Question
Do I need a letter to travel with ARVs?
3 January 2013. Related: All topics, Travel.
I am travelling to France at the end of the month – will I need a letter from the hospital for when I travel with my meds in case there are any problems at airport security/immigration?
Answer
There are no travel restrictions for HIV positive people traveling to France. Generally, customs regulations require people entering with prescription medication like antiretroviral drugs to carry a doctor’s certificate, 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.
Hi Jake, it would still be advised to carry a prescription with you. Just in case your bag is checked (as can happen to anybody) and your treatment is questioned. Having a doctors note/prescription will show that it is for personal use and will not lead to any delays/problems.
You do not need to provide a medical certificate. This is something different to a prescription.
Do you not have a regular prescription from your doctor that you use to collect your medication from the pharmacy? This would be more than suitable to carry with you as proof of medication.
Hi, This is Jake, Im travelling to US in a few weeks and staying for 5 weeks to spend with my family. I am also a HIV Positive. Can i take an early medicine before the flight and would it be possible that i can check in the ARVs so that i will not request to my doctor for my prescription or medical certificate?
OR are they requiring to check also the medical certificate even if the ARVs are in the check-in luggage?