Dec 3, 2021, 7:22 am
Last edit by: l etoile
10 June 2022 - The Biden administration will on Sunday end a requirement that air travelers to the U.S. undergo Covid-19 tests before departure, according to federal officials.
The testing requirement is set to end June 12 at 12:01 a.m.
CDC Order and FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
CDC Order updated 2 December 2021:
All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
What types of SARS-CoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order?
You must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.
eMed (Abbot BinaxNOW, one of the approved methods) Thread on Flyertalk: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2048940-issues-re-emed-abbot-binaxnow-navica-tests.html
The testing requirement is set to end June 12 at 12:01 a.m.
CDC Order and FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
CDC Order updated 2 December 2021:
- If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
- If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).
All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
What types of SARS-CoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order?
You must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.
eMed (Abbot BinaxNOW, one of the approved methods) Thread on Flyertalk: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2048940-issues-re-emed-abbot-binaxnow-navica-tests.html
US to require air travelers to provide a negative test within 1 day of departure
Dec 16, 2021, 4:51 pm
#256
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,257
Does anyone know if covidtestonline can be used for re-entry to US? It is video proctored and there are 2 options: a) kit+observation+certificate or b) bring your own kit (there is a list of approved tests) and just use the video observation and get the certificate.
- test kit needs to be FDA approved, received EUA or approved by national authority in the country where the test is administered
AND
- test needs to be video proctored
so you need to find out if the test is approved by German health authorities.
Dec 16, 2021, 5:09 pm
#257
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,365
Delta uses some site that lets you upload everything- either a digital copy or snap a pic with your phone. For Greece I was able to upload a pic of my CDC vaccine card and then a pdf from an email of my test results. I think there was also a locator form or attestation form which I also was able to upload.
I also had printed copies just in case, but checking in with Delta, everything was there and I didn't have to show anything physical to the airline at the check-in desk. In fact, the guy checking me in seemed relieved I had everything there already.
I also had printed copies just in case, but checking in with Delta, everything was there and I didn't have to show anything physical to the airline at the check-in desk. In fact, the guy checking me in seemed relieved I had everything there already.
Once all is complete, you get a boarding pass that says in green "Travel Ready". All the agent at the check in desk looked at is your mobile boarding pass and makes sure it says Travel Ready. Since United reviews and approves everything beforehand you don't need to show anything at check in.
Last edited by friedablass; Dec 17, 2021 at 7:19 am
Dec 16, 2021, 5:44 pm
#258
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,431
. The US I have their own review/QR tool and they accepted the screenshot I submitted online, so that should take care of it I hope.
Dec 16, 2021, 5:56 pm
#259
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
Yep, you should be good, and you have a back up in case.
Dec 16, 2021, 6:11 pm
#260
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 75
the two basic requirements for a CDC approved home test to enter US
- test kit needs to be FDA approved, received EUA or approved by national authority in the country where the test is administered
AND
- test needs to be video proctored
so you need to find out if the test is approved by German health authorities.
- test kit needs to be FDA approved, received EUA or approved by national authority in the country where the test is administered
AND
- test needs to be video proctored
so you need to find out if the test is approved by German health authorities.
Is the certificate equivalent to the one from a test center on site?
Yes, the certificate complies with European requirements and is equivalent to a certificate from a test center. You can also choose up to 3 languages per certificate from over 20 languages.
A legal statement confirming the validity can be found here:
https://www.covidtestonline.de/guelt...se-zertifikate
Yes, the certificate complies with European requirements and is equivalent to a certificate from a test center. You can also choose up to 3 languages per certificate from over 20 languages.
A legal statement confirming the validity can be found here:
https://www.covidtestonline.de/guelt...se-zertifikate
Is the certificate also recognized in Switzerland?
Outside of Germany, please check carefully whether the tests are recognized. In Switzerland in particular, there can be problems with recognition.
The test is recognized for trips back to Germany (status 10/2021).
A legal statement confirming the validity in Germany can be found here:
https://www.covidtestonline.de/guelt...se-zertifikate
Outside of Germany, please check carefully whether the tests are recognized. In Switzerland in particular, there can be problems with recognition.
