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Is a Rapid Antigen COVID test acceptable for flights with Qatar and entry to the USA?

COVID-19 Testing Travel Requirements Qatar Airways USA Travel Regulations Thailand Health Guidelines Pattaya Hospitals

Terary **********

Terary **********

OP

asked Dec 31, 2021

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Qatar and CDC-USA both say I need to show a negative COVID test 1 day before flying. 

Looking at Bangkok Hospitals website, they offer two tests.

A) RT-PCR, 3500THB, results 24 hours

B) Rapid Antigen, 700THB Results 2 hours

Obviously, I want to go with the Rapid Antigen.  Does anybody know if that is acceptable for Qatar? For USA?

Is Bankgok Hospital the best place to go? I am in Pattaya

UPDATE:

Airline asked to see my test.  U.S. government never asked to see them.  In my case I used PCR. 

Bangkok hospital was not able to accommodate due to over booking.  I went to Naklua Hospital, same day results but they were in Thai, which is fine for the Airline.

Answer summary

Travelers flying with Qatar Airways to the USA are inquiring about the acceptability of a Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test instead of an RT-PCR test. The inquiry is motivated by differing requirements from Qatar and US regulations. Commenters confirm that the Antigen test is acceptable according to US guidelines and share personal experiences, highlighting the ease of obtaining rapid results. The original poster faced challenges with overbooking at Bangkok Hospital and eventually obtained their test at Naklua Hospital.

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Joe *********

Joe *********

I'm confused, traveling on Qatar from the us to Phuket, I looked at the Qatar web site and it said 72 hours before boarding.. Is that right?

0

Terary **********

Terary **********

OP

I *thin* Qatar's requirements are set by the destination country. In my case USA. US's requirements is 1 day (not 24 hours). Probably the requirement you are reading is set by Thailand. Thailand's requirements are ever changing and Qatar may not update their site as often as Thailand is updating the requirements.

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Brandon ************

Brandon ************

Yes antigen is fine. It's what I used and USA specifically says it's okay. It's also much easier to get same day results with antigen compared to PCR.

1

Baron *********

Baron *********

Qatar follows the requirements by the country you are entering. I did Antigen (rapid) test to come to the UK according to the UK requirements and on returning to Thailand I have to do RT-PCR according to the Thai government rules. I'm on Qatar also

2

Mark ********

Mark ********

@Baron ********

so to come back uk lateral flow test is ok

1

Baron *********

Baron *********

I did the Antigen test which I think that's lateral flow. I did mine at hospital called Samitivej Srinakarin. Took 2 hrs and cost I think 500 for the test and the Dr fee to sign it off for the certificate 800 bht.

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Also saw that can be done at airport level 1 exit 3 in 15 mins with certificate but I can't confirm if that's up and running personally.

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Baron *********

Baron *********

I was with Qatar and they just follow arriving countries requirements at this time if only transit. So according to the UK regulations in the link above, it's still Antigen (ATK) with certification to show at check in. Arriving to UK there are no checks.

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Mark ********

Mark ********

@Baron ********

I'm with qatar

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Baron *********

Baron *********

I think I saw someone mention Ethiad need PCR though. Check with the airline if they have any rules. I was on Qatar and was fine with Antigen.

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Mark ********

Mark ********

@Baron ********

thanks

0

Baron *********

Baron *********

I thought I read something about US stopping doing PCR tests altogether from the 1st Jan??

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Terary **********

Terary **********

OP

US. Doesn't specify so I am guess I will be ok with Antigen

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Braulio *********

Braulio *********

@Terary *********

The US CDC does specifies the Antigen test is acceptable.

0

Osama ************

Osama ************

@Terary *********

need to get a COVID-19 viral test. Not sure if this includes antigen

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Terary **********

Terary **********

OP

Thank you Sir.

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