President Barack Obama is lifting the United States' travel ban for those who are HIV-positive.

Obama said that the order will be finalised this week, completing a process begun during the Bush administration. The US has been one of only about a dozen countries that bar entry to travellers based on their HIV status. The ban has been in place for more than 20 years.

The announcement came during Obama's signing of an extension of the Ryan White HIV and Aids bill.

At a small ceremony at the White House, Obama signed legislation that authorises the program created in 1990 to continue. The government's programme provides medical care, medication and support services to about a half a million people, most low-income. - Sapa-AP