The test is recognized for trips back to Germany (status 10/2021).
A legal statement confirming the validity in Germany can be found here:
https://www.covidtestonline.de/guelt...se-zertifikate
Dec 16, 2021, 9:26 pm
#261
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: middle of nowhere, formerly TYO/EWR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 213
Make sure to order at least one more than you need, since sometimes tests are defective in one way or another and you will be left scrambling at the last minute to find an alternative (and generally very expensive) testing. Also leave lots of time in case the telehealth system is backed up and has a long wait (read some horror stories here: Issues re EMed/Abbot Binaxnow Navica Tests.)
Dec 17, 2021, 1:49 am
#262
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,361
United has the Travel Ready Center in their app where it only allows you to get your boarding pass after you complete all their requirements (scan passport, test upload, entry form, and I don't remember what else).
Once all is complete, you get a boarding pass that says in green "Travel Ready". All the agent at the check in desk looked at is your mobile boarding pass and makes sure it says Travel Ready. Since United reviews and approves everything beforehand your don't need to show anything at check in.
Once all is complete, you get a boarding pass that says in green "Travel Ready". All the agent at the check in desk looked at is your mobile boarding pass and makes sure it says Travel Ready. Since United reviews and approves everything beforehand your don't need to show anything at check in.
Dec 17, 2021, 4:29 am
#263
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,228
Dec 17, 2021, 4:34 am
#264
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,228
Can anyone recommend a testing centre near Heathrow T5 that would allow us to book a test and cancel if we decide not to fly/restrictions change? Or is it fairly safe to just book the day before we need it? Travelling to NYC in first week of January so trying to weigh up when to book all of our tests (and whether the trip is still worth it).
Dec 17, 2021, 10:58 am
#265
Join Date: Dec 2021
Programs: AA, Cap1
Posts: 36
Can anyone recommend a testing centre near Heathrow T5 that would allow us to book a test and cancel if we decide not to fly/restrictions change? Or is it fairly safe to just book the day before we need it? Travelling to NYC in first week of January so trying to weigh up when to book all of our tests (and whether the trip is still worth it).
Your mileage may vary, of course, but that’s my story.
Dec 17, 2021, 11:04 am
#266
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,365
For me it was for a return flight to the USA. I had everything ready to show them and was expecting them to ask, but they didn't. This was my experience but of course it can be different for others.
Dec 17, 2021, 11:22 am
#267
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SAN
Posts: 284
Has anyone used the Covid testing at YVR for returning to the US. I expect to be returning at the beginning fo the year and trying to find out the best options for this. Are there any other options in the Vancouver area?
Dec 17, 2021, 1:25 pm
#268
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Berkshire, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, VS Gold, HH Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 117
Can anyone recommend a testing centre near Heathrow T5 that would allow us to book a test and cancel if we decide not to fly/restrictions change? Or is it fairly safe to just book the day before we need it? Travelling to NYC in first week of January so trying to weigh up when to book all of our tests (and whether the trip is still worth it).
Edit: For clarity, they don't send you the test kit. At your appointment, Boots will check your ID and booking reference from the email, and will provide the kit there and then, and a staff member will handle the swab.
Last edited by travellingwigbury; Dec 17, 2021 at 1:29 pm Reason: Clarify test kit handling
Dec 18, 2021, 12:11 am
#269
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: Marriott Titanium; WN A-list; UA Silver
Posts: 485
When I looked, all the non-airport options were even more expensive. While you can get a test at Rexall for $30 and Shoppers for like $40 in Ontario, no antigen pharmacy option appeared to exist in BC.
Dec 18, 2021, 12:19 am
#270
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SAN
Posts: 284
I got tested at YVR, it was expensive ($75) and took like a hour to get an antigen test result. Thankfully, I did it the day before. Get there super early.
When I looked, all the non-airport options were even more expensive. While you can get a test at Rexall for $30 and Shoppers for like $40 in Ontario, no antigen pharmacy option appeared to exist in BC.
When I looked, all the non-airport options were even more expensive. While you can get a test at Rexall for $30 and Shoppers for like $40 in Ontario, no antigen pharmacy option appeared to exist in BC.