NHS Proof of Recovery for Canada entry
 

Long time lurker here - thought I’d share this for those in the same position as me.

I tested positive for covid exactly 14 days ago, which threw my Christmas plans into disarray. I was suppose to fly from LHR to YVR on the 19th. Even after my symptoms cleared, I continued to test positive on PCR tests.

I spent many hours searching the web to see if anyone was able to get in using a positive test result, and without much luck. However, I am happy to report that I was able to use my NHS proof of recovery + positive test result to check in exactly 14 days after the positive result.

When you say "Proof of recovery" what is that exactly, we tested positive here yesterday and now have to wait 13 more days before we van commence travel back home to Canada. Is the test result from yesterday insufficient on its own.

Many thanks

Matt

You get a ‘Proof of Recovery’ QR code in the NHS app 11 days after a positive test. I used this to check in along with the NHS email confirming I had tested positive.

Also you may consider a PCR test before the 14 data period is up. A negative result could let you leave earlier. I tested positive on Day 11 (I was only symptomatic for five days)so not possible for me!

I was of the understanding once positive it was 14 days minimum even if a negative result was given afterward but maybe that's just my interpretation of the government wording.

Also if we're moving flights anyway I'd rather save 300 dollars on two more pcr tests as they won't take an NHS negative as fit to fly but a 14 day old NHS positive will be the sounds.

Frustrating that it lowers to 10 days on the 15th but that's the way she goes.

Are you a Brit with NHS number, reason I ask is I am so this wouldn't be hard for me but my partner is not so wondering if this is something she will be able to attain easily.

Will have a play with the App now.

Really appreciate the info on your experience.

How would anyone at the airline or Canada Customs possibly know?? As soon as you get a negative test (even within a few days) you show it to airline and Customs and you are good to go.

I guess your right, food for thought.
Thanks again, you're the first thread I found online with this info.

I’m a Canadian living in the UK with an NHS number.

Agreed, no way they would know so not relevant.

I do believe one of the questions in the ArriveCan app asks if you have tested positive in the last XX days. You would have to lie about that.

Thanks for this. Just so I'm 100% clear (both my wife and I tested positive at the start of the month and are now clear):

Instead of using the negative pre-departure 72 hour test, you used the positive pre-departure 14+ day option. Your NHS proof of recovery cert in the NHS app was accepted for this, and as a result you also avoided on-arrivals testing?

This was accepted on ArriveCAN, at checkin, and by CBSA?

I guess under the information regarding the Canadians not truly knowing Covid status, is the recovery part necessary once 14 days have passed since positive PCR.

I see no mention of a doctors note or any other document to prove recovery on the government pages once 14 days have elapsed.

"Proof of Recovery" is how the NHS Positive PCR result is listed in NHS app. It's just like the Vax certs - QR code, date of test, type of test, authorised by NHS digital, etc. It only shows up 10 days after the positive test result. Also worth noting that once you test positive through the NHS, your vax records are disabled inside the app for 10 days as well - for that period of time you effectively have no Covid history other than a positive tes

"When you arrive at the border, you must present an accepted negative molecular test result (paper or electronic proof) or proof of a previous positive molecular test result taken between 14 and 180 days (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago) that includes:

• Traveller name and date of birth
• Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
• The date on which the test was taken
• The type of test taken
• The test result "

This is what is posted on the Canadian Government website regarding which is why I'm curious also to see if the Recovery document was actually asked for or just also presented at time of landing.

That is the NHS "recovery" document (although its doesn't provide the detail on the laboratory - it just says "NHS Digital")

Upon arrival in YVR, none of my documents were checked. I guess your ArriveCan submission is linked automatically. I was correctly directed to the no test line and got out pretty quickly.

Much better doing this way then going through pre and post flight testing nonsense IMO!