undergo a minimum of 10 tests between them to comply with US and UK law, plus two more recommended for the adults. The total cost could run into hundreds of pounds.
A test before departure for the US is mandatory even for fully vaccinated visitors.
A rapid antigen/lateral flow test is acceptable, but the only self-administered tests that are recognised by the American authorities are those conducted by video with US-approved providers. Most travellers will therefore need to take a professionally conducted test before departure.
After arrival, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the American health regulator – insists unvaccinated children aged two to 17 to take a Covid-19 test between three and five days after arrival.
In addition, even fully vaccinated visitors are recommended – but not required – to take the same test.
The “day 3-5” test can be antigen/lateral flow, but a survey conducted by The Independent reveals high prices for such tests at specialist travel clinics in the US.
At Orlando International Airport, a rapid antigen test with AdventHealth costs $65 (£47) – well above comparable prices at UK airports. Downtown Medical in San Francisco charges $75 (£54) for the same service, while the price at the Washington Travel Clinic in the American capital is $100 (£73). Denver airport XpresCheck only does PCR tests, starting at $75 (£54) with results in “a few days”.
British travellers are likely to see widespread advertisements for free Covid-19 tests at drugstores and testing centres. But they are usually provided by the authorities exclusively for local residents or are funded by the individual’s healthcare provider.
The cost will not be covered by a visitor’s travel insurance.
Fortunately, unlike the pre-departure test there is no obligation for the day 3-5 test to be medically supervised. Travellers cannot use free NHS lateral flow tests for international journeys. The traveller could therefore buy lateral flow tests, for example from the giant pharmacy firms, Walgreens and CVS Health.
