight of HIV-related travel restrictions.
In 2003–2004, I was invited to attend an international meeting in Washington, D.C., organized by FHI International. A sister in the movement had recommended me to represent her. I was excited, honored—and completely unaware that, at the time, the U.S. had strict entry restrictions for people living with HIV.
The day before my visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, she asked me a simple but piercing question:
“Bose, if they ask whether you have HIV, what will you say?”
I smiled and replied, “I’ll say no!” 😃
But she didn’t laugh. Instead, she searched my name on Google—and for the first time, I saw how visible my life had become. My name, Bose Olotu, was already out there: the interviews, the advocacy, the photos—everything. I realized that I could not hide.
At the embassy the next day, they asked me, over a microphone, “Are you HIV positive?”
Everyone around stared. It was embarrassing. I said yes. And I left that place feeling stripped of dignity.
So when you wrote about giving up your dreams because of the stigma, the restrictions, and the fear, I understood deeply. The feeling of being excluded—not because we lack the skills, the desire, or the purpose—but simply because of our status, is a pain I know too well.
But sister, your story also gave me hope. Hope that we continue to raise our voices, to name the injustice, and to push for a world where no one has to give up their dreams for being HIV positive.
Your honesty, your courage, your hope are powerful.
I see you. I stand with you. And I still believe we will get there—one open door, one brave story at a time.
In love and solidarity,
Bose Olotu