Well, I guess we better order the self test, as our trip might be happening in two weeks. Can anyone who has them check the expiration dates? If our trip is canceled, will they be good for the next trip? Also, how long did the shipping take?
Thanks so much!
Posted by
CA
2139 posts
I ordered BionaxNOW 3 weeks ago from Amazon. It is supposed to be delivered this Wednesday.
If you can’t get tests early enough just get one at a testing site (CVS Walgreens) and then at a testing place in whatever country you end up visiting.
Posted by
21 posts
From what I understand the binax tests you can get on amazon and regular pharmacy sites are for personal use only and not valid for travel documentation. Airlines only accept results from tests that include test supervision via a telehealth company. Keep this in mind if you are buying self test kits for re-entry into the US.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5551 posts
The self-tests I'm referring to are the tests approved by the CDC for return to the US.
Thanks to all.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7900 posts
So for the supervision part, I gather that means doing via Zoom or some other video observation platform. That means having a laptop or other device with a satisfactory camera that can simultaneously capture the test kit and the testee, right? I suspect a smartphone won’t quite suffice, and I’m not dragging a laptop computer (well, Google Chromebook) just for fulfilling the test supervision requirement. Does that leave us with a farmacia in Italy as our only option - or at the airport before departure?
I understand that home test kits are cheaper than in-person options, and also the timing of the test, getting results before departing, and within the USA arrival window, are also maybe better.
You’ve probably looked at all you options, Pat. Is self-test your definite choice? Your trip will happen, Pat - Switzerland awaits!
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5551 posts
Cyn, the self-tests use smart phone apps. Folks here have reported they are easy to use. Hope that helps!
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1600 posts
The Binax one was fedexed and arrived within 1-2 days. I believe the total cost for the 6 pack including delivery came to about $165 which included ~$15 for the shipping.
I got mine at the start of July and I believe the expiry is around mid October
Posted by
Chicago
3091 posts
Pat, the tests I just ordered have an expiration date of Oct. 16th 2021. But I did read that the expiration dates have been extended. I’ll try to find the link that provides that info. and add that later.
Posted by
Chicago
3091 posts
Diane, I just want to make sure you know that the tests purchased from Amazon are not approved for use to reenter the US.
Posted by
Atlanta
2509 posts
Pat,
I ordered my BinaxNOW test kits from Optum three days ago and they are being delivered today. They are accepted for entry into the US as they are proctored by a health professional via video. I don’t know about expiration dates as I’m awaiting delivery today. I leave for Italy next Tuesday, Venice specifically.
I will post later upon delivery.
Posted by
Chicago
3091 posts
Here’s the link that states the expirations dates have been extended to 12 months:
https://www.emed.com/hubfs/EUA-abbott-binaxNOW-Rev-2021-04-06.pdf?hsLang=en
You can also find this info. on the emed site under FAQs and “When does my test expire”
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN
99 posts
Hi Pat, we bought the tests from Ellume that Delta airlines is partnering with. Ours came about 3 weeks ago and are good until May 2022. Hope that helps, depending upon which tests you are planning to buy!
Posted by
CA
2139 posts
Carrie.
I’m not sure if the BNOW test can be used for international travel. I purchased the two pack kit to visit a 95 year old relative in a nursing home.
I’ll be sure to research what tests are approved if we decide to travel once things settle down. I’ll probably opt for testing in the country I’m visiting rather than relying on the video process.
To be honest, I’m burned out on anything Covid related. Actually, I’m angry that we are in the state of affairs we are currently in. I want to travel right now ( getting older every day) but not willing to jump through all the hoops and not wanting to take the risk of getting infected or passing it on to another.
Posted by
Chicago
3091 posts
Hi Diane, they absolutely can be used for international travel—to return to the US. But it has to be an approved test. The home tests you buy from places like Amazon, Walgreens. CVS etc. are not approved. It has to be a test that you purchase to do over video via your phone/tablet/computer. That is the key—someone is watching you do the test and sends you the results.
I purchased mine from emed. These are approved to use to return to the US.
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en
Optum also has one that is used with the telehealth service.
https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-and-devices/covid-19-home-tests/
Some airlines have the info. on their websites with links to the approved tests.
You can find all the info. on testing from the CDC. This is where you want to get your info. from—the official government source:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Posted by
74 posts
Only the six pack test is good for travel. We got ours in June. The expiry date is clearly marked on each test - sadly only good thru October.