Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us COVID Tests and International Travel | Travel
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COVID Tests and International Travel

Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:08 pm
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:08 pm
I’m traveling to Honduras Saturday via Delta from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula. Delta says the travel requirement for Honduras is a RT-PCR, Antigen, or Antibodies rapid test taken within 72 hours of plane departure.

I scheduled a test at Walgreens today for a rapid test. Walgreens’ description of the test is:
“Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW): The Rapid Point-of-Care (POC) - NAAT (ID NOW) test also detects genetic material of the virus. The test is performed on site with results available within 24 hours.”

I asked Walgreens if my rapid test was a PCR test and they said yes, but they sounded mildly unsure/shaky. I tried calling Delta and there was a 6 hour wait to talk to someone.

Does anyone know if this will be an accepted test?
Posted by Buck Dancer
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2008
4845 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:16 pm to
I'd see if there is a Facebook page for Honduras travel and ask the question there.

I go to St John USVI a bunch and had the same question and got more quick answers from real peoples experiences on the FB St John travel page then i would have been able to get with the airline after waiting on hold for hours.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40679 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:22 pm to
Rapid tests are generally antigen tests. These take 15 minutes or so for results.

A PCR test can be done "rapidly" but that's usually because you're taking the test directly with the lab, as opposed to having it sent off for analysis. Rapid in this case is 4 hours or so. Usually takes 24-72 hours to get results if test has to be sent off for analysis.
This post was edited on 5/13/21 at 12:24 pm
Posted by Lsut81
Member since Jun 2005
84200 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:24 pm to
TPG posted something yesterday about a self test that is accepted by the US Government.

I’m too lazy to look it up
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40679 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:26 pm to
quote:

TPG posted something yesterday about a self test that is accepted by the US Government.

I’m too lazy to look it up




Yes, you can now self-test to return to US. However, the test must be done under the supervision of a provider "related to the manufacturer" of the test, whatever the frick that means. This would be done via telehealth.

I think it will be easier to hit the forums of the country you're going to to find locations and get tested there. Most tourist countries have or are building out testing infrastructure for this purpose.

It is incredibly dumb that vaccinated Americans have to test to come home.
This post was edited on 5/13/21 at 12:27 pm
Posted by deltafarmer
Member since Dec 2019
932 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:35 pm to
It looks like the rapid test will work. I just returned from Turks and Caicos and they wouldn't accept a rapid test. Here are the travel requirements to Honduras. You also have to fill out a form that you have to email to Honduras to be approved to travel there. You need to get on it quickly.

LINK
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:39 pm to
Thanks, I’m on it. They don’t let you fill it out until 48 hours before travel.

I saw the requirements for honduras. PCR, antigen or antibodies test. I just didn’t know which one the IDNOW Walgreens test I’m taking is. It has to fall in one of those categories right?
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:46 pm to
quote:


It is incredibly dumb that vaccinated Americans have to test to come home.


Yeah man, there’s really no good excuse for that BS
Posted by deltafarmer
Member since Dec 2019
932 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:47 pm to
Yes it does have to be in one of those categories but in the end they want you to come so they may be fine with whatever you do. I would get the Walgreen's test and send it in with your pre travel application. If they accept it then you don't have a problem.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40679 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:48 pm to
Hey, so I looked up ID NOW, it is a NAAT test.

It appears to be a molecular test like the PCR test but with fast results like the antigen tests. So basically best of both worlds. If Honduras accepts NAAT or the test accuracy (from above link) then you should be OK.

quote:

Abbott ID NOW is a 15 minute turn around time test. With a comparable speed, antigen tests have demonstrated sensitivity of only 80%. The ID NOW molecular NAAT test gives results in the same time frame, but with a sensitivity score of 95% and specificity of 97.9%!


I do recommend checking TripAdvisor (or other major site) forums for assistance. Usually lots of folks there in both countries who have done the process.
This post was edited on 5/13/21 at 12:55 pm
Posted by GOP_Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
20863 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:11 pm to
Pretty sure that will work. I haven't been to San Pedro Sula since 1999 -- what brings you there?
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:21 pm to
quote:

Abbott ID NOW is a 15 minute turn around time test. With a comparable speed, antigen tests have demonstrated sensitivity of only 80%. The ID NOW molecular NAAT test gives results in the same time frame, but with a sensitivity score of 95% and specificity of 97.9%!


I know, it's like, just when I think I'm in clear (from the Anthony's Key site above):

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in real-time.
2. Rapid test with a minimum Specificity of 85%, Sensitivity of 98%, or Antigen Test.

Hopefully they mean either/or and not both?

I agree they probably want people to go. I also have the J & J vax card.
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:23 pm to
quote:

retty sure that will work. I haven't been to San Pedro Sula since 1999 -- what brings you there?



Heading to Utila to take diving lessons and then meeting with my Honduran buddy in Roatan for a few days. I've been to Tegus but not SAP-I know it's been a while but anything worth seeing there?
Posted by GOP_Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
20863 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:27 pm to
In 1999, the only thing worth spending any time on was the National Anthropology museum. I was amused by the story of the Confederates who settled in Honduras after the Civil War and tried to set up a slaveowning society. But, overall, San Pedro Sula wasn't an attractive place.

I also went to Utila that year. It was just an awesome place -- totally unspoiled and free from the overcommercialization that's afflicted the rest of the Caribbean.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40679 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:36 pm to
quote:

Specificity of 85%, Sensitivity of 98%


These metrics are separate and important. Does look like a close call on IDNOW. I suggest checking forums for answers.

In American English I would read those requirements as separate and that both don't have to be true. This is when local knowledge and experience is useful.
This post was edited on 5/13/21 at 1:39 pm
Posted by TheIndulger
Member since Sep 2011
19358 posts
Posted on 5/13/21 at 8:29 pm to
quote:

I also went to Utila that year. It was just an awesome place -- totally unspoiled and free from the overcommercialization that's afflicted the rest of the Caribbean.


I'm excited. Looks like a solid place to learn to dive.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I checked the FB groups and some people have said they entered Honduras with the same test I took with no problems.
Posted by TheChiefHasArrived
Member since Dec 2011
728 posts
Posted on 5/14/21 at 12:58 pm to
That "red dot" Walgreens test worked for me in Turks & Caicos and works in Hawaii as well. 5 minutes in the drivethru, self swab, results in a couple of hours. Highly recommend.
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