phuket_j

Seeing as the main thread about testing is now closed, and I didn't see the answer there, I was wondering if an antigen test taken in country of origin ( In this case Thailand) would be acceptable to Qatar air staff with the proper testing lab stamp. My wife had to get an antigen test for a domestic flight, but since the check in staff never checked, I have no idea if Qatar air is looking for a pcr test, or if an antigen test is sufficient as stated below. I would think by reading the below an antigen test is sufficient, but I was wondering if anyone has used an antigen test from the country of origin for a flight to the US?

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

N1120A

The US has never required any test other than an antigen test. A NAAT/PCR is strictly optional.

Synapseturquoise

Yes, this is the type of test accepted

MSPeconomist

Yes for the USA, but isn't the OP's question about whether Qatar will accept an antigen test? That could depend on Qatar's own rules as well as the requirements for any transfer point(s). This assumes that the Qatar employees or contract staff at the airport enforce the rules properly. Some YMMV situations have been reported IIRC, primarily centered on the timing of the test.

QT31415

Please PLEASE Please!

https://viewfromthewing.com/covid-te...medium=twitter

sxc7885

[mod edit] It would be nice to see it gone but will continue to plan my summer and fall trips as if its still going to be there since we are seeing rising cases I doubt they will remove it before summer and then excuse will be we need it as we head into holiday travel and by then we are into 2023

Frankly I wish they would have gone after the test instead of the mask I don’t care about wearing a mask and frankly because of this Im forced to keep mine on as I have no desire to be stuck overseas and equally no desire to come back via a long trip via Canada or Mexico that some have mentioned on here as an alternative and as my employer removed covid sick days I’d be stuck with no pay for the days I’m gone

entropy

The US is one of the least covidian countries and COVID is rampant there... the sluggishness is pretty disappointing.

Even the Canadians (where I live) eliminated it. Now its still a Pain in the butt to go to the US

phuket_j

From what I read on Qatar Airlines website, they only enforces what the departing and arriving country require. If this is the case, then Antigen test should be sufficient.

DeepUnderground

If this were the case I wouldn’t need to fly somewhere to get a test. These tele-tests are not freely available outside a select few western countries. Easy if you trip is originating in one of them, but not if USA is your destination rather than originating country.

bitterproffit

Now that the CDC has pretty much agreed that Covid is endemic, I sure hope they get rid of the 'day before testing requirement' pretty soon.

I got my second booster today in advance of my trip to Europe at the end of the month. The pharmacist said she was seeing a run on anti virals this week, so that means Covid is coming back in the area. As far as I know, I never got covid. I never tested positive. But I have been exposed to Covid through my job pretty much every day in close contact, and I went maskless after my first booster in late October.

The second booster of Moderna is giving me some body aches, but nothing too severe today. Definitely more of a reaction than the first booster.

wooootles

When did they say this?

nk15

You buy them before you leave the US, they come in the mail in 2-3 days.

friedablass

Yes, but if someone lives outside the USA and is planning to visit here for a week or whatever then they need to take the pre-departure test as well. So if telehealth tests aren't available in their country then there's no way for them to get their hands on any.

Maybe while they're visiting the USA they can order tests for their next visit but for the initial test they're SOL.

gnomey

yeah but not everybody lives on the US. these are kits that are only accessible to people who are residents in the countries to begin with, or who are able to get a friend/family in US to mail them the kit (at which point the savings and convenience are probably negated)

considering US accept antigen tests for entry, this is already a pretty low barrier. this test is virtually available almost everywhere by now and for countries that are not, PCR turnaround are quick enough that it is a non issue. I have not used any teletest to return to US and I have never waited more than 6h for any test results abroad including PCR. and for antigen test and sometimes PCR test, I still pay less than any of these teletest (10 usd for antigen, 20 usd for PCR). in India you can get PCR test for 5-10 usd.

at most if not all countries across the world, hospitals are always open 24/7. how does ER function otherwise? this is the place to run to get a covid test. I have gotten one at 12 midnight and flew out at 7 am the next morning. simply because I was too busy gallivanting all day during day time and dont want to stick around for a lab working hours

nk15

Yes, the locals abroad know how to get a simple rapid test, usually easily accessible for cheap and with a quick turnaround time of a few minutes.