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 I am taking antiviral medicine viropil for pep. I lost the prescription. It’s only 5 doses remaining. Do I need to take the prescription to bring the medicine to USA.l from India.
Hi James, no this is not true. Being HIV positive will not prevent you from getting a working visa in any of the countries you have mentioned.
You can use this website to learn of the HIV regulations of any of the countries you are intending to work: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?pageId=142
Hi I’am from Indian i want to work in abroad like Canada, USA or either Switzerland as a waiter. I have contacted some agents and ask about visa and work permit. They said they will recheck medical test once you reach the countries A person who is hiv+ will be rejected in any countries. Is this true? Now Im so sad and scared that i wont be able to fulfil my dreams.
Hi Gtsey, yes you can travel to Canada. Canada has no restrictions for people living with HIV. How long are you intending to travel for? Longer than 6 months will require a medical examination.
More information about this can be found here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=39
Hi please can I travel to Canada as Hiv
Hi Ben, being HIV positive will not stop you being able to be a minister in either of these countries.
Im Ben pastor i have passport but i want to get a church in USA or UK to minister in
Hi Bery, yes you can travel. You can use this website to find out the regulations, if any, of the country you intend to move to: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?pageId=142
I’m having Hiv and I want to apply green card so I don’t know if I can travel with hiv to us
Hi Crystal, as mentioned in the main answer yes you can move to the USA. Being HIV positive is not a barrier to getting a visa for the USA.