Which COVID tests do I need for travel to the USA

Requirements for entry to individual countries is frequently changing, it can be hard to keep up! In this blog we’ll cover the current testing requirements for entry to the USA, but regulations may change at any time and it’s important to also check the latest official CDC guidance for air travelers and check with your airline and/or travel agent.

Is a Covid test required for entry to USA?

Everyone, regardless of your vaccination status, must provide proof of a Negative COVID-19 fit-to-fly test when travelling to the USA. This is required for all air passengers two years of age or older boarding a flight from a foreign country to the United States. You will need to complete a COVID-19 test no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the USA. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.

Which Covid test do I need to enter the USA from the UK?

There are several types of COVID test accepted for entry to the USA:

• Rapid antigen lateral flow (LFT) tests, which are an affordable, simple and quick option
• PCR tests, which can be completed at-home or in-clinic and give the highest accuracy
• LAMP tests

When should I test for COVID for entry to the US?

Tests must be completed within 1 day before your flight’s departure. The 1-day time frame is used instead of 24 hours to give more flexibility. Test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken.

For example, if your flight is at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time during the prior day, Thursday

Will I Be Quarantined If I Travel to the United States?

Currently, quarantine after travel to the USA is only recommended if you are not fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated passengers are not recommended to self-quarantine but are recommended to take a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to quarantine for 7 full days after travel, even if their test on day 3-5 is negative. Unvaccinated passengers who do not get tested on days 3-5 after travel are recommended to self-quarantine for a full 10 days.

Quarantine regulations for travel arrivals to the USA may change at any time, keep checking the latest information provided by CDC and your airline or travel agent.

Where can I get a Covid test for travel to America?

Nomad can supply COVID testing that meets the regulations for entry to America. Our range of COVID-19 travel tests includes PCR tests, in-clinic and at-home, and lateral flow LFT tests that suit entry requirements for the USA. Many travellers opt for Rapid Lateral flow testing, which is the most affordable option, starting from £32, and ensures you have your test results and travel documents within 2 hours of submitting your test results.