Q and A

Question

I am HIV positive, can I travel to the USA?

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?

176 comments

  1. Thiru

    NO mam.. i didnt check it.. and i dont knw how to check

  2. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Thiru,
    Did you check with the Embassy and the link?

  3. Thiru

    In USA security guard job can’t get visa ? ..is it true ..?

  4. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Thiru,
    You can check with the US Embassy in your country and ask about a visitor visa. Please see this link about having a medical certificate for your medication.

  5. Thiru

    Hi

    I’m HIV positive. Is medical test need for visitor visa.. Can I get visitor visa ?

  6. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Jeevaprasanna,
    There are no travel restrictions for HIV positive people traveling to the USA. If you plan to visit for 6 months you should be able to take your meds with you.
    You could ask about getting a visa from the nearest Embassy. For more information on US immigration please follow this link.

  7. Jeevaprasanna

    Hi…!

    Unfortunately I’m HIV positive person .. I want to meet my relative in USA ..shall I get visitor Visa if they sponsoring me.. And can I take my tablets for 5 to 6 months..
    Is there any problem in immigration process .?

  8. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Thirupathy,

    Yes its possible for people who are positive to travel to the US, this isn’t an issue. As to how you apply for a visa you’ll need to contact the nearest US embassy, or research this.

  9. Thirupathy

    HI sir/ Madam..

    I am HIV positive. My cousin brother is working in USA.. I wanna meet him .
    Can I get visitor Visa & Can I take my HIV drugs for the months.. If its possible then how can I apply for that.. I am waiting for your valuable reply .

    Thanks & Regard
    Thiru..

  10. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Sunny,

    If you’re moving to the US you’re going to need to have health insurance, as to how muchthis is going to cost I really cannot say. If your moving to the US for work, then ideally this should be covered by your employer.

    With regards to meeting women who are positive, joining a support group in the US could be a good way to meet someone. There are also online dating sites for people who are positive.

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