diff --git a/accel/hvf/hvf-all.c b/accel/hvf/hvf-all.c
index ddc77e629f..09fe3f2415 100644
--- a/accel/hvf/hvf-all.c
+++ b/accel/hvf/hvf-all.c
@@ -263,6 +263,11 @@ static int hvf_accel_init(MachineState *ms)
     }
 
     ret = hvf_arch_vm_create(ms, (uint32_t)pa_range);
+    if (ret == HV_DENIED) {
+        error_report("Could not access HVF. Is the executable signed"
+                     " with com.apple.security.hypervisor entitlement?");
+        exit(1);
+    }
     assert_hvf_ok(ret);
 
     s = g_new0(HVFState, 1);