Your ultimate guide to at-home COVID-19 testing for international travel

Since December 2021, the U.S. has mandated that all air travelers aged 2 and above provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their scheduled flight.

This requirement has deterred some Americans from traveling abroad, worried they might test positive and face travel disruptions. However, if you decide to go, the quickest way to get results within the 24-hour window is by using a remote-administered at-home COVID-19 test.

Several key at-home tests are authorized for entry into the U.S., such as Abbott's BinaxNow, Ellume's COVID-19 Home Test, and Qured's video-monitored rapid antigen test. Other tests may require an additional virtual service for proper documentation.

Tests can be taken anywhere globally, as long as internet access is available for remote proctoring. We'll explain everything you need to know about each test type and how to use them.

Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test Kit

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved at-home COVID-19 tests for U.S. entry a year ago, many travelers have relied on the BinaxNow test for international trips.

These tests are available for purchase from two retailers: eMed offers a pack of six tests for $150, plus $21 for standard FedEx overnight shipping. Orders placed by 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday can be delivered the next business day.

Optum also offers the BinaxNow test, pricing it at $70 for two tests or $100 for three tests. A single test is available for $50, but it is currently out of stock online.

When purchasing through Optum, you can choose standard shipping for $5.99, which takes four to seven business days, or expedited shipping for $9.99, which delivers within two to four business days.

Both shipping options include the test kit and a virtual session with an eMed-certified guide to assist you with the test administration, followed by result verification through a third party.

After completing the test, you'll receive an email with a report from an eMed lab detailing your results. You can then show this report to the airline either as a printed copy or directly from your phone.

The tests are available for anyone aged 2 and older, but children aged 14 and under must be supervised by an adult during the testing process.

To start, find a location with a stable Wi-Fi connection, visit eMed.com/app/start-testing, and click on "I want to start testing" to begin a virtual consultation. A guide will then help you through the test and demonstrate how to collect your sample.

Make sure to download the Abbott Navica app, where you can access your test results in as little as 15 minutes.

There are a few important things to remember about the BinaxNow at-home tests. While all Abbott tests have been extended for a full year of use, the expiration dates on tests distributed before the extension might be inaccurate. Look for a note in your kit that explains how to calculate the updated expiration date.

Abbott also offers the BinaxNow COVID-19 self-test, available at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, but keep in mind that these tests are not approved for travel purposes.

BinaxNow tests must be stored at or below room temperature, so be cautious if you're traveling to a hot climate.

Ellume COVID-19 Home Test Kit

Another option for travel is Ellume's COVID-19 home test, which is available on websites like Target, Walmart, and Kroger.

After purchasing the test, you'll need to pay $20 for a video observation through Azova, which is required to take the proctored test—similar to the BinaxNow process.

If your family is testing together, everyone can join the video call at the same time, but each person must schedule their own appointment.

During your scheduled video call, a proctor will guide you through the test, and your results will be available in 15 minutes or less via text and email. You can also access the results directly through the Azova app, either as a QR code, Credential ID, or PDF document.

In 2021, Ellume voluntarily recalled over 2 million tests due to "higher-than-acceptable false-positive results" that mistakenly indicated a user was infected with the coronavirus. However, the company reassured consumers that the issue was "limited."

That said, it's important to double-check any Ellume test before buying it to ensure it isn't from the recalled batch.

You can read our detailed guide on how to use Ellume tests here.

Qured Video-Supervised Rapid Test

Another option for travelers returning to the U.S. is Qured's video-supervised rapid antigen test, which delivers results within two hours.

You can purchase a Qured test online for $35, and you'll receive an email with a link to activate your kit and schedule your video consultation with a supervisor.

With free shipping, your test will arrive within two to five business days. If you order before 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, the test will be shipped the next day. You can also pay $14 to receive your test within two to three business days.

Additional Options

Although iHealth rapid tests from the U.S. government aren't directly accepted for travel, you can purchase a telehealth proctoring service from iHealth for $24.99, which makes the test eligible for travel use.

Several other at-home tests are approved for travel when virtually supervised through Azova, including:

• The Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test: Includes the test kit and video observation services for $89. Alternatively, you can purchase it directly from CVS for $9.99 and have it virtually administered via Azova for an additional $20.
• The On/Go COVID-19 At-Home Antigen Self-Test: Includes the test kit and video observation for $55.
• The Azova At-Home RT-PCR Test: Includes the test kit and video observation services for $114.99 for a nasal swab test or $118.99 for a saliva test.
• The Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit with Video Observation: Test kit and video observation services cost $89.

Azova also offers standalone proctoring services for the above tests at a cost of $20.

You can also purchase the InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test at Walgreens for $24 or Walmart for $20. The same pricing applies to the Quidel QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, available at retailers like Amazon for $24. Both tests can be proctored through Azova.

Conclusion

Order your test kit well in advance of your departure from the U.S. to account for shipping times and any potential delays that might impact availability.

Be sure to pack your test kit for the trip, ideally in your carry-on luggage, to avoid any issues if your checked baggage is lost.

Remember to double-check the expiration dates and age restrictions to ensure the test remains valid for your travel.

Several airlines have teamed up with testing providers to offer discounted at-home tests. For instance, American Airlines passengers can use the promo code AATRAVEL10 to save on Qured tests.

Several airlines, including AA and Alaska Airlines, now offer third-party apps like VeriFly, which allow passengers to upload their negative test results before traveling. Other airlines, such as United Airlines, will require travelers to upload their test results through the airline's own app during the check-in process.

As of late May, the Biden administration has maintained its policy that all incoming travelers to the U.S. must provide a negative predeparture test result in order to enter the country.