DOCUMENTATION OF RECOVERY FROM COVID-19
Travelling to the United States with a positive COVID test
Additional information
Travelling to the United States with a positive COVID test
Additional information
COVID tests can stay positive well after recovery from COVID
The PCR test stays positive for weeks or even months after infection. On average, the duration is about 1 month but can be as long as several months. In some cases the result comes back "inconclusive". The longer you wait, the more likely your repeat test will be negative.
The rapid antigen test reverts to negative more quickly, apparently averaging about 1 week.
Is it possible to travel to the US with a positive COVID test?
Yes. The US will allow entry with a positive COVID test plus a clearance letter from a doctor, called a Documentation of Recovery. The positive test must be no older than 90 days at the time of travel.
We can provide the Documentation of Recovery if at least 10 days have passed since the date of the positive test. The nurse will interview you by video or phone.
Here are a number of tips to help you decide if you should book with us.
What does our Documentation of Recovery Letter look like?
The Documentation of Recovery Letter is printed on our clinic letterhead which includes our clinic name, address and phone number. The letter is dated and is signed by the clinic physician. It includes your name and date of birth and states that you have completed the isolation period for COVID-19 and have medical clearance to travel.
What does the US require on the Letter of Recovery?
As of March 27, 2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control:
SIGNED LETTER: Must also have a signed letter stating the passenger is cleared for travel. • From a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official • Must be signed and on official letterhead that shows the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official • Does not need to specify travel—a letter that clears the person to end isolation (e.g., to return to work or school) can be used
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Airline_Checklist_Amended_for_Vaccine_Order_110621_for_posting_UPDATE.pdf
What does your positive test result have to include for travel to the US?
See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html#anchor_1635127081
The PCR test stays positive for weeks or even months after infection. On average, the duration is about 1 month but can be as long as several months. In some cases the result comes back "inconclusive". The longer you wait, the more likely your repeat test will be negative.
The rapid antigen test reverts to negative more quickly, apparently averaging about 1 week.
Is it possible to travel to the US with a positive COVID test?
Yes. The US will allow entry with a positive COVID test plus a clearance letter from a doctor, called a Documentation of Recovery. The positive test must be no older than 90 days at the time of travel.
We can provide the Documentation of Recovery if at least 10 days have passed since the date of the positive test. The nurse will interview you by video or phone.
Here are a number of tips to help you decide if you should book with us.
- At this time (April 6/22), Canada does not require a letter to re-enter this country, but your positive report must be at least 11 days old.
- At this time (April 6/22) the US will accept several kinds of COVID-19 tests including PCR and rapid antigen tests. A Documentation of Recovery letter is also required.
- Please note that we are no longer offering COVID-19 testing. You can try Specialty Rx Pharmacy at 1919 Riverside Drive, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy on Canotek Road, Whole Health Pharmacy on Bank Street in the Glebe, Clinique Medicale Lacroix in Gatineau.
- Is it necessary to get another COVID test if you have a positive one that is less than 90 days old? Only if you are hoping for a negative result this time. You can use your original positive report plus the Documentation of Recovery letter to enter the US.
What does our Documentation of Recovery Letter look like?
The Documentation of Recovery Letter is printed on our clinic letterhead which includes our clinic name, address and phone number. The letter is dated and is signed by the clinic physician. It includes your name and date of birth and states that you have completed the isolation period for COVID-19 and have medical clearance to travel.
What does the US require on the Letter of Recovery?
As of March 27, 2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control:
SIGNED LETTER: Must also have a signed letter stating the passenger is cleared for travel. • From a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official • Must be signed and on official letterhead that shows the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official • Does not need to specify travel—a letter that clears the person to end isolation (e.g., to return to work or school) can be used
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Airline_Checklist_Amended_for_Vaccine_Order_110621_for_posting_UPDATE.pdf
What does your positive test result have to include for travel to the US?
See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html#anchor_1635127081
Contact us at 613-733-5553 or even better by email.