Travelling for PLHIV.

One of the most common questions among those newly diagnosed is this: Is travelling abroad still possible?

The answer would really depend on your destination, your purpose of travel and the visa requirements for the country you are travelling to.

There are only a number of countries with strict ban against PLHIV. But most of the ban is imposed only to immigrants or to those securing a work visa. If you are travelling on social or short-term visa, testing for HIV is usually not required in many countries.

My work requires me to travel frequently, even to countries with strict ban against PLHIV. I guess I'm lucky that HIV testing is not required for the short term work visas I apply for, but I do still worry sometimes - what if the time comes an HIV test is required?

Keep in mind that as long as immigration authorities do not know about your status, there is no issue, even in countries which ban PLHIV like Singapore. So it is important that they don't find out about your status. So when you travel, look and be healthy. Don't travel if you are not well. Looking sick might catch the attention of immigration officials. Many airports also have sensors to catch those with fever, and being quarantined is the last thing a PLHIV could wish for.

But what about the medicines? Won't they find out? In my experience, they won't. My bag has gone through countless airport scanners, and I was never asked about the meds I carry, which is quite a lot. But I bring a prescription along, just in case they do ask. I also put them in pillboxes and labeled clear bottles, to make them look more like maintenance medications. They don't usually mind maintenance meds.

I remember my first time going to Australia after I was diagnosed, and the immigration form asked if I was bringing in drugs. I declared yes, and the immigration officer asked, "What type?" To which I replied, "Maintenance meds." She let me through without further questioning.

I also had the courage to send an anonymous email to Singapore's Health Ministry if there would be any problem with me, an HIV-positive individual, going to Singapore on Social Visit with my meds. Their reply was that I can bring up to three months' worth of medicine, as long as these medicines are not in the list of controlled substances in Singapore. Thankfully they weren't.

Here are the countries I've visited so far after I've been diagnosed: Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Australia. I've brought three months' worth of medicines to these countries, so if you are PLHIV and are planning to visit these countries on social or short-term visit visa, then worry no more. 

However, if you intend to find work, or even immigrate to another country, it may not be as easy. Each country has its own rule for PLHIV. You may consult http://www.hivrestrictions.org for country-specific restrictions.

Once you are in the country, try to stay healthy. You don't want to be in any situation where they may require your blood. Deportation is possible in some countries if they find out about your status, and I've heard of horror stories from those who got deported.

Have a safe trip!