COVID-19 Self-Testing Kits for USA Travellers

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Planning your return to the US after your cycling adventure? Following the CDC's updated guidelines (effective May 7th), you can now utilise certain self-administered COVID-19 tests for your pre-departure requirement. We recommend the Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit and advise ordering a pack well in advance. Here's a step-by-step guide on purchasing and using these tests for your return to the States.

Guide

Since the CDC issued new guidelines on he 7th May, anyone travelling back to the United States can now use certain self-administered tests to satisfy the requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test result. The test needs to be taken within 3 days of the return flight. We're currently recommending the Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit, and would advise ordering a pack of these self-administered tests at least two weeks before departure.

How to purchase and use a self-administered test to satisfy testing requirements on return to the US.

BEFORE TRAVEL

Order your test kits before leaving the USA:

We would advise ordering your tests at least a week before your planned departure date, as shipping will take around two days within the US. A pack of 6 tests costs around $150, and allow around $15 shipping costs. You will need to bring your own test kit on tour with you.

When ordering, you will fill out a brief form giving your reason for ordering tests, for which you would select the option "To obtain pre-departure COVID-19 test results for re-entry into the United States as mandated by the CDC". The site will approve the prescription - individuals only need prescriptions to purchase a pack of tests, but results are valid with or without a prescription. The tests will have an expiration date, but usually have a 9-month shelf life.

You can pack your tests in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Download the App
To take the test during your trip, you will first need to download the NAVICA app, which should work on almost all iOS and Android smartphones. Downloading the app and creating an account can be quite time-consuming, so we strongly recommend that you do this before departure. Once you have taken your test, the NAVICA app will save the result and create a timestamp, which you will then need for departure check-in. Everyone in your group will need their own account in the NAVICA app.

DURING YOUR TRIP

Taking the Test

You will need to take the test within three days prior to your flight home.

To take the test, go to the eMed website and click “start test.” You do not need to make an appointment, and the service is available 24/7.

Two devices are required to complete the test - the first is the smartphone with the NAVICA app installed, and the other is a webcam and browser so that you can connect with a doctor. The second device can be a phone, tablet or laptop - we can help with this, so do ask us.

A doctor will connect with you via video chat to confirm your identity and to validate your test result. Anyone with their own personal NAVICA app account can use a self-administered test and verify their results via eMed website.

Travelling back to the USA

Simply show your NAVICA app at the airport to confirm your certified negative test result.