Question
I am HIV positive, can I travel to the USA?
30 April 2012. Related: All topics, Travel.
Hi – I have two questions:
1. Can I travel to the USA if I am positive? If so, must I tell the airport authorities what my drugs are if they stop me? If so, will this be noted on my record anywhere? Or passport?
2. I normally take my meds at 8am (UK time). How do I change the time and to what now that I am going to the USA? I will be 5 hours behind which means I would need to take them at 3am which isn’t practical.
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your question.
There are no travel restrictions for HIV positive people traveling to the USA. All American travel restrictions relating to HIV status were lifted in January 2010.
Customs regulations require people entering with prescription medication like antiretroviral drugs to carry a doctor’s certificate in English, stating that the drugs are required to treat a personal condition. This requirement applies to all prescription drugs, not just HIV treatment.
Medication should always be carried in hand luggage, as checked luggage may be delayed or get lost. If you are carrying-on liquid medication exceeding 3 ounces / 100 ml, you must declare it at the checkpoint for inspection.
As for what time to take your medication, this really depends on which ARVs you are taking. For answers to similar questions please follow the links below:
I’m moving from Asia to Europe- when do I take my meds?
Can I occasionally stretch my atazanavir dose to 32 hours?
How do I time my meds when travelling?
Hi Amiisha,
You being positive shouldn’t stop you from going to the US for work. However, the US like many other countries has a very strict visa criteria for people who wish to work there. For more information you will need to contact the American embassy in the country where you live. You will also need to think about how you will access treatment.
I want to move to the US to work, and take my kids with me. Will me being positive stop this?
Hi Titi,
The basic answer is yes. In the UK we don’t ask about a persons status when they arrive into the UK. Nor do we test to see if people are HIV positive or not. Therefore, you being HIV positive isn’t a barrier to coming to the UK.
Is it OK for me to travel to the UK, I’m on meds.
Hi Hoyin, being HIV positive is no longer a restriction to visiting the US. However, healthcare is more complicated and it might be good to contact a US-based community organisation such as Project Inform for advice:
http://www.projectinform.org
Hi jon,
I’m glad I stumbled on ur page.. I’m a nigeria woman and I’m recently diagnosed. I intend to travel out to America and settle but I’m scared.. would I get a job easily.. knowing my status.. thanks
Hi Roseline, I am sorry that i-Base doesn’t run a personal connection service. Perhaps try the personal section at http://www.poz.com.
hi jon, pls kindly help me to experience how other countries look like. I am a Nigerian living positively and a mother of two kids. pls I dont know how u can just do it for me to let me witness how us and canada look like. pls I care to travel there
if it is to meet people of my status. I dont mind it might be on invitation
Hi Jon,
The combination you are taking is quite ‘forgiving’ so you should be fine to switch over to taking your drugs at 8am US time without any problems. Or, if you prefer, you can take a ‘middle dose’ of your medication half way between these two doses. This would mean taking an extra dose at around 10.30pm (UK time) on your way to the US. The following morning you would take your medication at 8am US time and continue to do so throughout your trip. On the way back you would just switch back to UK time as normal.
Your doctor’s letter should be fine. Carrying a letter that discusses HIV is not necessary. A letter from a doctor simply needs to state that the medicines are being carried for a chronic medical condition and that they are for personal use.
If someone is carrying medication, they may be questioned about it at a country’s security or border control. Having answers ready will help to make the process easier. Again, HIV status does not need to be discussed but there may be a requirement to state that the drugs are for a chronic health problem.
It’s something that you will have to decide on at the time, depending on the situation. You may find it much easier, however, just to say ‘they are my HIV meds’ than to try to be very vague. Border control personnel in major American airports will be so aware of the changed regulation regarding HIV that you’ll very likely be let through without further questions. It’s something to judge for yourself but this may well be easier than avoiding stating the purpose of your drugs if asked.
It is important that you take your combination with food. This is because without food the levels of atazanavir which are absorbed by your body can be reduced by 30-40%. Here is some info from the company’s site: ‘A meal or snack can be a glass of orange juice and some toast. It doesn’t have to be a full meal, but it should be more than just something to drink. Even if you’re not hungry, eat something small before you take REYATAZ. It’ll help REYATAZ work better.’ Truvada is recommended to be taken with food in Europe and with or without food in the US. As with atazanavir, however, food increases the tenofovir levels in Truvada by about 30%.
Hi – thanks for your advice. I am on atazanavir, ritonavir and truvada. I take this combo at 8am UK time. when should I take it in the US?
does my dr’s note have to say what is my condition? she has been vague and said it is to treat a “medical condition”. do I have to tell customs what my drugs are for if they stop me?
also, do I need to take this combo with food? sometimes I am not hungry so early in the morning and have to force myself to eat. can I take them on an empty stomach? what are the drawbacks?
thanks