Travelling to Taiwan with HIV

[yanay30]

My partner, who is from Taiwan, invited me on a trip there. Up until a couple years ago Taiwan had an outright restriction on letting in people who were HIV+, it was listed on their immigration website. That restriction has since been removed, but old habits die hard and I'm concerned that customs officials might find my meds and ask about them. Has anyone travelled to Taiwan in the last few years and can share what entering the country was like? Much appreciated.

[Jim]

Never been to Taiwan and hope you have a nice trip. Of course, follow the basics, letter from your doctor outlining the meds are for treatment and personal use, carry the meds in hand luggage and in their original packaging.


Welcome to the forum. How are you doing? You mentioned treatment, what meds are you taking and how is that working for you?

[yanay30]

Thanks Jim 

I understand the official requirements, and if I decide to go I'll have to prepared for potential questions in customs. I am curious what experiences people had when entering Taiwan given that not too long ago they were not allowed to enter. I wonder how much has changed in the minds and attitudes of customs officers. Would they question the meds, ask about any additional details, delay you in customs while they "review your situation" (a friend had that happen in another country). I'd like to know what to realistically expect.

[Jim]

I appreciate that, although, I doubt many forum members have travelled to Taiwan recently and if they have they will chime in but in the end, stories are just that and you will have to find out for yourself and as long as you have everything you need and in order, you should expect things to be okay. A short delay at customs or a few questions isn't the end of the world.

HIV travel info for Taiwan
https://www.positivedestinations.info/country-database/country/taiwan-roc

HIV exposure laws in Taiwan
https://www.hivjustice.net/country/tw/


How are you doing otherwise and what meds are you taking? what's your VL/CD4?