With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all parts of the world and air travel increasing the chance of contracting COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just published new rules for travelers returning to the United States. In addition to the revised entry requirements for the United States, a number of foreign countries will also allow travelers to enter with proof that they’ve recovered from the coronavirus instead of a negative COVID-19 test result.
The most important change for international travelers to know about is that as of December 2, 2021, the CDC requires all passengers (ages 2 and up) returning to the US to present a negative COVID PCR or negative Antigen test which has been done within one day of travel or to show documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
What if I’ve recently been infected with COVID-19 and need to travel?
I you have recently been infected with COVID-19 and need to travel, fortunately, the CDC now allows recovered COVID-19 patients to enter the US under the following conditions:
- Satisfied the criteria for ending self-isolation
- Proof of recent COVID-19 infection – a positive COVID-19 PCR or a positive COVID-19 Antigen test result on a specimen collected not more than 90 days before the flight (Note – results from at-home tests (aka OTC or self-tests) will not be valid) AND
- A signed letter from a healthcare provider stating that you have been cleared to travel (Documentation of Recovery from COVID)
At the same time, some countries, including Canada and many EU Countries, will accept a recent Positive COVID-19 PCR test as proof of COVID-19 recovery.
Consider thoroughly reading your destination’s COVID-19 entry requirements (the US Department of State maintains a searchable list of countries with specific information on entry requirements), as well as what will be required of you when you return home.
What is a Document of Recovery?
The Document of Recovery from COVID (also known as the “Recovery Certificate”) is a document signed by a licensed healthcare provider that allows someone who has recently recovered from COVID-19 (but still has a positive COVID test) to enter the United States, Canada, or the European Union if they have self-isolated for an adequate period of time.
What is the Purpose of the COVID-19 Recovery Documentation?
Having the recovery documentation from COVID-19 will allow travelers to return or fly to their destination even if their COVID-19 test is positive.
One of the problems with recent COVID-19 infections is that a patient may continue to test positive for weeks or even months after the infection has cleared up from the body. A positive COVID-19 test in a patient who has recovered from COVID-19 and who no longer has any symptoms will most likely indicate that the test is detecting non-infectious virus fragments and the patient is no longer infectious.
However, because many countries across the globe now require a negative COVID-19 PCR or a negative antigen test for all returning travelers, anyone who has recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection and wishes to fly to the United States, Canada or the EU Countries might face difficulties with presenting a negative viral COVID-19 test.
What Information Must be included to Show Documentation of Recovery from COVID?
A traveler must meet 6 requirements to show Documentation of Recovery from COVID.
- Test type
The test type must be a viral test (ex: PCR or an Antigen Test) - Where the test was performed.
The name of the laboratory and their contact information or the name of the health care provider who performed the testing, must be included. - Timing
The test must show the specimen was collected within 90 days.
Tests that are older than 90 days will not qualify for proof of recovery. - Identification
The test must include information that identifies the person. A person’s name and at least one additional identifier such as date of birth, age or passport number must be included - Positive COVID-19 Test Result
The test result must be positive. Results marked “invalid” will not accepted. Phrases describing a positive test could include, but are not limited to, Positive, Positive-SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, COVID-19 Detected or Reactive. - Signed Letter
Must also have a signed letter stating the passenger is cleared for travel.The letter must be:
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- 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.
Where Can I Get the Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19?
Your primary care physician, an urgent care clinic, or one of the telemedicine-based healthcare providers offering proof-of-recovery services are all good options for obtaining the Document of Recovery.
Evivia offers a CDC-approved Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for travel as well as official letters of clearance from isolation to get back to work and or back to school. All letters are signed by a licensed medical provider and prepared on an official clinic’s letterhead stating our address, contact details and clinic’s license number.
