NHS Rapid Antigen test for USA predeparture?
May 18, 2021, 5:04 pm
#1
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NHS Rapid Antigen test for USA predeparture?
Does anyone know if the NHS Rapid Antigen Test is acceptable as a pre departure test when traveling to the USA? I read the CDC website and could not find specific information, so I am looking for anyone with practical experience please.
May 19, 2021, 12:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
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The US accepts rapid antigen tests for entry (just went through that last week from Continental Europe); not sure if there's anything special about the NHS version but I assume they should be fine.
May 20, 2021, 1:39 am
#3
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Thanks ClipperDelta! I think they are normal tests, but was hopping someone had done the trip from the UK lately.
May 20, 2021, 8:46 am
#4
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According to my St Andrews parent network, several students have been turned away by United with NHS tests in the last two days. I believe the issue is the NHS test results do not contain enough info match to the passport.
Fortunately the students had enough time to do the test at Heathrow.
Fortunately the students had enough time to do the test at Heathrow.
May 21, 2021, 8:56 am
#5
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According to my St Andrews parent network, several students have been turned away by United with NHS tests in the last two days. I believe the issue is the NHS test results do not contain enough info match to the passport.
Fortunately the students had enough time to do the test at Heathrow.
Fortunately the students had enough time to do the test at Heathrow.
May 21, 2021, 9:07 am
#6
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- Show written proof of the traveler’s negative test result and include the traveler’s name and other identifying details matching those on the traveler’s passport or other valid form of identification
May 21, 2021, 9:49 am
#7
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You know, now I think about it, I think there is a way to report a test to the NHS when you are not a registered member and I am wondering if those emails have less details maybe...any idea?
May 21, 2021, 10:54 am
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,237
I understand the NHS tests are cheap free, but the problem is that they're not meant to be used for travelling. We can discuss as much as we like of the morality of flogging tests at £90-£190 as many of the carpetbaggers that have flooded the market are doing but... I'm afraid you cannot use the NHS free tests for the purpose of travelling.
May 21, 2021, 2:01 pm
#9
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I understand the NHS tests are cheap free, but the problem is that they're not meant to be used for travelling. We can discuss as much as we like of the morality of flogging tests at £90-£190 as many of the carpetbaggers that have flooded the market are doing but... I'm afraid you cannot use the NHS free tests for the purpose of travelling.
May 21, 2021, 2:24 pm
#10
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May 21, 2021, 2:44 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2014
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As Stewardo pointed out, the NHS tests shouldn’t be used for travel purposes. I agree, it’s morally ambiguous to say the least, considering we pay for the NHS through our taxes and bearing in mind that private tests are exorbitant in terms of price but... that’s the situation we’re in, I guess.
May 21, 2021, 2:59 pm
#12
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The lateral flow test at Heathrow is 35 pounds, ready in 30 minutes and accepted by US. Most of the cost is likely in running the center and emailing results, but it is what it is. Airlines will not accept the NHS test so no sense in trying.
May 21, 2021, 4:01 pm
#13
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Thanks everyone, the money is not the biggest issue, I only have 1h30 in LHR T5. I am flying in from EDI and then out to BOS. Is that enough time to get the test? Where is the test center?
May 21, 2021, 5:51 pm
#14
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https://www.edinburghairport.com/fly...at-the-airport
https://www.expresstest.co.uk/heathr...3_lateral_flow