Hello!
My husband and I are set to depart from the U.S. to Paris on Monday, then onto Milan. We purchased a few Binax Now tests to take for our journey home back to the U.S. Does anyone know if these tests would work for entrance into Italy with the new restrictions?
Thank you.
Yes they do. Currently on a plane in Atlanta waiting to fly to Venice. Binax was quick and easy to do from home with the video monitor. It was checked here Atlanta- Binax results, PLF, and CDC card.
That’s gonna be our plan for when we leave for Venice on 9/28 and when we fly home from Paris on 10/22. Take it before we leave and print at home. And than we will have 2 back ups for when fly home from Paris. Plan on buying the 6 pack from Emed
Good idea!
What are the back-ups for? Literally, are they for if the first test fails? We have 4 Binax Now tests ordered through United Airlines for 2 people; perhaps we will use two before we depart the U.S. and hope are other two are in good shape when we need them in early October to return.
Is that what you are doing Georgia?
Calimom:
Backups in case one comes back inconclusive. Some have with this test and just nice to have a spare for each person if needed. That’s all. Hate to take the test before we head back to the states and than have to go find a pharmacy and waste more time.
We originally purchased the 4-pack thinking we would just need 2 for coming back to the U.S. A lot of people said they bought extras just in case. Now that we need one for Italy as well, we will have the perfect amount and I’m not worried about it. Worst case scenario we pay to have a test done locally. Not the end of the world!
Georgia, you got the ones with the video monitor component, right?
Has anyone actually experienced using these monitored self exams coming back into the US from Italy? If so, did you need to print something or show a digital copy? We will be flying home from Venice September 30 and its too scary for me to just go early to the airport and get a test with no appointment!
We purchased our tests through Optum Store Online and bought (2) of the two-pack tests WITH telehealth services. We found this link through United Airlines website. https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-and-devices/covid-19-home-tests/
Worth clarifying for others, you can buy the rapid tests (takes about 15 minutes) for about $12-15 each and get results on your own. However, if you want to use for boarding a flight or entry to Italy, you need to also purchase, or purchase as a package, tele-health services and tests for around $50 each. This basically works by calling in, setting up a video session, performing the test as directed by the proctor, and when results are complete, they visually verify and send you a test report. That test report is what is needed to board.
I'm confused! Who do we show the results of the Binax Now test to? We'll be entering Italy from Romania, but will have been in the US in the last two weeks, so we'll need to test.
Kmil, the Binax Now tests must be the ones that have health services attached so a proctor watches you take the test and sends you the electronic message you need to show proof of negative test. These tests can't be bought over the counter, so if you're not able to order them from Emed or another vendor that will get to you before you leave, then you can just do your test in Romania at a pharmacy or testing site for going to Italy.
Thanks Penny. And we show that test to whoever asks for it (at airports, presumably)? And we know for sure the proctored Binax Now tests are approved by Italy?
A questions about Binax:
1) Are telehealth services available 7 days a week?
2) How soon do you get the paperwork after a telehealth rep observse the test?
3) Did you have trouble connecting to someone or have a long wait?
4) Does the UK accept this test for entry into the country?
Frank Ii, this is probably worth a separate post. Some folks have posted about their experience with the Binax tests they carried with them to Europe on various other threads. As I haven’t used it yet, I can’t speak to your questions but I have seen others post about their experiences. I know the binax option is ok for return to the US, but I think you have to get a PCR test for the UK.
Georgia,
Please report back, if you can. I'm supposed to go from the U.S. to Paris and stay there for 3 nights before flying to Rome. If Italy accepts the Binax Now tests, it would make it much easier for us!
OK so I've read reviews of the required smartphone app you need to take the test, and many are BAD. Seems like the app is really glitchy, people are getting kicked out, or having to re-try and re-try again and again to get through to the observer/proctor taking HOURS!. People are saying it's unusable, or not worth it. I picture sitting at an Italian cafe with spotty internet for 2 or 3 hours trying to get this done--no thanks. I think there are enough testing locations around nowadays, and it just seems easier to figure that out (unless others have had tough experiences with that?)
I will let you know how testing goes. If the system is being slow, we just plan on going to a pharmacy in France. No big deal.
Edit: Kmil I read the same reviews you did which is why I practiced. It went smoothly. I think the wait time issue has improved since demand has increased. I also read an article on this too, the points guy I think
I just did the proctored Binax test as an experiment for a trip this weekend. I was going to test anyway before traveling and wanted to see how the proctored version worked.
You have to download the NAVICA app and log in from emed.
It was an 8 minute wait for a proctor at 7 o clock at night yesterday. There was a countdown telling me my wait time.
I had to show my drivers license or passport.
You have to use something with a camera that can angle in a way so that it shows you and the surface the test is sitting on.
While you are waiting the 15 minutes, the “session” stays open but the proctor leaves and returns. You do not have to sit there the whole time.
The test has a QR code on it that is scanned before you take thr test and when they read it so you can’t switch the tests on them.
The lab report came immediately to my email and the Navica app.
The pdf printable version of the report listed the month/day/time American style with numbers which I didn’t love. I would have preferred it say “September 2” to eliminate the potential for any confusion.
quick update - purchased from emed using the link on AA.com.
Just completed a test for our Wednesday departure. SUPER EASY. scanned the QR code, created a NAVICA account. then followed the instructions. Start to finish, 25 minutes.
NOTE - Helps if you have a selfie stick or someway to prop your phone. they need to see you and your testing card the entire time.
Proctor was on almost immediately and was very good at walking me through the process. Waited 15 minutes, (you can walk away, but your card must always be in view).
The 2nd proctor was extremely difficult to understand. His English was not very good, but we got through it.
NEGITIVE and ready to upload into the VeriFLY and PLF
Has anyone had any problems with the proctored Binax Now tests being accepted by United or Lufthansa for travel to Italy? We’re connecting from United to Lufthansa in Frankfurt and neither airline could give me a straight answer.
