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?
Is there free treatment for HIV in USA,how soon do I get registered and how do I get registered
Hi Sandy,
Yes, it’s possible to travel to the UK when a person is positive, your status won’t be an issue.
am in kenya is it possible to travel to uk while am hiv positive
Hi Curtis,
i-base don’t provide ARVs, you can however contact us. Our contact info is on our site.
Thanks Simon Collins for replying me. However, can I have your contact so I can reach you when I get to the UK for medications because I don’t want to risk it,I don’t know if the Nigeria airport officials would stop me taking medications. So I want to be on the safe side by reaching out to you when I get to the Uk go I can access free medications.
Hi Curtis, there should not be any problems bringing your meds for a holiday in the UK. HIV status is not an issue for entering the UK. However, the customs officers will want to see that you have enough medicines for your trip. HIV testing, monitoring and treatment is free in the UK. i-Base can help with information about HIV clinics and access to treatment.
Hi everyone, I’m applying for a tourist visa from Nigeria to the UK, I’m hiv + and I have kept this a secret for over 2years now without letting anyone know. My question is; can I take my medications to the UK from Nigeria? or Can i-base help with information about HIV clinics?
Hi Delvis, I don’t know why you think your family would know? Is this because you will be travelling together? If yes, then US customs no longer ask about HIV, so you should be fine. In the very low chance that you luggage is searched you can say your meds are just for a viral infection. You can also ask your doctor to give you a letter saying this. It doesn’t need to mention HIV.
Will my family get to know am HIV positive
When going to USA
None of my family members know I have this virus
And I don’t want them to know
Will it be a secret kept
Hi Anna, I am sorry but i-Base are focussed on treatment rather than employment and immigration issues. We are also in the UK, so it would be better to contact an HIV organisation in the US. HIV issues and medical cover are very complicated in the US. Even if some people post medicines, technically this is not legal unless the exact make and manufacturer are already approved for US citizens. You are allowed to travel carrying your own meds though.