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Why I'm still traveling with COVID-19 tests

July 04, 2022
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4 min read
At home COVID test with a negative test result
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After two years, the COVID-19 testing requirement for travel to the U.S. has finally been dropped, which means there's one less hurdle for international travelers. However, if you're like me, you still have several unused eMed proctored tests. Is it time to stash them in the back of the closet?

That's not what I'm doing. Here's why:

There's still a risk of getting COVID-19

COVID-19 tests at a CVS
COVID-19 at-home tests for sale at a CVS in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Cudahy/The Points Guy)

One of the most obvious reasons I still travel with COVID-19 tests is because the pandemic is far from over. In the U.S., we're still averaging around 100,000 cases per day.

Travelers need to be prepared, which is why I'm thinking ahead. I certainly hope to never catch COVID-19 on a trip, but it could happen. Smart travelers need to be ready for that very real possibility. If I test positive, I will want to test myself regularly until I'm once again testing negative. Because of that, I need to carry at least three or four COVID-19 tests.

When I travel, I take at least one eMed proctored test and my NHS Trace & Test box, which was given to me for free during my last trip to London. The NHS box is portable, at about six inches long, and it includes about half a dozen tests.

Related: Updated: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings

Some countries still ask for negative COVID-19 test results

(Photo by Eric Rosen/The Points Guy)

As you know, each country has specific COVID-19 requirements. COVID-19 testing requirements still remain in place throughout the world, particularly for unvaccinated travelers. Even if you plan to travel to a country that doesn't have a COVID-19 testing requirement, your plans could change. With a proctored test on hand, you have additional flexibility to travel as you please.

You definitely don't want to find yourself in a situation where you can't board a plane because you don't have a negative COVID-19 test result on hand.

Related: 5 things I learned after testing positive for COVID-19 abroad

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The requirement could come back at any point

German tourists arrive in Malaga by cruise ship
(Photo by Francis Gonzalez/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most obvious reason to travel with a COVID-19 proctored test is that the testing requirement could come back at any time without significant advance notice — even though it might be unlikely. And there's a chance that if the testing requirement returns, there would be a shortage of COVID-19 proctored tests.

As a result, when my fellow U.S.-bound travelers scurry to get tested, I'll be ready to go.

Related: Do I need a COVID-19 test for my cruise? Your pre- and post-cruise testing questions answered

Bottom line

Masked customer in Delta Comfort+ uses laptop inflight during COVID
(Photo courtesy of Delta)

Just because COVID-19 testing is no longer required for travelers bound for the U.S., that doesn't mean you shouldn't pack a few COVID-19 tests. I wouldn't go out and buy new proctored tests today. However, if you still have some unused tests, there's no harm in throwing one into your backpack before you leave for the airport.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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