Tested Positive - Travelling to US Recovery Certificate enough?

joolsleeds

Hi,

I tested positive for Covid and my self isolation ends on 8th Nov. I travel to the US on 3rd Dec and the NHS have told me not to take any further tests for 90 days as it’s likely I will have lingering antibodies that will present a false positive. 

When I look at the US entry requirements they say I need a negative test taken no more than 3 days before departure, I am double jabbed.  I’m concerned if I do this I will get a positive result and create all sorts of trouble. 

I understand I can get a Recovery Certificate from the NHS - does anyone know whether this is acceptable for travel to the US?

I’ve tried speaking with BA (who my ticket is with) and Aer Lingus (code share flight I’m on) and neither are prepared to opine. 

Anyone here have any experience of this, or how to get a definitive answer?

thanks in advance 😀👍

sheramber

check the gov.uk site

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements#entry-rules-in-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19

joolsleeds

Thanks for the link. Can I assume that the recovery certificate will satisfy the US then? I guess it will have to, as I don’t know what else I could use?

thanks again! 

Caz3121

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

• If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

I would expect that the letter would be something that you would be charged for

onashoestring

I hope you are not too poorly.

 It is a PCR test that you are advised not to take for 90 days after a positive Covid test - you should be ok with a LF test -which the US accepts for entry -  easy to check on 8th with an NHS home test kit . ( Not that you can use that for entry to US , but at least you will know that you test negative with a LF test)

Also keep in mind that UK do not accept Covid recovery certs as exemption for the Day 2 test on your return- so you will still need to book that before you return  ( this can also be LF test ) .

CKhalvashi

Caz3121 said:

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

• If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

I would expect that the letter would be something that you would be charged for

I had to pay £20 recently for a signed/stamped letter to confirm the vaccine for a visa application. I know it's a private service, but I'd imagine the charges will be similar.

You will need the same to enter the US with this.

eskbanker

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/u-s-visa-and-travel-faqs/ (linked from the gov.uk page posted above) is more specific about the documentation requirement, in FAQ 7.5:

A letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that clears you to end isolation, e.g., to return to work or school, can be used to show you are cleared to travel, even if travel isn’t specifically mentioned in the letter. The letter must have information that identifies you personally (e.g., name and date of birth) that matches the personal identifiers on your passport or other travel documents. The letter must be signed and dated on official letterhead that contains the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official who signed the letter.

JanSam

How did you get on?  Did you get a letter or use the NHS Recovery Pass? Would be helpful to know, thanks.

bagand96

JanSam said:

How did you get on?  Did you get a letter or use the NHS Recovery Pass? Would be helpful to know, thanks.

The current US entry requirements can be found on GOV.UK and the US CDC websites:

Entry requirements - USA travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Immigrants: Travel to and from the United States | CDC

You need a negative Covid-19 test taken within a day before the flight.  This can be PCR or a supervised Antigen (Lateral Flow).  There is an exemption on the test requirement if you have had a positive Covid-19 test within 90 days before travel but you need a letter from a healthcare provider or health official stating you are cleared to travel.

I don't think the NHS Recovery pass counts as a letter stating you are cleared to travel.  You will be able to get a letter from a private provider (or maybe even GP) but you will need to pay for it.

It's likely quicker, cheaper and easier to do the supervised Antigen test.  These can be done at home supervised by video (prices start £20) or at the airport in person (prices start around £30)

Caz3121

CDC checklist for airlines 
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Airline_Checklist_Amended_for_Vaccine_Order_110621_for_posting_UPDATE.pdf
6. SIGNED LETTER:Must also have a signed letter stating the passenger is cleared for travel.
• From a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official
• Must be signed and on official letterhead that shows the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official
• Does not need to specify dates of travel