Travel question for anyone that might know

[xandermtl]

Hello Everyone,
     It's been quite sometime since I've posted in this forum.  You are all pretty knowledgeable about most things so I was hoping that one of you might be able to give me some insight into my present predicament.  I live in Canada and I have to travel to the US soon for work (just a simple 3 day conference) and I'm a little bit worried since it is the first time that I've visited the US since I began taking medication in February.  It's sort of well-known that I'm not allowed to travel to the US without a special HIV positive VISA.... but I don't really want to get one because I would have it in my passport and also it may restrict my future movements.  Plus, I'm of the opinion that I really shouldn't have to discuss my health with US Customs.  So I have two questions for you:
1.  Is this rule strictly enforced and should I be worried enough to try to do something like mail my meds to the hotel or some other thing along those lines....
2.  I read in July that this travel ban was lifted (at least that is what it said in the paper) though the information that is on the Department of homeland security website has the new rule... which sounds very much like the old rule just with prettier language and the visa may be faster to get....Does anyone know anything about this new rule ? and is it materially any different from the old one.  If I go to Europe I don't have to do anything special... so if the ban is really lifted... why are they asking me to apply for a special visa. 
I don't want anything I do here to affect my employment or my ability to travel... so what should I do ?
Comments and suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Xand ;-)

[TimmyT]

Hi,

Though I have a US Passport, I do enter and exit the US frequently each month for work. I carry all of my meds with me and then some. I for one, and this is only my opinion, would NOT apply for the visa. Occasionally, I am pulled for a random search, usually they're looking for undeclared food or agriculture products. As long as your meds are in prescription bottles describing their true contents, Customs usually says nothing. Assuming you have no felony convictions, drugs or otherwise, I doubt they will give you a second look aside from the usual questions regarding the purpose of your visit. Now if your rap sheet shows a checkered history, then do apply for that visa. Remember this is just my .02.

Have a good trip.

[pozniceguy]

I agree that the primary purpose of most "searches" by the customs people concern "contraband of various types.....If they check your meds and you do not have a visa the consequences may be a permanent ban for entry to to the US...... It is a low risk for this to happen but be aware that certain entry points are more rigorously checked than others.....so it may just depend on your entry point and why you declare you are entering the country..by and large business travellers are considered a low risk group.....especially if you have a return ticket with specific date.

Good luck and  welcome to America..

Nick