Return to USA covid testing

[kevin612]

Hello all, My flight is next week on the 20th. Just wondering is the rapid antigen test acceptable for the port of entry? Thank you. 

[orchis]

verify what the airline requires to check in.

[VMOMMO]

Rapid Antigen test is not accepted for travel to the USA. It must be nose and throat swab PCR test. The airline may be able to tell you but don't be disappointed if you find out when you check in you have the wrong paperwork and can't fly.

 

Also make sure test place knows this is for travel and the results have your passport number on them and name EXACTLY matches your name on your passport. Nobody asked for anything on my arrival in USA. 

[USNret]

Both the previous answers are wrong. The answer is, as you can confirm on the USA DHS & CDC websites, is that Rapid Antigen IS acceptable.  I did it myself; flew BKK to SEA via NRT on June 8th.

Advantage of rapid antigen is: It's 1/2 the cost of PCR, plus takes only 2 hours for results (this was true at Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin).  BTW, virtually EVERYONE says it must be PCR, but they are wrong. Find the DHS site for international travel; it says Rapid Antigen & I can testify that it works. I flew JAL. 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

USNret is correct. Here's the link to the CDC website that goes into detail about acceptable tests for travel to the US:

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

[PumpkinEater]

Although the CDC requires at least a rapid test, it would be advisable to check with the airline that you are traveling overseas on.

I flew on Qatar and was required the Covid 19 PCR test with appropriate documents.

Qatar DID check at check in, but nothing was checked upon entry into the USA.

Cheers

Edited July 17, 2021 by PumpkinEater
Word change

[USNret]

JAL didn't care... they say "Whatever your destination airport requires is ok."  The way they handled it was weird... they did a cursory check at BKK at check-in, but when we got to Narita for transfer, they had a new screening. First, ALL passengers get complete new security screening as though we could have acquired illicit contraband during the first flight. Then US-bound pax get in line at a transit counter where our vaccination documents were scrutinized in some detail. Only then were we allowed to proceed to our gate. 

For this reason (TWO long, slow lines) allow at least 3 hours connecting time at NRT.  We had 2 hours, and barely made it. 

Edited July 17, 2021 by USNret
spelling error

[statman78]

18 minutes ago, USNret said:

JAL didn't care... they say "Whatever your destination airport requires is ok."  The way they handled it was weird... they did a cursory check at BKK at check-in, but when we got to Narita for transfer, they had a new screening. First, ALL passengers get complete new security screening as though we could have acquired illicit contraband during the first flight. Then US-bound pax get in line at a transit counter where our vaccination documents were scrutinized in some detail. Only then were we allowed to proceed to our gate. 

For this reason (TWO long, slow lines) allow at least 3 hours connecting time at NRT.  We had 2 hours, and barely made it. 

I flew back to the States in mid June.  At check in BKK my Covid test paperwork was checked.  I also flew JAL transiting through NRT.  The security check is the same check that is done for any international transit passenger in all airports.  At NRT I’ve seen long lines and no lines.  Depends on how many flights landed around the same time.  In June there were no lines.

 

Near the gate I was stopped as was required to sho my Covid test results and sign a form.  In June there was no line and it took about 2 minutes.  I’m sure at times there could be a line depending on how full the flight is.

[khunjeff]

54 minutes ago, USNret said:

when we got to Narita for transfer, they had a new screening. First, ALL passengers get complete new security screening as though we could have acquired illicit contraband during the first flight

Whether or not it makes sense, the transit security check at Narita has been in place throughout the 30 years I've been flying through there - it isn't anything new. What IS new is that the last time I transited from the US, there was no longer a transit screening - similar to Istanbul, where passengers on transit from "trusted" countries skip the extra security check. (I know it will shock you to learn that Thailand is not a "trusted" country...!)

[statman78]

15 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

Whether or not it makes sense, the transit security check at Narita has been in place throughout the 30 years I've been flying through there - it isn't anything new. What IS new is that the last time I transited from the US, there was no longer a transit screening - similar to Istanbul, where passengers on transit from "trusted" countries skip the extra security check. (I know it will shock you to learn that Thailand is not a "trusted" country...!)

They must have reinstated the security check in late June I came back to Thailand from the US on JAL, transiting through Narita.  I needed to go through security screening.  Like you mentioned.  This is the same screening that has been in place since I can remember.  I have been going through NRT for the past 25 years.

[elgenon]

I hope you know what is going on re Covid in the place you land and where you are ultimately going. Some places are in bad shape.

In LA County they are requiring masks indoors again. Outbreak not as bad as some places.

[mackayae]

Is the NAAT test the rapid antigen test?

[USNret]

1 hour ago, khunjeff said:

Whether or not it makes sense, the transit security check at Narita has been in place throughout the 30 years I've been flying through there - it isn't anything new. What IS new is that the last time I transited from the US, there was no longer a transit screening - similar to Istanbul, where passengers on transit from "trusted" countries skip the extra security check. (I know it will shock you to learn that Thailand is not a "trusted" country...!)

You are correct; that re-screening in-between intl flights has been going on for 30 years. What is new is that after that, you get in another line at a transit desk, and that's where your COVID paperwork is checked.  Each line took at least 45 minutes, thus my warning that you'd best allow 3 hours between flights. 

 

[statman78]

35 minutes ago, USNret said:

You are correct; that re-screening in-between intl flights has been going on for 30 years. What is new is that after that, you get in another line at a transit desk, and that's where your COVID paperwork is checked.  Each line took at least 45 minutes, thus my warning that you'd best allow 3 hours between flights. 

 

Just out of curiosity, when did you travel back to the US?  I want to know if things have changed since I went through on June 17.  When I went through NRT I did not have to stop at the transit desk.  Once I got to the entrance of my gate there was a table there with several people there checking the Covid test results and having you sign a form.  From there I went down 1 level to the actual gate.  It took me about 2 minutes.  Since I got to the gate 10 minutes before boarding I’m sure there could have been a line earlier.

[USNret]

On 7/16/2021 at 7:36 PM, statman78 said:

Just out of curiosity, when did you travel back to the US?  I want to know if things have changed since I went through on June 17.  When I went through NRT I did not have to stop at the transit desk.  Once I got to the entrance of my gate there was a table there with several people there checking the Covid test results and having you sign a form.  From there I went down 1 level to the actual gate.  It took me about 2 minutes.  Since I got to the gate 10 minutes before boarding I’m sure there could have been a line earlier.

I traveled on June 8th. The process you followed sounds much more coherent. Mine was a goat rope. 

I left out the part of deplaning from the first flight (BKK -> NRT). They announced: "Anyone staying in Japan, please remain seated. Those with connecting flights deplane now." Then we all waited, densely packed, on the jetway for about 30 minutes, and then were all escorted together to the security rescreenign station.  It was horribly time-consuming. 

[dukeandduke]

On 7/17/2021 at 9:10 AM, USNret said:

JAL didn't care... they say "Whatever your destination airport requires is ok."  Then US-bound pax get in line at a transit counter where our vaccination documents were scrutinized in some detail. Only then were we allowed to proceed to our gate.

Thanks.  Did they still accept what the US requires?  I'm trying to interpret JAL's email about what they require, and whether that applies when we're only transferring at Narita.

[USNret]

26 minutes ago, dukeandduke said:

Thanks.  Did they still accept what the US requires?  I'm trying to interpret JAL's email about what they require, and whether that applies when we're only transferring at Narita.

Yes, JAL accepted the Rapid Antigen test which is acceptable to the US. However, I just read in another forum that now Narita has its own requirement for transiting passengers. They require PCR.  This was not the case in early June. Please research it; JAL should be able to advise. If that's true, then PCR will meet the needs of the airline, the transit airport, and the USA.  These rules are changing rapidly, so my June experience may not be so relevant anymore, esp with Olympics ramping up.

[statman78]

6 hours ago, USNret said:

I traveled on June 8th. The process you followed sounds much more coherent. Mine was a goat rope. 

I left out the part of deplaning from the first flight (BKK -> NRT). They announced: "Anyone staying in Japan, please remain seated. Those with connecting flights deplane now." Then we all waited, densely packed, on the jetway for about 30 minutes, and then were all escorted together to the security rescreenign station.  It was horribly time-consuming. 

On my first flight BKK to NRT they also let people with connecting flights off first but we were able to go directly to the security check, no waiting.  I went through quickly but I was lucky that I had a lot of airline points so I flew business class.

[Heng]

Is there a US equivalent of a MorPhrom type app to save your covid jab dates/information?   Or is everyone just using their paper CDC cards?

[statman78]

2 hours ago, Heng said:

Is there a US equivalent of a MorPhrom type app to save your covid jab dates/information?   Or is everyone just using their paper CDC cards?

When I came back from the US I just used my paper CDC card.  

[mtls2005]

While stipulating that the entry requirements to the U.S allow for:

 

What types of SARS-CoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order?
Passengers must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.

 

Can I get a rapid test?
Rapid tests are acceptable as long as they are a viral test acceptable under the Order.

 

 

And that JL and NH seem to accept the same test results.

 

 

Can anyone confirm that middle eastern carriers allow travel with these same results?

 

I've combed the QR site and their language is vague (entered BANGKOK and CHICAGO). But their attestation/consent form (required at check in) appears to require a PCR test.

 

 https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/documents/QR-consent-form-PCR.pdf

 

 

 

Does anyone have any recent experience flying to the U.S on Qatar Airways? Were you able to complete your journey with an antigen test only?

 

 

[Danvan2k]

7 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

While stipulating that the entry requirements to the U.S allow for:

 

What types of SARS-CoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order?
Passengers must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.

 

Can I get a rapid test?
Rapid tests are acceptable as long as they are a viral test acceptable under the Order.

 

 

And that JL and NH seem to accept the same test results.

 

 

Can anyone confirm that middle eastern carriers allow travel with these same results?

 

I've combed the QR site and their language is vague (entered BANGKOK and CHICAGO). But their attestation/consent form (required at check in) appears to require a PCR test.

 

 https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/documents/QR-consent-form-PCR.pdf

 

 

 

Does anyone have any recent experience flying to the U.S on Qatar Airways? Were you able to complete your journey with an antigen test only?

 

 

Yea want to know to same thing. The conflicting bloated info is super annoying. 

[Danvan2k]

8 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

While stipulating that the entry requirements to the U.S allow for:

 

What types of SARS-CoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order?
Passengers must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.

 

Can I get a rapid test?
Rapid tests are acceptable as long as they are a viral test acceptable under the Order.

 

 

And that JL and NH seem to accept the same test results.

 

 

Can anyone confirm that middle eastern carriers allow travel with these same results?

 

I've combed the QR site and their language is vague (entered BANGKOK and CHICAGO). But their attestation/consent form (required at check in) appears to require a PCR test.

 

 https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/documents/QR-consent-form-PCR.pdf

 

 

 

Does anyone have any recent experience flying to the U.S on Qatar Airways? Were you able to complete your journey with an antigen test only?

 

 

I just messaged them on Twitter and they said: You can do a pcr test at any Government approved laboratories conducting the RT-PCR test, however we suggest you to contact the relevant authorities (eventually the embassy) in order to know which laboratories are accepted. The accredited laboratory has to comply with the next criteria: They need to administer the RT-PCR test, you also need to ensure that the testing center carries out a nose/throat swab test and not a finger <deleted> blood test. The result should state that it is an RT-PCR test that is negative. Qatar Airways can accept the result from nasal/throat swabs that are sent for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is testing for viral genetic material (nucleic acid). Sometimes such tests are referred to as - TrueNAT, CB-NAAT, NAAT, RT-PCR, RNA-PCR. Please check that the laboratory tests swabs by PCR. Thank you.

[mtls2005]

FYI

 

 

Biden administration developing plan to require almost all foreign visitors to be vaccinated

 

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/08/04/politics/vaccines-foreign-visitors-to-us/index.html