Traveling With an ESTA If You Are a HIV Patient
If you want to travel to the US from the Netherlands, you can do so without a Visa. Being a part of the VWP grants nationals of Netherlands the option to request ESTA (Aanvragen ESTA) which is an alternative to the Visa. With an ESTA, nationals of VWP countries can gain entry into the US or catch flights to the US to travel further into countries like Canada, Mexico, etc. However, to do so, you need to get approval for the ESTA application that you make at Estavisumamerika.
To request ESTA Visa, you have to fill up an application form. You will have to enter biometric and personal details and answer to certain security questions. The answers to these questions play an important role in the approval or rejection of your ESTA application. If your answers indicate that you aren’t eligible for a visit to the US, you wouldn’t be granted permission. One of these questions is about communicable diseases. If you happen to have any of the communicable diseases listed by the Department of Health and Human Services, you will not be allowed into the US. The sad part is HIV was listed as a communicable disease. As such, all HIV patients were denied entry into the US from 1993 to 2010.
How things have changed since?
Since 2010, ESTA request from patients with HIV has started to be approved. This is because HIV was de-listed as a communicable disease and was no longer a reason for denial of entry into the US. That said, you may be asked questions about your health at the point of entry into the US. This is quite normal and there is nothing to worry about. It is suggested that if you are asked questions, you should disclose that you have HIV. Not doing so may raise concerns amongst border security agents and you may be denied entry because you withheld information or were untruthful.
You do not need to worry about being HIV positive. Your ESTA request (ESTA aanvragen) will be approved like any other individual if all other information is correct. However, you have to take care of the meds that you take to the US. These meds must adhere to the general guidelines set up for carrying medicines to the US. Make sure that you have a prescription for all the medicines that you want to take with you. Also, they shouldn’t be on the prohibited list of items. This is important if you want to avoid any troubles with security.
What else should you remember when you request ESTA Visa?
If you are an HIV patient willing to travel to the US, it is best that you have yourself insured. Health insurance tailored to meet your needs is essential if you do not want to end up paying hundreds of dollars in case of an emergency. That is why when you request ESTA, you should also apply for health insurance that will cover you when you are abroad.