Traveling to the US after 10 days of Isolation

In my and my partner's 1st-hand experiences, antigen tests did turn out negative roughly a week after the initial positive tests. My understanding is that it is the PCR tests which stay positive for longer.
So - easier said than done - I would not worry too much, and perhaps take a first test on the 24th to see how it turns out? That way, if positive, you have a few days to make alternative arrangements, and if negative, you will get better sleep :-)

I have no idea about the validity of recovery disclaimers to board a US-bound flight.

Thank you so much! I hope this will be my case. I will definitely wait for the 24th to do another test and fingers crossed this will be it.

Here is one forum member’s experience:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/covid19/positive-test-flying-to-the-states-what-do-you-do-personal-experience

Thank you so much for sharing this. My issue here is the timing for getting a letter from the doctors due to the short time between the lifting of the isolation and the date for flying.

Make arrangements to see the doctor first thing Monday morning and then go to the airport. Call today for an appointment. Or go to a walk-in clinic on Sunday. Be sure you have all your documents: first positive test results, passport, be sure names correspond if you have both maiden and married names on documents. The doctor just checks the dates, writes a letter clearing you, be sure all the doctor’s info is on the letter and it’s signed. Getting the letter takes about ten minutes.

Read carefully the CDC information in the link Dave posted. And be sure to verify that the letter has all the required information before you leave the office.

If your positive Covid tests were unmonitored and not officially reported, then you have no official date from which to count the 10-day isolation. In that case, you have to wait for a negative test unless a doctor is willing to use the dates of isolation you present. You don’t say if you ever had a PCR because the date of the PCR is what is used.

Very useful answers, thanks a lot! I am making arrangements to see if I can get this document before this bank holiday. Fingers crossed.

What I've read is like balso's understanding -- a PCR test will show positive long after you're no longer contagious, but an antigen test will show negative. Plus it's faster and cheaper. Hope this works out for you.

Thanks a lot! I do hope so too.

Any updates here? I may be in the same position. I came down with a head cold. Not particularly bad case. I did a Binax hone test & popped a positive this morning. Have a PCR scheduled for tomorrow. That will set a date in the sand.

Did you try an antigen test? Or get a Dr to sign off?

The US entry requirement is an Antigen test instead of a PCR. So I was lucky I tested negative right the morning of the day before of my flight. I also managed to get a recovery test. If you have tested positive in a home antigen test you are more likely to test positive in a PCR days after or longer. But if you have already recovered from covid and have already passed 11 days after a positive PCR you can request the recovery certificate from a private company and use that to fly. :)

Thanks for letting us know!