Understanding COVID testing requirement to return to U.S.

It’s the day before. So if you fly on Tuesday, get tested on Monday. Flying on Saturday? Get tested on Friday. You can, of course, test the day you are flying but that will add to travel day stress. And, also, you’ll want to do a rapid antigen test, not a PCR test. You won’t have the 24 hours it takes to get PCR results, but rapid antigen test results take 10 minutes.

All this said, I’d bet money that by June this requirement will be obsolete.

If the testing requirement is still in place, the easiest thing to do is take a proctored test kit with you. That way you can do it anytime the day before your flight, in your hotel room. https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-3-pack/

Yes, it’s anytime the day before or after. So if you fly on Saturday you can test Friday first thing all the way until just before you go to the airport on Saturday.
You need the test at check in. Not necessarily online check in but at the desk where they look at your paperwork. In Portugal this was actually at the boarding gate, I’ve heard from others it was at the pre-security check in desk. As long as it’s done before this and you have the results ready to show, on paper or digital, you are ok.

I would feel much better getting it done as early as allowed just in case. In case the test fails and I need a new one or in case it’s positive so I can make arrangements. But as far as the rules go, anytime before the flight’s paperwork check is ok.
Many airports have testing centers, you can go there before your flight. Look at how long it takes to get in and get results.

I also recommend the binax home test kits. So easy and fast. But there are other options.

Could someone who has used the proctored self tests explain if they used iphone, ipad, or laptop? I am seeing conflicting information about what device is suitable. I really don't want to drag my ipad around, but then again, if I am quarantined, I'll need it I suppose.

I used my iPhone for my test this past Saturday while in Ireland. The connection is the key. Mine went in & out but Navica emed kept working with me so I didn't have to start over.

Valadelphia, my husband and I used the Binax Now tests before our Rick Steves tour and before returning to the US. He used an iPhone and I used a Google pixel 6 pro. Both worked fine. Others have posted on the forum that they have used iPads. Just be sure to download the Navica app before you leave the US. That's how you log in to the emed website.

Thanks all--I found the Cue website specifies device and operating system. It says Iphone 8 plus or later. I have an iphone 8, so I'll be sure to scope it out when I purchase the tests.

Thank you everyone! This is incredibly helpful.

I recently purchased the City Health Rapid Return Test Kit for my reentry into the US in May. Does anyone have experience with this particular proctored test?

Josephmay39

I have never seen that test mentioned

You need to check with your airlines to confirm that it is accepted for re-entry

United for example is very specific about which proctored tests they accept
( the one you mentioned is not listed)

ChristineH

Would you mind posting the list of accepted tests from United. I thought they took all the CDC accepted ones

I called American and they told me that they accept any brand of test as long as it is proctored.

Fyi, I just returned from Rome. it is very easy to get an antigen test in Rome at a pharmacy. You say you're coming into Rome the day before your flight? You do not need to go to the airport to get a test. There are pharmacies in Rome doing test all day long - you just come in show your passport and they will do it and you get your results in 20 minutes. Ask for a printed copy of the certificate. That is much easier to show when you get to the airport the next day.

What actually happens if you go to a pharmacy and the test is positive ? What do they do?