Approved Covid Tests for travel to USA

Latest Updates

Last updated 5 November 2021.

As of 8 November 2021, all non-US nationals who are fully vaccinated with any Covid-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation (AstraZeneca, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac) are allowed entry to the USA. Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement.

Fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air must take a Covid-19 test no more than 3 days before their flight departs. All unvaccinated travellers will need to test no more than one day before travel or present a negative result or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19 in the past three months. Further information can be found on the US Embassy website.

USA Travel Advice

Which Covid-19 test do I need to travel to the United States of America?

The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or Antigen Test). Further details can be found on the CDC website.

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

If travelling to the USA, the price of a PCR test is £75. Antigen tests cost just £29. This covers both the test, supervision of a test and a Fit to Fly certificate.

Do I need to take an observed or supervised Covid-19 test to enter the USA?

Yes. The testing procedure must include a telehealth service who are affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.

Medicspot has this service available for just £29. Once you receive your test, follow the instructions and complete the first step of the online registration process. You must then wait for an email that provides a link to a second registration process for an observed test. You will then be allocated a member of our friendly Covid-19 testing team who will observe you taking your test via video call.

Can myself and my family join the observed test?

Yes, you and those within your household can join the observed test.

How long does the observed test take?

The observed tests are quick and should last no longer than 15 minutes.

Can I still book a test if I have partially registered my test on your website?

Yes, you can book and join an observed test even if you have partially/fully registered your test on our website. Our friendly Covid testing team will take you through each step of the process.

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?

Fully vaccinated travellers from the UK to the United States of America are required to take a Covid-19 test 72 hours before their departure.

Unvaccinated travellers are required to take a test no more than one day before departure.

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

This depends on your vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine on arrival but are recommended to take a viral test within 3 to 5 days of arrival in the USA.

Unvaccinated travellers must take a test within 3 to 5 days after arrival in the US. You must also quarantine for 7 days after arrival in the US, even if you test negative unless you have an exception.

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.