Advice on international travel

Entry restrictions

Find out about any entry restrictions in the countries you are planning to go to. You can do this by checking the list below, although for the most up to date advice you should contact the local embassies or consulates of each country you are intending to travel to. If you do this you should not reveal your HIV status or name to them. If you feel uncomfortable about calling an embassy or consulate directly, you can call one of the advice giving organisations like The Terrence Higgins Trust and have them call for you. Information about travel restrictions can change, so it is important to double check.

If entry restrictions exist in the country to which you want to travel, you will need to decide whether you want to take the risk of travelling. Few countries have restrictions on tourist travel for short stays, but any restrictions are evidence of an ill–informed policy, and this could translate into spot checks on people who are suspected of having AIDS. Anyone who is identifiably sick, a gay man, a drug user or a person from an African country where AIDS is endemic is likely to be more vulnerable to inspection.

You may want to contact an AIDS service organisation in the country to which you wish to travel (if one exists), and find out if they know what risks you run in entering that country. You may also want to ask whether particular airports have a reputation for particularly stringent vetting of incoming visitors.

You should ask the local organisation what you ought to do if you are denied entry or detained, and if they don't know, ask them to find out. You may feel more secure if someone – either a friend or someone in an AIDS organisation – knows you are coming.

Travelling with medication

It's often necessary for people with HIV/AIDS to carry medication with them when they travel – particularly medicine for preventing opportunistic infections (prophylaxis) and antiretrovirals.

Border entry points usually take an interest in medicines and pharmaceuticals. Drugs which are legal in one country may not be legal in others.

You have three options

• Sending your medicine ahead. If you have someone to send it to, this is an option, but make sure it has arrived before you leave for your destination.
• Purchasing the medicine in the country you have entered. You need to find out if this is possible, how it is done, how long this is likely to take and what costs are involved. In some countries like the United States this can be very expensive.
• Carrying the medication with you. You can choose to be open about what the medications are for. If you are not going to be open, then you need to be ready to answer the question `what are these drugs for?'. Either way, a doctor's letter may be of help. It may be advisable to have your clinician write you a letter on generic hospital paper- which has no mention of HIV on it, and state that the drugs are  for a chronic medical condition and are for personal use.

Whatever you decide to do, calculate how much medication you will need and then add on a few extra day's supply to be on the safe side. It may also be a good idea to take preventive medications for minor everyday problems such as insect bites or headaches which you are used to using. New medications can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Travelling by air

If you are quite ill, or there is a high chance that you could become ill, then airlines will sometimes make special arrangements for you and ensure there is going to be a doctor on your flight. Airlines can refuse to carry people who are very sick or insist on special conditions such as being accompanied by an appropriate medical practitioner. While some airlines have very good records of being cooperative and helpful to people with HIV and AIDS, others do not. You can usually check out these issues before purchasing your ticket by contacting the airline's Medical Assistance department, anonymously if you prefer.

Long distance air travel can sometimes cause additional health problems for people who are experiencing respiratory problems or have damaged lungs.

Vaccinations

A full discussion of issues for HIV–positive people to consider when deciding which vaccinations to undergo can be found in the HIV & AIDS Treatments Directory.

If you are travelling to areas where malaria is present, it is essential that you take anti–malaria medication. If you are going to be in these areas for some time then investing in a mosquito net may be useful. You should discuss your travel itinerary with your doctor to ensure that the most appropriate anti–malaria drugs can be prescribed.

Travel insurance

Some travel insurance companies now provide cover for people living with HIV & AIDS. However, certain restrictions tend to apply and the premiums can often be greatly inflated. Coverage includes claims for medical expenses, for loss of deposit or cancellation owing to illness and for any additional expenses. It is worth shopping around to see who can offer you the best cover at the best price. NAM cannot recommend any particular company. It is most sensible to obtain a range of quotes and identify which company most meets your specific needs. 

The Freedom Travel Insurance Scheme, which has been developed in partnership with the National AIDS Trust provides a comprehensive travel insurance product, which includes full medical cover (though this is subject to health screening, which can be completed on the internet or on the telephone). 

Reciprocal medical care arrangements

Travellers to European Community countries should obtain an E111 certificate before they go. A form to apply for this is available from any Post Office. The form will tell you which countries are covered by reciprocal health care agreements with UK, and what they consist of. You may not get all medical services for free in some countries. This is a special problem for the United States, and you should check with a US AIDS organisation before you go about what medical services will be available to you at your destination.

Support services at your destination

You may want to check with local AIDS organisations at your destination where to go for medical help if you need it.

Food and drink

Food and drink are often sources of infection when abroad, and this is especially important to bear in mind if you have a compromised immune system. Drink only water that has been boiled. This includes bottled water and milk. Avoid ice, unless you are sure it is made from boiled water. The same goes for ice cream.

Food which has not been heated thoroughly is often a source of infection. However tempting they might be, meals bought from street vendors shouldn't be eaten unless you are confident they have been fully cooked in your presence. Avoid raw seafood and other raw foods, except fruit and vegetables which you have washed and peeled yourself.