Planning a trip?
Travel can be exciting, but it can also change your normal routine. Planning ahead can help you stay healthy and feel confident while you are away.
If you’re living with HIV, it is very important to keep taking your medication every day. Before you travel, talk to your doctor to make sure you have enough medicine for the trip. It’s also a good idea to bring extra in case your travel plans change.
Pack anything else you need to stay healthy, like condoms or other necessities. Keeping your usual health habits while travelling helps protect both you and others.
Travel can also mean being in busy places, like airports, where germs can spread easily. Simple steps like washing your hands often or using hand sanitiser can help stop illness.
With a little planning, people living with HIV can travel safely and enjoy their trip. Staying organised and looking after your health lets you focus on having a good time.
Read more: get-prepared-for-healthy-travel
Travel Tips for HIV Medications
Keeping your HIV meds organised while travelling can make your trip much smoother.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Pack more medication than you think you’ll need. Travel plans can change — flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, and trips sometimes run longer than expected. Bringing extra medication ensures you won’t run out while you’re away
- Keep your meds in your carry‑on bag. Always pack your HIV medication in your hand luggage. This way, you’ll still have access to it even if your checked bags get lost or delayed
- Keep meds in their original packaging. Storing your medication in the original pharmacy packaging (with your name and prescription label) can help avoid issues at customs or security
- Bring a copy of your prescriptions. Having a copy of your script or a letter from your doctor can be helpful if you need more medication overseas or if border staff ask questions
- Set reminders so you don’t miss a dose. Changing time zones can make your usual routine tricky. Setting alarms on your phone can help you keep taking your medication at the right time each day
- Check travel rules for your destination. Some countries have restrictions on certain medicines. It’s a good idea to check the rules for where you’re travelling before you go
- Store medication safely. If your medication needs to be kept cool, plan ahead. You might need a cooler pack or a small, insulated bag, especially on long flights or in hot climates
- Plan for time‑zone changes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on adjusting your medication schedule if you’re travelling somewhere with a big-time difference
- Keep everything together. A small travel pouch for your meds, scripts, and health info helps keep things organised and easy to find
For further information please read our travel tips page

