The holiday season is approaching and as this will be the last newsletter before we take a summer break we are responding to requests about travel to foreign parts.

The four pages of “Travelling with HIV” downloaded from the AEGIS Web site makes fascinating reading. After the warning that “all countries requiring an HIV test want a recent one-within one month of your travel” and that some countries demand to do their own HIV test, you might decide to go to Blackpool instead.

However the reality of the situation for holiday makers would seem to be less of a problem as most of the restrictions apply to long term stays. For example if you plan to study or work in the country. Some exceptions to this are in Guatemala where you need to have a test if you plan for retiree status. Greece and Panama require tests for all women intending to work in the entertainments industry! In Kazakstan all visitors, excluding diplomats, must present a certificate of an HIV test within 10 days of arrival whilst in Singapore this rule applies to workers who earn less than $945 per month.
Theory: All non-citizens with HIV may be restricted (including tourists) according to the law.
Reality: In practice tests are only required for those seeking permanent residency. The May edition of AXIOM has a section on Positive Travellers (pages 21-28) although the advice they include from Rothwell & Towler Travel Insurance seems a bit over the top for most Western European Countries, some of whom have a higher quality of tap water than many of our own water companies. The Mediterranean Coast has some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in the world. However this firm does competitive holiday insurance for all (including HIV+). Immediate cover is available and they say that 10% will go to AIDS charities. (Rothwell & Towler - 01395 516555)

Some positive people have been flying to the continent for years using whatever insurance deal was available without disclosing their status. Positive Lives does not recommend this course of action. It is better to be safe than sorry and £23 cover for 2 weeks in Europe or £60 World Wide is no more than you would pay through a high street travel agent - in some cases it’s a lot less.

It is best if you keep your drugs with you in your hand luggage. There is less chance of them going astray. It will also save you having to cope with the problems with liquid Retonovir which is likely to crystallize when subjected to low temperatures of a journey in the hold.

If you are travelling to Europe don’t forget to take a completed E111form with you. This entitles you to free or reduced costs emergency treatment. Form T6 which includes an E111 can be had from your local post office. However, this only provides emergency treatment and does not cover the costs of repatriation and air ambulances home in the event of a medical problem.

The Hanley resource centre has copies of AXIOM; the Rothwell & Towler Insurance forms, as well as the AEGIS document, mentioned above, which details travel restrictions for 59 countries World Wide.