Understanding Covid rule for my flight

[CrowsFeet]

I'm sure this has been asked, but struggling to find it. I'm seeking help with understanding the hoops I need to jump through to have a successful trip, with regards to Covid regulations. If anyone can assist, that would remove so much stress. My flight is only late April, so I think things may change between now and then, but worst case - they don't.

My route is:

Brisbane->Sydney->Dallas->Miami

Stay there for 6 days (Business)

Miami->New York

Stay there for 3 days (Pleasure)

New York->Heathrow->Lisbon

Stay there for 10 days

Lisbon->Dubai->Sydney->Brisbane

So there are 4 trips there. I'm fully vaccinated (In as far as the current definition goes... i.e. my two shots of the juice)

Before my Brisbane trip, can I just go buy a RAT test at Chemist Warehouse? (The saliva one, I hate the nose stuff), do it on the day and take it with me? Or is there a lot more to this?

Miami to New York, I'm not sure I need anything, but our work has RAT tests available at the hotel. Not sure what that means.

Then New York to Lisbon, another RAT?

And finally, Ls=isbon, back home. A final RAT?

I saw something on the QF site which showed some form, proving a negative test, so now wondering if it's way more involved. I also saw fees of $150/test! So, any guidance. I know - it may be out dates in a few days, but .. hopefully it gets easier.

 

[FishFood]

If you already know about it then it's a moot point, but Sherpa is a good place to start with checking restrictions and travel processes

Sherpa – Move Freely

 

[Katie]

There is a lot more to this.

For entry into the US, you will need to have a certified RAT test (or other form of certified, recognised test). Your own RAT test is not sufficient.
These are the requirements for entry into the USA: COVID-19 and Your Health
This has been the US requirement for the past almost two months. It may change, it may not.

You must obtain this test no more than one day before departure. So, you can get the test in BNE the day before flying BNE-SYD-DFW, as long as you will have the certified results in time. A text message from QML/SNP will not suffice.
I'm flying to the US in May, BNE-SYD-DFW, and currently planning on going to Histopath at BNE international terminal the day before departure to get my certified RAT, as long as these rules are still current.

Accepted vaccines according to the US CDC are on this page:

COVID-19 and Travel

CDC travel recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

www.cdc.gov

Different countries may have different definitions of "fully vaccinated".

I can't comment on the UK or Portugal.

Entry into Australia requires a certified test no more than 24hrs before scheduled departure.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/coronavirus/international-travel/australia-flights.html

 

[CrowsFeet]

If you already know about it then it's a moot point, but Sherpa is a good place to start with checking restrictions and travel processes

Sherpa – Move Freely

That's a handy site. Unable to build my whole flight (Seems to only support one connection).

What worries me is this:
`Travelers may use a self-testing (sometimes referred to as a home test) procedure that must include a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. The test must meet the requirements of the CDC. For more details, please see the source.`

I'll need to find out how to do that here in Australia, but maybe also in NY before my trip to Lisbon? And then again, find a way to do it in Lisbon before my trip back to Brisbane? Is that the thing that costs $150?

 

[Katie]

That's a handy site. Unable to build my whole flight (Seems to only support one connection).

What worries me is this:
`Travelers may use a self-testing (sometimes referred to as a home test) procedure that must include a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. The test must meet the requirements of the CDC. For more details, please see the source.`

I'll need to find out how to do that here in Australia, but maybe also in NY before my trip to Lisbon? And then again, find a way to do it in Lisbon before my trip back to Brisbane? Is that the thing that costs $150?

It seems you could look at this site on a flight-by-flight basis (I wouldn't bother with BNE-SYD or DFW-MIA or any domestic legs)

You will likely have to do some kind of certified test before departing for the US, departing for Portugal, and departing to return to Australia. Each country has different definitions of what's acceptable and what's available.

So far, I've only heard of this telehealth option being available in the US. It may be available elsewhere, but I haven't heard of it in Australia yet. There may also be testing centres at MIA and New York airports. I'm currently planning to get a supervised test at Chicago O'Hare airport for my return to Australia, as Australia requires a negative test within the 24hrs before scheduled flight departure time. There's a testing centre set up at the airport, as there are with Histopath here in BNE, SYD and MEL international airports.

 

[CrowsFeet]

Thanks so much, @Katie

It's really, really tricky, to mine yourself through all this. My biggest worry: Getting to the airport, and them asking for the N123/99 form (Number, made up) that I was simply unaware of - and therefore, forfeit my flight and lose my money.

