Travel Tuesday with Danielle ~ COVID -19 Home Test Kits Approved By The CDC For U.S. Entry Requirement

by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Travel Designs for The Aha! Connection

The CDC has approved the use of Covid-19 self-test kits, which will help ease the burden of the U.S. re-entry testing requirement. On January 12, 2021 the CDC announced an order for all passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country to test 3 days prior to departure. Passengers must test negative (with either a NAAT or rapid antigen test) to board their flight. Many hotels and resorts are providing on-site testing for their guests, but the self-test kits will further alleviate stress for travelers (especially for those hoping to stay in a more independent/private setting like an Airbnb).

Not all home testing kits qualify, so it is IMPORTANT to understand the requirements. As of May 7, travelers can use a self-administered test if it meets the below criteria:

The test must be either a viral antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as a polymerase chain (PCR) test, reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test, or a transcription-mediated amplification test.
The test must have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The testing procedure must include a telehealth video call during which someone authorized by the manufacturer supervises the testing procedure. (Note that some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription, according to the CDC.)
The telehealth provider must issue a report confirming the patient’s identity, the name of the laboratory or healthcare entity, the type of test, and the specimen collection date.
Airlines must then verify the results report.

Click here for more info on why the BinaxNOW Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test Kit looks to be the best option currently on the market!

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Vaccinated travelers are NOT exempt from this requirement, so a Covid-19 negative test is currently still required from a fully vaccinated traveler to re-enter the U.S. when traveling internationally.

Please remember to travel responsibly, wear your mask and do not travel unnecessarily if you are elderly or immune-compromised! And remember to check your destination’s travel restrictions/requirements before and during planning, as well as double-checking before departure!