Planning to leave today for Rome, but read a Wall Street Journal article that the US is considering requiring a PCR test for return within 24 hours of departure. So, the BinaxNow kits (self swab with online monitoring) would no longer qualify I guess. These were what we were planning to use and had used to return from Portugal this fall.
Is it realistic to find a PCR test in Rome that will get us results within 24 hours? We have an 8AM return flight in 2 weeks. Or is it so risky that the US will instate these new rules and we should reconsider travel?
Posted by
Southwest Florida
856 posts
Keep checking here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/requirements-for-air-travelers-to-the-us.html
Check with your airline to see what type/brand of test they require. Google "PCR testing in rome italy" to see a variety of options there.
Best of luck!
Posted by
Freedonia
14944 posts
Not a PCR test but an antigen test. A PCR test in most cases can't be processed in 24 hours as it has to be done in a lab. It takes 15 minutes to get the results of an antigen test.
There is supposed to be official word on Thursday.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1658 posts
The latest and it looks like the White House might make it very difficult for traveling abroad and returning,
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/01/covid-omicron-variant-live-updates/
Posted by
Southwest Florida
856 posts
It was 72 hours preflight, now it is 24 hours. And it is an antigen test still.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6015 posts
Also no quarantine
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
It’s one day prior to departure, not 24 hours. CDC has published the new requirements today.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6015 posts
New requirements begin December 6
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8345 posts
Kim's point about the 1 day vs. 24 hours is very important. That means if you are departing anytime on Saturday, you can get tested anytime on Friday. Your test kits still qualify.
Posted by
OP
Boulder, CO, USA
50 posts
We have the BINAX now proctored tests which are still valid per what I am reading so I believe we will be fine. We leave at 8AM so the one day prior vs. 24 hours doesn't really make a difference with that departure time. The only way we are in trouble is if they start requiring PCS within 24 hours.
If anyone has questions about travelling to Italy right now and what they are requiring re: COVID, please feel free to ask.
Posted by
Winooski, VT
285 posts
Can’t recommend the Binax now with proctor tests enough, made coming home so easy! Now with the 24 hr window they are even more useful!