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, Iam Festo a boy from Tanzania East Africa, Iam Computer in ICT student in a certain University here in Tanzania but I am too eager to come in USA for further studies to increase my carrier and working there, how can you help me?
Hi Jecinta,
You being positive shouldn’t be an issue with regards to you traveling to, or working in the US. You will however need a visa to work in the US and have access to medical insurance.
I’m 21 yrs old..I’m positive and on medication..I’m not that really educated but I have skills on computer and I would love travel to USA to work and train to be a nurse.
Hi Triza,
You’ll need health insurance if your going to be in the US, and one that will cover the cost of your medication. You won’t be able to access them for free.
Hi, I am from Africa and positive, I am going to study for my Ph.D. in the USA in Lubbock, is it possible to access medication?
Interesting having read through with answers to alot of questions bothering me before now!I have long given up about my intention of travelling to the States for a better job with my family with the feeling that I may be deterred by 1.immigration officer inspection coming with my drugs,2.How to get drugs there,3.With the feeling that one with HIV will not be allowed to the US.I appreciate greatly and would be interested to know more from you if the need arises for any more clarification in the future.Thank you and God bless.
Hi Tobias,
The following links give info on where people living with HIV can live/move to.
http://www.hivrestrictions.org/
I’m positive and on medication. Can I study abroad USA? if not, can you suggest any countries?
Hi Fungai,
Neither the UK nor Ireland have any restrictions on people visiting the UK who are living with HIV.
I’m positive and on medication. Can I visit the UK and Ireland?