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,am Peace and I am living with HIV. Can I travel to any country of my choice stay and get a job without denying me visa or publish me online everywhere because am HIV positive?
Hi Prisy, there is no ban to enter Canada for people living with HIV. HIV is no longer a reason to deny a visa application.
Hi. I want to apply for a student visa to canada but am afraid my hiv status will be revealed to my brother who is helping me. Do immigration reveal one’s status as reason why visa is denied?
Hi Olagoke, as you will be applying for a work visa you will be required to undergo a medical test. This will involve HIV testing. However being positive will not prohibit your entry. Canada allows immigrants with an expected health cost. If your HIV treatment is expected to cost below a certain threshold in addition to any other health conditions you may have, your application will be approved.
Can a person with hiv apply for canadian work permit visa?
Hi Douglas, i-base is UK based and it is difficult to comment on access in the US. HIV is no longer a barrier to entry in the US. Access for treatment will depend on your medical insurance and where you are intending to stay. Do you know the state you are wishing to move to? Contacting a local state HIV charity will be more suitable to provide information on access to treatment.
Hi am Douglas born and living HIV I want to come in USA and work but I don’t were to start. Another question is when i reach there where should i go for my treatment.
Hi Sara, there are no restrictions for people living with HIV to apply for jobs in the US. It is now illegal to discriminate in the USA on the basis of someones HIV status. Being HIV positive will not stop you being granted a visa.
I’m hiv positive and l have apply ajob in USA will l allowed to leave and work in USA and will l will be offered avisa
Hi Milton
Please see HIVtravel.org
This is definitely not a problme in the UK.