Please sign in to post.

Report: BINAX proctored test before flight back to USA from Paris

We are flying back to Seattle today on Delta. After much deliberating, we decided to use the proctored BINAX test. We made this decision AFTER we left the US (we met a friend who gave us two BINAX tests).

Here’s how it played out. And our original plan was to use a testing site at CDG airport - there is one right outside the doors of the Sheraton, where we stayed. But at 7pm on a Thursday evening, it was closed. I did not seek out a pharmacy site to see if it was open or not.

There has been much discussion on this site about downloading the Navica App before leaving the US. We did not do this since we didn’t plan on self-testing. But it worked out fine - we downloaded the Navica App to both an iPhone and an Android phone using hotel WiFi in Spain.

When we started out test using the Navica App, it became immediately clear that we also needed to create an EMed account. I had no idea about this before.

So, we started the Navica test, and then got directed to our new EMed accounts. Once, there, EMed asked us if we needed a Travel test. EMed said this is uncommon - but don’t be misled by this. You DO need the Travel/Navica part.

Then we answered a few questions, EMed tested our device for capability, and then a video came on with a live staff person. This part was a bit confusing and left us a little panicked but it worked out. We had to show an ID, then we had to show the QR code on our test packaging. Then they had us open the test and watch us do the testing. When the test was sealed shut with our sample, the video closed out and a 15 minute timer came on.

After the 15 minutes, a new staff person came on, looked at our QR code and test result and then we were done.

The test result was emailed to us in about 10 minutes and also showed up in our Navica app.

It took us about 40 minutes per test. It might take you less time if you know about the EMed account in advance:)

And we both tested negative!

Posted by
2547 posts

We used the BinaxNOW test on arrival in Palermo. It was a little confusing at first vis a vis using our iPad to show the packaging, etc. to the proctor. The second test went more smoothly once we knew what we were doing.

Posted by
2679 posts

Mary makes a really good point. We were kind of idiots with our first test and much cooler customers with the second test. It made me wish I had watched a little YouTube video of the proctored BINAX process beforehand.

Posted by
2679 posts

@Bets - Thanks! There’s a split of opinion here in our little travel group - Ron is ready to go home but I am still willing to travel around for awhile longer but OMG I need some access to a laundromat.

Posted by
1191 posts

We used the Binax now proctored tests in Paris before departing and had no issues using it. It was convenient, and pretty easy.

Posted by
418 posts

We used it in Amsterdam three weeks ago. We had a friend that recommended watching a YouTube video and that helped us to be a little more comfortable. Our tests were $25 per test kit. The testing place next to our hotel was 89 euros per person. So glad we brought them along.

Posted by
259 posts

Thanks. Alexis for this info!
Curious did both of you need to download the app and set up an account or were you able to share?

Posted by
2679 posts

While there is a way to change the person within the App, I wanted simplicity - so we each downloaded the App to our phones.

Posted by
76 posts

We have used the same test traveling back to the US. We did have a laptop which made it easy as the proctor needs to see the test which lies flat on the table, untouched.

Posted by
2640 posts

We used these last summer coming back from Iceland. Some of our party had not downloaded the Navica app and had no issues doing that there in Iceland. We had watched a YouTube video ahead of time, but were still a bit clumsy on the first test. After that, easy peasy. I think a lot of that is just worrying about "will it work" etc. Glad it all worked out for you!

Posted by
627 posts

Can anyone tell me… What is the benefit of doing a proctored test versus going to the local pharmacy for 15€ and getting the results?

Posted by
135 posts

I use these tests in Athens. I have the Navaca app but the person I was traveling with did not. She went through the Emed website and had no problem. I did watch a YouTube video before leaving for Athens, and that did help me know what to expect. The first time we took it it probably took about 30 minutes. The second time went much quicker. It is helpful if you have your email account set up before you go.

Posted by
2607 posts

Thank you, this was helpful, and yay for being negative!

Posted by
28065 posts

Luv2Travel, if you do the proctored test, your results aren't immediately provided to the local authorities, which might provide some much-needed time to arrange a place to stay until you can legally fly home. And some travelers have very tight itineraries, perhaps even planning to spend most of their last full day in Europe in a small town (and/or on a Sunday), and are worried about accomplishing the testing on the required timetable. With the proctored self-test, you can test at 1 AM if you need to.

Posted by
34 posts

Valerie - thank you for taking the time to share this. As an over-preparer, I like to know all these details. :)