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?
Hello UK,USA and Canada they test for HIV if want visa working for Truck drivers?
H Suji, HIV testing is no longer required for US visa applications. As for other tests required, unfortunately I do not know as i-base focusses on HIV treatment related information.
What are medical test check list for H1B visa for travelling to usa,can u send the list of tests done in us or india
Hi Nani, access to HIV medication in the USA will depend on where you go and how you enter. A sponsored work visa with a company providing health insurance may enable you to access HIV medication cheaply/free. If you are going without a sponsorship and plan to pay privately, HIV medication can cost upwards of $20000/year. It is best to speak to a local health organisation in the state you are planning to move to find more specific information.
Hi, do i get hiv medicine in USA As i am planning to travel to usa from india. i am a graduated student and having software experience of 11 years.
Hi Gordon, yes you can travel to the USA as an HIV positive person. You will need to take a prescription for the HIV medication you are travelling with. Are you looking to visit or to move there?
Hi, I m Gordon and from Ghana. Please can I travel to USA with HIV positive? And what documents do I need to proof my self
Hi Salami, i-Base is in the UK, and you could apply in the UK to be a nurse, and also get free HIV meds.
The US health system is very complicated and I don’t know the answer for that country. It would be better to contact a US HIV organisation for information. Some jobs that are in demand might come with health insurance that covers HIV, but this would be a question for the hospital or agency that is offering the job.
Please am HIV positive, can I apply for nurses job and can I have free access of ARV meds in the US??
Hi Ovie, health care in the US is complicated. There should be free access to HIV treatment in every State. The main programme is called ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Programme). It is better to contact your local HIV clinic or HIV service organisation for advice on how to register.