Q and A

Question

Do I need a letter to travel with ARVs?

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.

46 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Mlungisi,

    If you’re going to be resident in the UK you can get free HIV treatment. It’s a good idea to bring a treatment summary from your doctor with you. That will help the doctors in the clinics to continue your treatment.

    Please have a supply of meds to cover you for the period when you contact and register at the UK clinic.

  2. Mlungisi

    Do are need a letter to travel with it so I can get treatment in UK for HIV

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Tebello,

    It’s OK to travel into China with your meds, this won’t be an issue.

  4. Tebello

    I’m traveling to China next month what should I do with my antiretroviral drug will it be an issue with customs

  5. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Angel,

    Yes you can travel to Thailand with ARVs, this won’t be an issue.

  6. Angel

    Can i travel with my antiretroviral medication to Thailand with doctor’s certificate

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Tholakele,

    Yes you can travel to the UK with ARVs. This isn’t an issue.
    By prescription from your doctor, what do you mean?

  8. Tholakele

    Can I travel with my medication in uk and the prescription letter for the Doctor

  9. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Maddy,

    There are no specific entry or residence regulations for people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Please see this link: http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=162

  10. Maddy

    Hi, it’s my first time traveling to CPT with an airplane, please advise do I need to declare my meds or carry a doctor’s note to declare the ARVs?

Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *