With the USA not still not allowing unvaccinated travellers into its borders, it is no surprise that the USA has a stringent entry policy as a result of COVID-19. The US is open for entry for any vaccinated traveller.
That being said, there may be occasions where we need guidance on how to properly take an Antigen test, in this article we will be sharing the details and benefits of a COVID video test for travel.
USA’s current travel restrictions
The government of the USA along with the CDC are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules and regulations of domestic travel, which means that they may be different to that of the UK or other nations around the globe.
Regardless of COVID, currently, all visitors are required to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit to the USA as a visitor.
This allows you to legally enter the country as a visitor and will prevent you from having to get a visa at the border, which could result in you being sent back home if denied.
You should also be aware that you may be rejected from getting an ESTA visa waiver if you have visited some countries including but not limited to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since the 1st March 2011.
If you have visited these listed countries, you must apply for a US visa.
Regarding Covid restrictions, you will not have to quarantine, take any tests or isolate for any period of time once arriving as long as you are vaccinated.
Officials have stated that the US authorities will accept any Covid-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are the AstraZeneca, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines.
Although it is not required, it is highly recommended that visitors to the USA take either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test before departure as proof of negative Covid status.
A rapid antigen test, (sometimes abbreviated to RAT) is a rapid diagnostic test that is suitable for detecting the presence of antigens in a human’s body.
It uses the lateral flow method to distinguish COVID antigens from the body’s natural antigens, using this information to determine whether or not the individual has been infected. This is typically taken 48 hours before departure.
Testing is still necessary to prevent another resurgence of COVID or one of its newer variants. Without testing, the virus can run rampant once again, which can inflict equal or worse damage than the first pandemic.
As well as the antigen test, we at Official Rapid Tests also provide a Telehealth COVID test, which we will explain below.
Why is the USA still strict about its travel?
The United States suffered far greater than other countries, even though it has more resources, far more advanced medical systems and an abundance of qualified doctors, nurses, chemists, scientists and biologists all equipped to fight the virus.
Despite its larger quantity of resources, America, a country with just 4% of the world’s population, was able to harbour 25% of all Covid-19 cases and fatalities worldwide. But what caused this?
It can be argued that leaders did not act quickly enough. Despite ample warning both from China and their own scientists, the American leaders were too slow to follow the actions of nations like South Korea, Thailand, Iceland, Slovakia and Australia and allowed the virus to run rampant and unrestricted.
By the time their immense resources, biomedical might and scientific expertise were finally prepared, the damage had been done, and Covid had sunk its roots deep into the country with infections from coast to coast.
With over one million current deaths recorded as a result of COVID-19, it is understandable as to why the US won’t grant entry to unvaccinated travellers, whilst making sure anybody who does visit is vaccinated and not re-infected.
The USA, as well as all countries that had been deeply affected by the pandemic, are now operating in a way where they are not taking the implications of another infection lightly.
That being said, the travel guidance can change without warning, the USA may one day allow unvaccinated travellers to visit, or it may refuse entry for everybody, vaccinated or not. As we still navigate this period post-pandemic, nobody is taking any chances. And rightly so.
What is a Telehealth COVID test?
A Telehealth COVID test is a video-supervised lateral flow antigen test with a qualified professional.
At Official Rapid Tests, we offer a telehealth COVID test to make it easier for you when you are testing yourself for COVID-19. In terms of the process, it goes like this.
You will have a video consultation in which a medical professional will talk you through how to take a lateral flow antigen test.
Our instructions are simple and easy to follow, which will give you peace of mind that you are taking the COVID test accurately, and without errors.
Antigen tests have the benefit of having a fast confirmation time. You will receive your test results within 15 minutes of your video.
We are open 24/7, 7 days a week for results.
If you test negative for COVID, you will receive a doctor’s signed Certificate for Travel to the UK, EU, and all major travel destinations.
Our Telehealth COVID test is accepted by countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and many more. After taking this test, we can issue you with a Global Fit to Fly Certificate, which you can use as proof of negative COVID status before you travel overseas.
We have completed over 150,000 pre-departure tests, helping people travel to over 78 countries across the world.
How to take the test
Our Telehealth COVID test is a fast and easy service. Follow these 4 simple steps:
- Order as many tests as you require online.
- The test arrives at a UK address via Royal Mail Next-Day Delivery (as long as you order before 4 pm on weekdays). Free shipping is included.
- Use a smartphone or computer to take a video-supervised test at any time. Tests can be taken 24/7.
- Within 15 minutes, your test results are emailed to you securely. If you test negative for COVID-19, you will also be emailed a signed Certificate which has been verified by our doctors.
If you want to purchase a Telehealth Video COVID Test for the USA, click here to register your test kit.
Who would benefit from a Telehealth COVID test?
A Telehealth video COVID test would be an invaluable service for anyone who:
- Is shielding, or isolating
- An elderly user who needs a little guidance whilst taking the test
- Ideal for anyone who can not physically come to a test centre
- Removes pressure and potential infection from medical professionals who can instead guide you through this process remotely.
- For people whose first language is not English, the video tutorial provides an opportunity for them to follow along step-by-step.
- In the case of a positive result, you have the benefit of not having left where you would be for your quarantine period. Thus reducing the spread of infection.
- Anybody who has never taken a test before
- Anybody unsure they are taking the test correctly
Book your COVID video test for travel
Official Rapid Tests is a trusted global supplier of Covid testing. We are the highest-rated UK Government listed provider on Trustindex. Even though some countries have lifted their travel restrictions, other countries like the USA may still have stricter guidance. That is why we are here to help in this ever-changing landscape.
The EU and the UK Government verify all Official Rapid Tests. We work with qualified front-line doctors and tech experts to develop the most convenient testing solutions for travel. We blend technology and medical expertise to offer the market the fastest and most convenient PCR testing service.
If you are not sure which Covid test you may need, take our Quiz on our webpage here, and this will tell you which type of Covid test is suitable based on your travel requirements.
Within this article, we hope to have helped give an understanding of your travelling needs whilst sharing information regarding the COVID video test for travel, otherwise known as a Telehealth supervised antigen test.
Find out more about Official Rapid Tests by browsing our website here.
We have over 120 clinics nationwide where you can get a Covid test. Find your nearest test centre by clicking here.
We are open 24/7, seven days a week.
Read more articles on travelling and Covid tests on our blog here.