Latest Updates

As of 16 March 2020, British nationals are not permitted entry to the USA. US citizens and permanent residents of the USA and certain close family members are exempt. They will still be able to enter the USA, subject to normal entry requirements.

All passengers over the age of 2 arriving by air into the United States from the UK must show proof of a negative pre-departure Covid-19 PCR or antigen test. Lateral flow tests are a quicker and cheaper alternative to PCR tests and guarantee results in just 20 minutes.

The USA is on the amber list for entering England. If you’re planning to return to the UK from the USA you’re required to take an antigen test from a government-listed service provider like Medicspot. See our antigen page for details on how to buy a Covid-19 antigen test.

USA Travel Advice

Can I travel to the USA?

From 16 March 2020, British nationals have been unable to enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Iran, China, Brazil or Schengen zone within the past 14 days. Arrivals from outside of these areas require a visa or ESTA waiver to enter the United States.

You are exempt from these restrictions if you are a US citizen or a permanent resident of the USA, a specified close family member, or a holder of a special visa (such as UN staff and diplomats). Further guidance can be found from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Which Covid test do I need to travel to the United States of America?

The US government requires passengers from the UK to test negative for Covid-19 via a PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of departure.

How much does a Covid-19 test cost for travel to the USA?

If travelling to the USA, the price of a Covid test is £149. This covers both the PCR test and a Fit to Fly certificate.

Are Medicspot Covid tests approved by the United States?

Yes. Medicspot tests and Fit to Fly certificates are universally recognised by both American airlines and the US government.

What documentation will I get following my Covid test in order to meet US travel requirements?

If your Covid-19 tests are negative, Medicspot will provide you with negative test results as well as a Fit to Fly certificate. This documentation will be provided within the 72 hour testing requirement.

How long before my flight to the United States should I take a Covid test?

Travellers from the UK to the United States of America are required to take a negative PCR test 72 hours before their flight.

Will I still need to quarantine on arrival in the USA if I have tested negative for Covid-19?

Yes. If you are allowed entry to the USA then the CDC advises you self-isolate as much as possible for the first 14 days after arrival.

Does the USA accept Covid-19 Proof of Recovery documents?

As of July 2021, the USA accepts proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the last 90 days for entry. While the NHS does not provide proof of recovery records, evidence of a positive PCR test result can be used. This can be proved either by presenting a positive PCR or an antigen test result performed by an authorised laboratory or a medical certificate. Please see the USA travel website for further information.

Inbound UK Travel

Which Covid-19 tests do I need to enter the UK from the USA?

If you haven’t visited or passed through a country on the red list in the 10 days before travelling to the UK, you must:

• Take a pre-departure PCR or antigen test and get a negative result within 72 hours (3 days) of your departure.
• Book and pay for a day 2 and 8 amber country test package which includes Covid-19 tests to be taken on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of your quarantine.
• Complete a passenger locator form.

Which Covid-19 tests do I need to take once I have arrived in the UK?

The USA is on the amber list for travel. Once you have arrived in the UK from the USA you must:

• Quarantine for 10 days.
• Take the mandatory day 2 and 8 tests.

There is also the option to take part in Test to Release which allows travellers to shorten their quarantine from day 5 of their arrival, provided they have tested negative for coronavirus. This test must be bought from a private provider like Medicspot. You can find additional information about the Test to Release scheme on the government website.