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Exactly WHAT do I do if I test positive for covid to return to the US? Specifically

Posted by (potlatch, id, usa) on

I understand if you test positive you are stuck. Got it. What exactly do I have to do to return home and when do I have to do it? Amazingly, I have not found an answer even after multiple days of searching. Here’s what I know and what I don’t know (please correct me if I “know” something wong):

  • if I have an official antigen (or other) test that is negative, I can return home the next day
  • if I am in a country that requires quarantine, I have do do that (and I should self-quarantine anyway)

If I continue to test positive, after some amount of time I can get a “Certificate of Recovery from Covid”.
- I assume this is actually “some amount of time with no symptoms”. right?
- what amount of time? I’ve heard 5 days, 5-10 days, and 11 days. I’m in Spain, but I think that doesn’t matter since this is a US requirement.
- what does “after x days” mean? if I have to wait 11 days, say, and I test positive on May 2, does that mean I have to wait 11 full days, meaning return on 13 May? Or I can reuturn on the 11th day, which is 12 May? (if x=5 those hypothetical go-home days would be 6 and 7 of May, respectively).
- does a “full day after the test” include the day of the test?
- HOW do I get this magical certificate? “See a doctor” doesn’t help because my doctor is back in the US. Is there someplace online to request this certificate?
- Are there any other requirements for this certificate? I assume the elapsed time must be symptom free.

I am stuck in Spain. tested positive on 2 May. I have NO IDEA what to do other than hope that I test negative soon. I assume that eventually (when?) I can ask someone (who?) for a “certificate of recovery”. Can someone please help?

Posted by
5 posts

I should add:
- WHAT test do I have to take to get the Certificate of recovery? Is the antigen enough? (one post on this forum implies it has to be a PCR test)

Posted by
162 posts

I’ve read that PCR test can continue to detect the virus in your system weeks (in some cases even months) after recovery and thus give a positive result. An antigen test is what you need.

Posted by
818 posts

you don't take a test to get the certificate of recovery, you just get an MD to sign off. You can do it in the country you're in or via teledoc to the US, for example.

Posted by
8372 posts

Well, you could start by scrolling down the Covid travel topic to the documentation of recovery thread…..your multiple days of searching should have started there.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/covid19/getting-documentation-of-recovery-if-you-test-positive-while-overseas. Very specific directions in the second post for how to use quick md.

Here is the “overview” answer.
Three main factors are in play. You need to address each of these.
1. The requirements of your host country.
2. The requirement of the United States to either have a negative test or a certificate of recovery.
3. The requirements that your individual airline may have

Your hotel can help you understand local requirements.
A certificate of recovery can be obtained from a local physician, your home physician by telemedicine,or a telemedicine company such as quickmd. It is possible to get a certificate of recovery in as little as 5 days after the official positive test, but some providers may want up to 10 days. There have been a variety of experiences. (Quickmd often the fastest)
Some airlines (such as United) insist on 10 days from your positive covid test before they will reschedule if you give Covid as the reason you wish to reschedule. Others do not have this requirement.

Each person’s situation is unique, but if you address those 3 issues, you should be going in the right direction to head home. I hope you feel better soon.

Posted by
594 posts

Can you avoid the 10 days that United is requiring by not giving a reason?

Posted by
8372 posts

I don’t know the answer to the United question. I think it gets down to the change policy associated with your ticket. Does United have a different policy in terms of fees, etc for any change vs. a Covid change? My airline does not. I don’t fly United…. One potential issue with the not giving a reason approach (which would be my preference) is someone may ask, “Did you test positive for Covid?” I wouldn’t lie so it would be back to square one.

I think mentally you have to prepare for the worst and then be thankful and happy if things go smoother than expected.

Posted by
1077 posts

Is it 10 days if using a recovery letter? Would having a negative covid test prior to 10 days allow you to leave earlier?

Posted by
8372 posts

This is something you must discuss directly with your airline. In theory, all one needs is a negative test or a certificate of recovery. Some airlines add additional requirements.

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