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Original poster

Proof of Recovery for Travel to US

16 replies

Redstar2015 · 26/02/2022 15:37

I'll be going to the US in a few weeks to visit family and am trying to make sure I have the correct documents. From what I understand, the CDC requires either a negative covid test (can be a lateral flow from approved company) within one day of departure OR proof of a positive test within 90 days, including a letter of "proof of recovery" from a healthcare provider.

This is my first time going home to the US in nearly three years, so really don't want to get the paperwork wrong. Does anyone know if the "proof of recovery" barcode from the NHS app will serve as sufficient evidence? If not, is it just easier and cheaper to get the covid tests? I think we'd test negative as I am testing negative on lateral flows at home and we got it in early January so it'll be almost 90 days by the time we go.

Finally, and linked to the above, my daughter is under 12 and also is recovered from covid but 119 does not provide letters for children and the GP won't either. Again, is it easier to just test again? I hate to do it as dd is still very young and terrified of these tests, but I'm starting to feel like it's my only choice after getting nowhere calling the airline, GP, 119 and our local healthcare line.

Responses from those with firsthand experience would be AMAZING! I do know Verifly will check documents too, but want to get everything in order first to ensure it is right the first time around. TIA!

OP posts:

AttilaTheMeerkat · 26/02/2022 19:08

Are you a US citizen?. I ask only as rules are different for citizens.

The Foreign Office travel advice website could be helpful to you.

Do not bother with using the Verifly app, it’s just a checklist and has no real authority.

Original poster

Redstar2015 · 26/02/2022 21:57

Yes, I am. I've checked the rules and it states you still need proof of a negative test for anyone over 2 years old, even if vaccinated (though dd is not as she's four). You are exempt from this rule, however, if you can show "proof of recovery" from covid in the last 90 days. The problem is the rules also state that includes having a "letter from a healthcare provider" and GPs won't give this out. It also isn't clear if the "proof of recovery" barcode will work for adults. Basically, I'm just trying to get info from someone who has been and ideally did go the proof of recovery route so I can confirm what's needed and how to get the docs.

OP posts:

HundredMilesAnHour · 26/02/2022 21:59

Just test again, it's so much easier. Make sure it's supervised (via video is fine). I used Qured as they use Flowflex lateral flows which are approved by both UK and US govts so more straightforward.

I also found Verifly saves a lot of hassle when checking in. If you have a Verifly pass (which you get once you've completed all the required steps such as uploading test results, vaccine certificates etc), you don't need to show all your Covid docs again. Having Verifly approval is sufficient for travel (both to the US and back to the UK from the US).

BendingSpoons · 26/02/2022 22:06

I've been looking into this for another country. I was going to get a private GP to do the proof of recovery, but I think it will be easier (and probably cheaper) to just test. Also DD only tested positive on an lft. She was asymptomatic so didn't do a PCR and I am worried that will cause problems.

Onceuponapotato · 26/02/2022 22:12

Do the test, as long as you’re currently testing negative on LFs.

For the proof of recovery you’d have to pay for a private GP appointment and letter.

We found verifly great - upload everything, wave the verifly pass at checkin, no hassle.

Original poster

Redstar2015 · 27/02/2022 08:16

Okay, yes, this is the way I'm leaning (i.e. just test again). I'm not bothered about it for myself and dh, but my little girl has a horrible fear of the tests and we literally have to pin her down while she sobs and screams. It's horrible and wanted to avoid it if we could since I do have proof of positive PCR.

OP posts:

PurrBox · 27/02/2022 08:26

We used unsupervised LFTs from ConfirmTesting, at £12.50 each. Family members have flown at least 8 times in the last 2 months using these, with no problems.

If you have a scared child, I would just do an extra swab on yourself but register it as your child's. Maybe that is wrong: in my entirely fed-up view, it is breaking the rules for sure, but no more 'right' or 'wrong' than getting on the plane back to the UK without a fit to fly test (which everyone did as soon as they were allowed to).