It does sound like you're pretty well prepared and educated. Nice. I haven't traveled since Jan 2020, just as it all fell apart. It was a lot simpler.

For Australian departure, I'll make use of this one (You may have mentioned it?)
Airport | Histopath Diagnostic Specialists

That, I hope, will cover me for the AUS->US part, including Miami to NY. I'm hoping domestic doesn't have too many problems.

And then investigate this for the US-Portugal trip:
iHealth Verified COVID Test Service – iHealth Labs Inc

Looks like you do it over a webcam? Which seems great. Just not sure how to get the test delivered to me.

Portugal to Brisbane: No idea... Not even sure what to google.

 

[Katie]

Thanks so much, @Katie

It's really, really tricky, to mine yourself through all this. My biggest worry: Getting to the airport, and them asking for the N123/99 form (Number, made up) that I was simply unaware of - and therefore, forfeit my flight and lose my money.

It does sound like you're pretty well prepared and educated. Nice. I haven't traveled since Jan 2020, just as it all fell apart. It was a lot simpler.

For Australian departure, I'll make use of this one (You may have mentioned it?)
Airport | Histopath Diagnostic Specialists

That, I hope, will cover me for the AUS->US part, including Miami to NY. I'm hoping domestic doesn't have too many problems.

And then investigate this for the US-Portugal trip:
iHealth Verified COVID Test Service – iHealth Labs Inc

Looks like you do it over a webcam? Which seems great. Just not sure how to get the test delivered to me.

Portugal to Brisbane: No idea... Not even sure what to google.

You're welcome. Nothing like my first work-related trip since 2019 to have me over-analysing and researching everything! Because of the testing, and then hearing about the buses maybe not running, I have a four hour time between arriving in SYD dom and QF7 departing! I hope I don't need it!

Yup, I'm planning on using Histopath at BNE International airport. I'm going to pop out the day before my trip to get the test, as entry into the US is more lenient than return to Oz, time wise (in that it's one day before planned departure, not 24hrs). There may be other, cheaper options (Chemist Warehouse are promoting supervised RATs for international travel, but I'm not sure if that's up and running at all / major locations yet).

I don't believe there's any domestic travel testing requirements in the US currently. There's various local mask mandates, and proof of vax, and some events/locations may require proof of testing, but not at the same certified levels for crossing international borders. In general, they haven't had the level of local, state-based restrictions we've had.

That iHealth link looks like it's for entry into the US, not departure from the US. They may have other services? There are definitely Telehealth options for departing the US for overseas. My googling led me to the testing service at ORD, which I decided was best for my situation at this stage.

Good luck with the Lisbon-BNE googling!

 

[Katie]

Some quick googling for departing portugal covid testing came up with these links:

Portugal

Australian Government travel advice for Portugal. Learn more about local safety, laws and health risks.

www.smartraveller.gov.au

https://www.emirates.com/au/english/help/covid-19/travel-requirements-by-destination/ (says no Covid test required if you have a recognised vaccine, so I could be wrong about needing a test to enter Portugal, you'll just have to check if a test is required to leave the US)

COVID-19 | Measures implemented in Portugal | www.visitportugal.com

Measures Implemented in Portugal[Updated on 27 april] To enter in Portugal (including Azores and Madeira), it is no longer required a proof of a negative COVID test or to present a COVID-EU digital certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries, accepted or...

www.visitportugal.com

COVID-19 | Corporate

www.ana.pt

Scheduling a test in Portugal before departing: Travelcheck-in ( has a handy EN toggle to read in English)

 

[henrus]

For Australian departure, I'll make use of this one (You may have mentioned it?)

Also worth noting that most Chemist wearhouses are now doing RAT tests for travel. These cost $29 and apparently come with a 2nd free test to take with you.

 

[FishFood]

Also worth noting that most Chemist wearhouses are now doing RAT tests for travel. These cost $29 and apparently come with a 2nd free test to take with you.

Do you know which states that is available in?

 

[henrus]

Do you know which states that is available in?

I heard it on the radio in Brisbane so I'd assume most stores in Brisbane have it.

Based on this post I assume NSW as well.

Where to get a pre-flight COVID-19 test?

Also if I'm getting my RT-PCR test done in advance, should getting to the airport 3 hours before my flight be fine or would 4-5 hours earlier be better? Arriving the standard three hours (or potentially even a little less) would be more than sufficient. Just make sure you have all your...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

I guess just call your local store and ask.