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. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Michael, there are no restrictions for people living with HIV to enter Namibia: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=129

    As with all treatments it would be recommended to carry a prescription/doctors note, that details your treatment is for personal use and that you need to carry it with you.

  2. Michael

    When traveling to Namimbia will it be a problem when I carry my ARVs with me

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Nush, no you will not be deported because you are HIV positive.

    When staying in Canada for less than 6 months there are no restrictions.

    For entry into the US HIV is not considered a communicable disease. On application for entrance being HIV positive does not mean you should say yes to having a communicable disease.

  4. Nush

    I’m traveling to US and Canada in a few weeks can ì be deported because of my hiv status

  5. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Michael, yes you can bring your ARVs with you. It is important that you carry with you a prescription and if possible a doctors note detailing it is for personal use.

    No you will not be deported for being HIV positive. When travelling for a short stay there are no restrictions and your status will not lead to deportation.

  6. Michael

    Hi. Im traveling to Australia for a business trip for a month. Can I bring my ARVs with its original bottle? will I be deported if they knew my status?

  7. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Amol, there are no travel restrictions for PLHIV when going for less than 90 days. It is not recommended that you disclose your status voluntarily as historically this has been met with people being detained and deported though. Do not miss your treatment doe 7 days. Travelling with your medication could identify that you are HIV positive. People have found success in using vitaim/supplement bottles to store treatment.

    Please see here for more information about travel regulations in China: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryCode=CN

  8. Amol

    I m traveling to Beijing upcoming 28 Oct. 23 for 7 days for company work.
    Can I take my HIV medicine with me ? Or I miss the dose.
    Pls. Guide. What’s are the rules of china for PLHIV ?

  9. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Sophia, no you do not need to disclose your status. Being HIV is not a barrier to working as an au-pair in the UK.

    Treatment access is from local sexual health clinics. These are found all over the country. Treatment is free and local clinics can be found here: https://www.bashh.org/clinics

    To help speed the process of access it helps to travel with your medical notes and a supply of treatment for about a month. This can help account for any delays in access.

  10. Sophia

    Hie please if i may i job as an au-pair Nanny in UK do i have to tell them about my status and also how am i going to get my treatment there

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