Original poster

Redstar2015 · 27/02/2022 08:47

Thanks, @PurrBox! I just order from Qured for all of us. I thought you had to do a video consultation and test in front of them but it's just a video chat to say how to use the test. I think she might be less scared, or at least it'll be over quick, testing at home. If we can someone distract her she may be okay as we managed this for a shot a few weeks ago (these also freak her out, as with most small children). It's just frustrating as we should all be exempt, but even though I can use the NHS Pass "proof of recovery" certificate it isn't very clear if that's sufficient based on CDC guidelines so thought it better to cough up the little extra it is to test the whole family. Just can't risk missing our flight over entry rules.

I wouldn't not test her, but I'm not going to jam it very far up her nose if she's really terrified. Poor thing got a bloody nose once as she jerked from fright and the swab went up too far and that was with holding her down in a carseat.

OP posts:

HundredMilesAnHour · 27/02/2022 09:18

@Redstar2015

Thanks, *@PurrBox*! I just order from Qured for all of us. I thought you had to do a video consultation and test in front of them but it's just a video chat to say how to use the test. I think she might be less scared, or at least it'll be over quick, testing at home. If we can someone distract her she may be okay as we managed this for a shot a few weeks ago (these also freak her out, as with most small children). It's just frustrating as we should all be exempt, but even though I can use the NHS Pass "proof of recovery" certificate it isn't very clear if that's sufficient based on CDC guidelines so thought it better to cough up the little extra it is to test the whole family. Just can't risk missing our flight over entry rules.

Really? When I used Qured 2 weeks ago, the video option is doing the test in front of them on the video. They're very specific and you have to write date, time and a code they give you on the test cassette and upload the results within 10 mins to qualify to get the test certificate. They're very friendly and helpful though and it's much easier being able to do it at home.

Original poster

Redstar2015 · 27/02/2022 10:42

@HundredMilesAnHour, Maybe? It doesn't make much difference to me either way, but the way it was explained on the website made it seem like it's just a discussion with a health advisor before you take the test. I'll call them to check so there are no surprises.

OP posts:

SheWoreYellow · 27/02/2022 10:46

Have you tried getting your daughter to do it herself? And to tell her to really take her time. Have a practice with a cotton bud. The new ones don’t need to go so far up the nose (but check the instructions).

HundredMilesAnHour · 27/02/2022 10:48

[quote Redstar2015]@HundredMilesAnHour, Maybe? It doesn't make much difference to me either way, but the way it was explained on the website made it seem like it's just a discussion with a health advisor before you take the test. I'll call them to check so there are no surprises.[/quote]
They supervise you doing the test. That's the whole point. The website also seems pretty clear about it and that was 100% my experience every time I've used them for pre-US tests. They're fine. They provide an excellent service and there's no way anyone can falsify their test results so all good.

Quartz2208 · 27/02/2022 11:08

When are you going? The next review is March 18th so it might be gone by then.

That said it definitely is supervised it is a US requirement so they will be watching it being done. Also I dont think NHS pass is sufficient it needs to be signed off by a Dr which the NHS isnt (in theory you could fake it)

Hairbrush123 · 27/02/2022 11:37

DH had covid just after Christmas and we flew out to the US the first week in February.

It was easier and cheaper just to get an antigen test than to show proof of recovery as the US doesn’t accept the NHS one!

Original poster

Redstar2015 · 27/02/2022 11:38

@Quartz2208, Yep, that's why I booked tests for the whole family. I didn't think the proof of recovery barcode would fulfill CDC requirements.

We go after the review but only by about a week so didn't want to risk it. Worst case scenario dh and I take the test anyway and dd gets out of it, but we've got it booked for her too just in case. I doubt they give refunds, but not going to quibble over it as more important that we aren't denied entry.

OP posts:

Quartz2208 · 28/02/2022 11:54

Have done it 3 times (Using Breathe Assured) and found them very good and understanding around children and how you go it.

I disagree about Verifly found it incredibly useful for British Airways to upload everything at home and then check in so it was baggage drop only. Much easier than Delta when I needed to hand over the documents. It allows the airline to know without seeing

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