Covid tests for returning to the US - how they work

Travelling abroad for work? Or are you heading off on a relaxing vacation somewhere special? Even 12 months ago, travelling abroad for any reason was much more difficult. However, most countries no longer require a negative Covid-19 test for entry, almost as it was before the pandemic.

Despite this, there are still requirements in place for returning to the US from abroad. Fully vaccinated travellers, US citizens or otherwise are required to present a negative Covid-19 test for US re-entry.

This can add complications to your travel plans, as sourcing a Covid test abroad for returning to the US can often be costly and stressful for many reasons. To help solve these issues, we've created an affordable, CDC compliant Covid-19 test for returning to the USA, with results in just 2 hours. Read on to learn how you can make your US re-entry test easy, quick and straightforward. 

Return to the US Covid test: what do I need?

As stated in the CDC order, Covid-19 tests for entry to the USA must be a viral test that is either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). In simple terms, Rapid Antigen/lateral flow tests are valid. 

However, there are additional guidelines that travellers must adhere to when selecting a self-test, which can further complicate matters. The test must have received a EUA from the FDA, and the testing procedure must be supervised in real-time over video by a service affiliated with the test manufacturer.

For further information and specifics relating to the guidelines, click here.

Who needs to take a test?

The requirement to present a negative Covid-19 test before entry applies to all air passengers, two years of age or older, travelling into the US, including US citizens and legal permanent residents.

We'd also urge you to check if there are any further requirements relating to Covid-19 testing or quarantine after returning from abroad specific to the country you have travelled to/are returning from.

What is Qured's antigen test, and how does it work?

Our test for returning to the USA is a rapid antigen test. Fully compliant with the CDC guidelines, the test is self-administered, under the supervision of a Health Advisor over video. The call takes less than 5 minutes. This meets the requirement for a video proctored Covid test. All you need to do is book your test, take it abroad, and carry out the testing consultation no earlier than 1 day before returning to the US. You'll get official results within 2 hours after taking the test. Here's a simple how-to:

Order Your Covid-19 Test Online, Book Your Call.

We'll dispatch your test to your home using your chosen delivery method. You'll need to book your video call for a time no earlier than one day before starting your journey to the US. You can do this by logging into your Qured account.

Pack Your Test, Enjoy Your Trip.

Remember to pack your test kit in your luggage before travelling! Now relax and enjoy your trip; your testing is all taken care of.

Attend Your Call, Take Your Test.

Join your video call at your scheduled time. No software is required; simply join via the web on a device that supports video. One of our Health Advisors will join you in the call to guide you through the test. It takes less than 5 minutes.

Submit Results, Get Verified.

Your Health Advisor will walk you through submitting your results. Once you've done that, our team will verify them within 2 hours. You’ll receive an official document stating your results and that you meet the requirements for returning to the US.