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. Good day! Can I work in US even I have HIV? And how I can continue my ARV there?
Thank You for your kind consideration.
Godbless!
Hi Mirriam,
Its perfectly fine to take ARVs into the US, this won’t be an issue. As with other prescription drugs as a precautionary measure you should have a letter from your doctor explaining why you’re traveling with meds. You being positive isn’t an issue.
Hi,I want to visit a friend in USA and will be position of my ARVs so am I gonna be allowed on a flight when having those on my position?
Good Day Elie,
There are no travel restrictions for HIV positive people travelling to the USA. But if you need treatment advice you could try: Local and/or national HIV organisations that provide treatment and benefit advice. If they are in a large city, there is likely to be a good HIV support group. If not, then national services like Project Inform and GMHCare worth trying first. Most US states have free ARV provision under ADAP, but there are both restricted ARV prescription list and sometimes waiting lists are full. See adap.directory.
Good evening my name is elie south Africa hiv positive healthy don’t get sick travel USA with dr letter medication will it be problem
Hi Rhain,
You being positive shouldn’t be an issue when trying to get a visa for the States. You will need to have health insurance so that you can access medication.
Hi. I’m HIV positive. I’m planning to work in US next year because my aunt wants me to get here. Is it poosible to work there even my status is undetected already? Or should I need to get a health insurance also?
Hi Joe, Please look up Japan on this HIV travel site.
Hi, I have a plan travel to visit japan for one weeks next month. Is there any specific regulation about my arv pills? will the ask about it? Do i need certicificate about it also for one week? Your advise most appreciate.
Hi Zinhle, If you are already resident in the UK HIV treatment is free and available. But you can find out more information here about immigration if you are planning to live in the UK for your studies.