Best Covid test for travel to US

I’m fully vaxxed, going home to the US 11th Dec for the first time in two years. (Yay!) I’ve got my Covid pass/vaccination proof. What’s the best test to take before I go? I’ve heard of either Qured or Breathe Assure. Which one is best for the smoothest entry into the US, or does it matter? I assume either provides the letter or certificate I’ll need for entry?

I, personally, used Qured. Well organised and efficient. However, this was in June. There may be better, faster and cheaper companies now. Don't forget you'll also need your Day 2 test upon arrival to the UK. As you're fully vaccinated, this can be a lateral flow test, also.

When I traveled back in March, I had a lateral flow rapid antigen test done at a local pharmacy. It was through a company called The Travel Health Clinic. My results with all the relevant details were emailed to me within an hour. I'd definitely use them again for my next trip back to the states. I think it was about £40. Not sure if the price has changed since I had mine done.

For me, the best test is an antigen test that I can take at home.  It's cheaper and faster than PCR.  The US requires an at home test to be supervised.

I used Qured on my last trip which was just after the travel ban was lifted on Nov 4.  Their certificate states that it was a supervised test and meets CDC guidelines for entry to the US. 

Order their £22 Fit to Fly Antigen test and click the box for the £10 video consultation for a total of £32.  There's currently a Black Friday 20% discount using the code BF20.  Otherwise use BATRAVEL15 or AATRAVEL15 for a 15% discount.

If you live near an airport, the Collinson group offers tests for about £40.  It's a bit more expensive, but there's no uploading pictures of the test kit or worrying whether your wifi will work during the video consultation.

For me, the best test is an antigen test that I can take at home.  It's cheaper and faster than PCR.  The US requires an at home test to be supervised.

I used Qured on my last trip which was just after the travel ban was lifted on Nov 4.  Their certificate states that it was a supervised test and meets CDC guidelines for entry to the US. 

How quickly was your certificate available after your test?  And did they make you swab your throat or just the nose?  I've booked two tests for the day before my flight, in line with the new travel advice Biden put in place today.  Booked two in case the first test was a dud!  The test I received, the booklet says only to swab the nose.  DId you have to do the throat too?  I hate doing that SO much, it's damn near impossible.  Just curious!

How quickly was your certificate available after your test?  And did they make you swab your throat or just the nose?  I've booked two tests for the day before my flight, in line with the new travel advice Biden put in place today.  Booked two in case the first test was a dud!  The test I received, the booklet says only to swab the nose.  DId you have to do the throat too?  I hate doing that SO much, it's damn near impossible.  Just curious!

  I noticed that there's some newer lateral flow tests given out by the gov that only require a swab up the nose and no throat.  I go out of my way to get one of those!

How quickly was your certificate available after your test?  And did they make you swab your throat or just the nose?  I've booked two tests for the day before my flight, in line with the new travel advice Biden put in place today.  Booked two in case the first test was a dud!  The test I received, the booklet says only to swab the nose.  DId you have to do the throat too?  I hate doing that SO much, it's damn near impossible.  Just curious!

The certificate was available about 20 minutes after I uploaded the test. 

I only swabbed my nose.  I think a PCR test requires a throat swab. 

FYI looks like some rules have changed and the test has to now be done within 24 hours of flight, vs the 3 days before. See https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/fr-proof-negative-test.html. I'm flying in a couple weeks so having to figure out all this stuff myself. Going to order the qured tests.

The day 2 PCR tests are 64 quid each...    . I find it insane we have to pay so much money for these tests. If the government cared, shouldn't they offer it for free?

The day 2 PCR tests are 64 quid each...    . I find it insane we have to pay so much money for these tests. If the government cared, shouldn't they offer it for free?

It is stupid - free tests would be great.

It’s worth checking around for different prices though - back in September I ordered my Day 2 PCR test through Nomad Travel and it was £55.

Actually, it looks like the Nomad Day 2 test is down to £43 now:
https://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/travel-store/coronavirus/travel-test-package-booking


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Thanks everyone!  I THINK I have everything sorted now, at least unless the rules change yet again!

*Booked two tests through Qured to take the day before I fly out, with video consultation.  (Booked two in case the first one is a dud test!)

*Will print out my Vaccine pass on Thursday, also have it on the NHS app

*Taking some lateral flow tests with me to take while I'm in the US, just for my own peace of mind.

*Ordered two tests through Qured (which should be delivered soon) to take with me, I'll take these the day before I fly back to the UK.  No video consultation with these as the UK doesn't require it.  (Again, got two in case the first one is a dud.)

*Ordered my day 2 PCR test, which should be arriving soon.

*Set a reminder to fill out the Passenger Locator Form on the gov.uk website within 48 hours before flying back.

*Plenty of masks for the flights.

Have I missed anything?  (Also have a suitcase full of gifts with absolutely no room for clothing, as usual!  Ready to shop when I get back to the US!)

I THINK I have everything sorted now, at least unless the rules change yet again!

Have I missed anything?

Don't forget to take either an antigen or PCR test from 2 days before returning to the UK. I've heard CVS & Walgreens are safe bets for US citizens (but I'm not sure about non-US citizens).

Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england