Do we need pre-departure covid tests for USA?

[sunshinesuzy]

Hi - having a bit of a last minute panic. We're heading to the USA for a week in about 10 days time, and I'm just looking for a bit of reassurance (as my DH seems to think this holiday will happen by miracle and requires no planning...)

Am I right in thinking that we no longer need pre-departure covid tests for the USA? We just need proof of full vaccination for all adults (but NOT under 18s).

I know this is ridiculous as I have googled this and found the answer, but i'm just a bit panicked as this is our first time abroad since 2019 and everybody in the family seems to be leaving it up to me to sort everything....

Yes that is right - entry is full vaccination (2 doses actually counts) plus ESTA

You're right, no pre tests needed (just back), but do need to be fully vaccinated and will be asked to upload proof to your airline before checkin

Also if you are flying VIrgin or Delta they have someone in the queue checking it so I found it useful to have a hard copy.

Thanks so much! mind put at rest. We are flying virgin, but I've already got a hard copy of mine / DDs vaccinations printed off. DD is only 17 so I think its not necessary. Don't have a hard copy of vaccination status for 15 year old as that's not available here (in scotland).

Will now nag DH to get his hard copy sorted this evening.

You will need some proof of vaccine status for the kids, otherwise they'll have to be tested 3-5 days after arrival. But digital should be fine.

No one has ever asked about the 3-5 day test when I have done it

Yes they definitely ask for it in Heathrow - it really holds the luggage queue up!

It's only if you're not vaccinated but are on the vaccine exemption list (which includes kids)

You are correct but try and have something printed out which states this. When my DSis checked in to BA during the summer the guy asked to see the tests for the (unvaccinated) kids. He was in the wrong and she argued the case but it was a bit stressful! We have never been asked about day 3-5 tests for the kids.

@sunshinesuzy you can definitely get a hard copy of kids vaccination certificates in Scotland - we've got one for DD11 cos we fly to US next week and obviously she's too young to have phone app

@ClosedAuraOpenMind did you phone the vaccine helpline to get the hard copy for a child? I have a horrible feeling we’ve left it too late - but I didn’t think to do it as they should be exempt. I looked this evening and it seemed to suggest that 15 year old could get the app, so I’ll try that tomorrow

we did yes, came really quickly so possibly worth giving them a call tomorrow x

I'm sure I ordered ds's proof of vaccine online. You need their sign in details for the site. He couldn't get the app (also age 15)

vacs.nhs.scot/csp?id=csm_login

If you have their user ID then you can register on this page. If you dont have the user ID you can recover their details on the link too if you know the date of one of their vaccines

I called for DD on Monday there and it arrived Wednesday or Thursday there. Very efficient

Dd 14 and ds 17 both have the app so your dc should be able to get it

It's a different app in Scotland and I think you need to be 16 to have it

Or maybe they have changed the age requirements. I'm sure it was 16 when we went abroad as we got a paper copy for ds (15y)

Have they done away with the Verifly app? When we travelled earlier in the year you could upload your documents there, so less messing about at check in (I still always carry paper copies but you shouldn’t have to show them).

If you consult the relevant airline’s website they should tell you exactly what you need.

We flew virgin to the US and back earlier this month. You can upload your proof of vaccination to their app and then not need to show anything at the airport. No tests were needed (but we were both triple vaccinated adults).

Thanks so much for the advice everybody. I've just downloaded a copy of 15 year olds vaccination. It needed a bit of detective work as I had to put the date of vaccination and I couldn't remember exactly when it was - but managed to work it out from looking at bank statements near the time (i remembered that I'd bought them post-vaccine chocolate treats from a specific shop!).

Feel much more at ease now.