Do You Need a COVID Test to Fly to and From the Us?

Travel requirements have changed and increased post-COVID outbreaks everywhere in the world. Each country has set its travel requirements, and the COVID test is a requirement for all. This is a guide for the Covid test for U.S. travel.

COVID Test Requirements

COVID test is a requirement before boarding a trip to the United States. If you’ve been completely vaccinated, you’ll need proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before your trip.

If you haven’t had all of your vaccinations, you’ll need A COVID-19 test result that was negative more than one day before travel. Children under the age of two do not require a Covid test for U.S. travel.

Fully Vaccinated

You’ll be considered as ‘fully vaccinated’ if

  • Two weeks (14 days) after a single-dose vaccination that has been approved
  • Two weeks (14 days) following the second dosage of a 2-dose series that has been approved
  • Two weeks (14 days) after receiving the whole series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccination in the AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials in the United States
  • Two weeks (14 days) after receiving two doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of approved COVID-19 vaccinations given at least 17 days apart.

Which COVID Test Is Best for Traveling

When traveling, rapid antigen testing is the best option. Currently, most people prefer the antigen test, which involves taking a swab of the nose and throat and is generally done by a doctor or nurse.

The test results are the gold standard for diagnosis; they can detect Covid-19 even in its early stages, often even before symptoms appear. When the virus is present, they detect it nearly 100% of the time.

Antigen testing is inexpensive, convenient, and quick. They are also simple and offer results in a matter of minutes. For example, Drip Hydrations’ Rapid Antigen Test can tell you if you’re COVID-affected, just15 minutes.

Moreover, following May 7, when CDC announced updated guidelines for COVID testing, passengers can also use self-test to travel. So self-tests like Binax Now can be a good option for COVI D testing. It will save travelers from the hassles of walk-up tests like long queues and waiting.

Other Requirements and Recommendations

Wearing a mask properly, i.e., over your nose and mouth, is a requirement for the U.S. in indoor areas of public transportation, which airplanes.

Before boarding flights to the United States, all air travelers to the United States will be asked to submit contact information to airlines. This increases an existing travel procedure for quickly identifying and contacting persons in the United States who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Follow all recommendations and requirements. Wear a mask, stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you. Also, Wash your hands properly and frequently with soap and water. If you cannot wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

When Not To Travel?

You should not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated if you are sick, if you have been tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t ended your required quarantine period yet, or you are waiting for your COVID test result.

When Leaving the U.S.

Each country will have its different entry requirements, so make sure to check that. For leaving the U.S., you’ll be required to be fully vaccinated and have a negative could result which is not older than three days.

Schedule an appointment with Drip Hydration today!

Fast In-Home Covid Tests For Travel With Drip Hydration

If you plan to travel, be proactive and schedule a rapid PCR test for travel both before and after your trip. Drip Hydration can administer an on-site test wherever you are conveniently located by a certified professional. The test is conducted via nasal swab, and results are ready in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the type of test you choose. This is also an excellent option if you are experiencing any symptoms since you can stay in quarantine while getting an accurate test. Give us a call or book an appointment using the button below!