DIY TESTS CDC authorized Covid Test for return flights to USA.
Updated 28 March 2022
All travelers, two and older, arriving in the USA by air, including US citizens must have a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 1 days of boarding flights. Those who do not have a test result will be denied boarding. Regulations are subject to change. Always check on the CDC website for latest requirements.
You can arrange for testing at clinic or testing center overseas, or you can pack a CDC authorized home test and perform the test at your hotel, as long as you have internet, ID and a device with a camera.
Most of the kits recommend having two on hand in case there is problem with the internet connection, etc. Test kits expire after 6 months, verify expiration date with manufacturer.
AZOVA Ellume COVID-19 Test with Video Observation Services for Travel is $50 per test kit online. If purchased at a CVS it is $39 + $15 video charge. With this test you set up your test appointment in advance, and if you wait longer than 15 minutes, a number is provided that you can call to get connected.
https://www.azova.com/testing/ellume/
eMED Abbott’s BinaxNOW $150 for 6 test kits
This is a popular test kit and there have been some delays in getting to the video visit required to do the test. But results are available usually in 15 minutes after doing the test.
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en
iHEALTH $24.99 per service plus $17.98 for 2 test kits. An appoint is required.
Check availability first. The Verified COVID Test Service is a scheduled virtual meeting with an iHealth proctor to ensure the authenticity of your COVID-19 test. A digital report will be issued upon completion of the test.
https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service
QURED $59 for two test kits (compatible to VeriFLY)
For this test both kits are needed to confirm results.
https://qured.us/products/video-antigen-test
AA airlines discount code: AATRAVEL10
OPTUM Abbott’s BinaxNOW $69.99 for 2 test kits/$99.99 for 3 test kits
https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack
IMPORTANT: Whichever test kit you choose, be sure it states that it is CDC authorized for travel to the USA.
From the CDC website: The tests must be either a viral antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test, such as a polymerase chain (PCR) test, reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test, or a transcription-mediated amplification test.
The test result must be either a paper or electronic document provided by a laboratory. It must include the passenger’s name, specimen collection date, and the type of test.
Airlines will be required to confirm the negative test result for all passengers before they board and must deny boarding to those passengers who do not have a negative test result. For those with a connecting flight, the test must be procured no more than three days before the initial leg of their journey (provided the layover is not more than 24 hours). Passengers will need to get retested if a flight delay causes the test result to fall outside of the three-day predeparture testing period by more than 24 hours or by more than 48 hours for a connecting flight.
Country specific information for COVID-19 includes rules and regulations for traveling to the destination, as well as an entire COVID-19 testing section. This testing section covers whether PCR tests are available for U.S. citizens and if test results are typically available within one calendar day.
Safe travels!
