Travel requirements to enter the US have changed once again!
Starting on Dec 6, regardless of your vaccination status, you are now required to be tested for COVID within a day of your flight to the US.
Now, before you panic about where to find a testing site with results in less than 24 hrs while you’re traveling, here’s a simple solution.
If you’re unable to schedule a COVID test appointment or simply don’t want to pay the $150-$300 for a test (cough Switzerland & Canada cough), consider getting a home testing kit for COVID.
Before you leave for your trip, order some COVID home test kits or purchase them at the pharmacies. These self-administered covid tests are very simple to take. There are step-by-step instructions, so you’ll know what to do every step of the way. Depending on the type of kits you purchase, you might get your results within 15min or be required to ship the samples into a laboratory for results.
Before buying your at-home covid test kits though, make sure it’s approved for clearing US travel restrictions.

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Things to know about COVID test requirements:
- Travel restrictions for entering US is ever-changing. Always check the CDC for most up-to-date info on US travel requirements
- Check the airline you’re traveling with to see their requirements
- It needs to be a viral antigen test or a PCR test
- The test needs to include a telehealth video call. They are required to confirm your identity, observe while you take the test, confirm the result, and issue a report.
- The report for your covid results must include your identity, name of the laboratory or healthcare entity, type of test, and date taken.
- The test should be approved by FDA for emergency use
- Check the expiration date before you buy! The shelf life is very short.
- Get the test that gives you instant results in 15 mins. Avoid the tests where you need to mail it in (you will not get it in time for your flight).
- Save the receipts because COVID home kits might become reimbursable by insurance by Jan 2022!
- When taking the test, you’ll need your photo ID to prove your identity and something to prop up your phone (so proctor can see the entire testing process).
My experiences taking an at home test Covid test
For my trip to Canada, I bought the Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test from eMed. I was actually pretty stressed out while taking the test because I only had one kit and reading the reviews about a glitchy app does not help.
So I suggest you bringing an extra home test kit in case something goes wrong. Do note, however, some countries might have restrictions on you bringing in COVID tests.
To be honest, though, my entire testing process turned out to be painless. Everything flowed smoothly, and I encountered no problems. Phew.
I took the test in my hotel room at 9pm. The video call to the telehealth proctor connected right away. The proctor will guide you through every step of the process.
From start to finish, I only spent 15mins for the entire test. And the result was delivered instantly to my email as a locked PDF file. In addition, you’ll also be able to get your results as a QR code in their app (just turn off face id for the app, how can you unlock with your mask on?).

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links – which means, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link.
Safety precaution items to have for air travel
- COVID test kit. So you can be be allowed into the US
- KN95 face mask. Most airlines already banned cloth masks on planes.
- Travel size disinfecting wipes. While some airlines provide disinfecting wipes when you get on the plane, most don’t. It’s better to bring your own. Wipe those tables and seatbelt!
- Reusable water bottle. Always stay hydrated while traveling!
Stay safe and happy travels!