FYI—CDC info. on COVID-19 testing for entry into the US

This is very helpful, Carrie, thanks for posting. I've seen many references on this forum to the "72-hour" period which is really three calendar days before travel. Note also that this time interval is before departure of the first flight when the traveler has a connecting US-bound flight. For example, if you're flying from Athens to Amsterdam to the US, your test can be three or fewer days before departing from Athens. There are exceptions for flight delays or long layovers due to infrequency of flights.

Carrie, thank you very, very much.

Helpful post! Thanks!

Carrie.

It’s great to keep this post out there and as you said, check it while you’re traveling. Recently I was in France. Prior to departure the rule was 72 hours which was totally confusing with so many people thinking they had to have a test right up to the 72 hour limit. The 3 day is simple as you explained (and I saw while I was away).

How do you buy a self-test that comes with a remote-session with medical person? Do they sell them at the local pharmacies? Or on e-bay or Amazon? Taking a test in a hotel room and having a session with somebody remotely seems too weird to be true. Suppose the remote session doesn't work due to technical difficulties? What if the medical person who is suppose do do the session me forgets to do the session? Do I have to find a place to print the e-mailed test result if the front desk of the hotel doesn't have a printer? Or is it safer to make an appointment with some kind of clinic at the airport in Madrid or somewhere else in Madrid, my last city before I fly back to Detroit? I rescheduled my trip for March.

The most popular approved self test seems to be this one from emed. However it seems you have to buy a pack of 6. There is another one that can be bought individually here. I haven't tried them but ppl have said they're easy to use. I plan on ordering the Binax for my trip to Spain in September. I hear you can upload the electronic results directly onto the United airlines app to check in and skip the line at the airport but have not confirmed whether the process is smooth.

Hi Mike, I suggest using whatever testing method you are comfortable with.

I purchased the self/home tests for myself and travelling companions from emed for my Switzerland trip in 2 weeks. The tests that you can buy on amazon or at a cvs or walgreens are not approved as they are not linked to a telehealth provider. With the test I purchased, each test taker installs an app on their phone, in our case, the navaca app. When it’s time to test, we log in and are connected to someone who will instruct us and watch us perform the test and then email us the results. The results can be viewed on the app on your phone or printed out.

I understand this sounds a little odd. My goal was to provide everyone with the info. that the self/home test is one option to use. I’m not suggesting anyone use it. But I do think it’s important that everyone is aware of their options so they can make an informed decision on what is best for them.

Maybe come March, the test to return to the US will no longer be required. I’m also planning another trip for March and hope that things won’t be so complicated then. But, if you plan ahead and do your research, anything can be worked out.

Great post Carrie - simple and clear explanation. Thank you!