In Switzerland, 20 % of the population travel to the tropics every year and many have unprotected sexual practices during their stay. A third of newly diagnosed HIV infections among Swiss citizens are acquired abroad. Travel clinics are probably important partners in the fight against sexually transmitted infections and HIV. People living with HIV often travel to the tropics but rarely attend a travel clinic before leaving. Travels are a risk factor of HIV viral rebound and antiretroviral treatment failure, particularly in sub-Saharan African patients. Pre-travel counselling should be part of a usual follow-up medical consultation with a focus on treatment adherence.