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Pre entry Covid testing

Posted By: Mthomas

Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 01:46 AM

Can anyone confirm that an observed(proctored) binax now test would be valid for entry into the BVI? It seems to be good for USVI in both directions, but BVI is unclear. Just got pcr test, but results are not guaranteed by the time I need to travel. Exploring options.
Posted By: jagmansr

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 02:00 AM

Myself and my crew used the BinaxNow Hone test with NAVICA app to leave from Ohio, to St Thomas and ferry to BVI and than a second test to renter St Thomas from the BVI. We did this a week and a half ago. Only way I’ll do it now.
Posted By: Mthomas

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 02:20 AM

Thanks. I could not seem to find that info for entry into BVI.
Posted By: ecm56

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 01:32 PM

I have asked several times. One of the ladies that works the BVI portal told me less than two weeks ago that the self-administered tests are not allowed - even those with on-line video supervision. I specifically asked her about the eMed/Binax tests. Obviously, each person can make their own choices and take their own risks with their trip.
Posted By: jagmansr

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 01:39 PM

The experience my crew of five had last week was they DO accept eMed/Binax tests. Both the BVI and USVI. Two of us came in on Monday, 10/25 and the other 3 came in on the 27th. Had no problems at all.
Posted By: ndfaninnc

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 01:41 PM

We are arriving this Friday. We both have done the eMed/Binax tests based on advice from this forum. Not at all worried.
Posted By: caribbeangirl13

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 05:13 PM

I just wish that they would make a statement about this on their website or somewhere. Eric has asked Henrietta Alexander (point blank) if they were allowed and she explicitly said, "no!" I have asked the same question to Lynette Harrigan with a bunch of buts...it's proctored, it's a CLIA lab, etc. and she still said they are not allowed. I also emailed the BVIAA Welcome Center and they too say they aren't allowed, but then people use them and have no problem. It just makes it so confusing. I guess maybe I should reframe my question to be, "Would someone be denied entry if they came with the Binax Now test results?"
Posted By: xrayman67

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 05:20 PM

We simply made an appointment for a drive thru test at CVS. Easy, do it yourself PCR test in your car and FREE. Results emailed quickly.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by caribbeangirl13
I just wish that they would make a statement about this on their website or somewhere. Eric has asked Henrietta Alexander (point blank) if they were allowed and she explicitly said, "no!" I have asked the same question to Lynette Harrigan with a bunch of buts...it's proctored, it's a CLIA lab, etc. and she still said they are not allowed. I also emailed the BVIAA Welcome Center and they too say they aren't allowed, but then people use them and have no problem. It just makes it so confusing. I guess maybe I should reframe my question to be, "Would someone be denied entry if they came with the Binax Now test results?"

They have made a statement and have answered you thru several means. If anyone needs an absolute answer, then it's no. If you're willing to take some risk for the convenience of not going to CVS then the answer is maybe.

This is very similar to the connection time in SJU question. The level of risk I'm willing to assume is higher than some travelers. I have all the travel aids (global entry, TSA pre-check, top tier frequent flyer status, etc) in place to make it as smooth and fast as possible but it could still go wrong if I book a 60 minute connection. Other people are only comfortable if they have 3 hours.

I'd suggest getting a test at CVS (also not approved) if you are at all risk adverse so you don't have to worry about it.
Posted By: xrayman67

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by JasonHelmbrecht
Originally Posted by caribbeangirl13
I just wish that they would make a statement about this on their website or somewhere. Eric has asked Henrietta Alexander (point blank) if they were allowed and she explicitly said, "no!" I have asked the same question to Lynette Harrigan with a bunch of buts...it's proctored, it's a CLIA lab, etc. and she still said they are not allowed. I also emailed the BVIAA Welcome Center and they too say they aren't allowed, but then people use them and have no problem. It just makes it so confusing. I guess maybe I should reframe my question to be, "Would someone be denied entry if they came with the Binax Now test results?"

They have made a statement and have answered you thru several means. If anyone needs an absolute answer, then it's no. If you're willing to take some risk for the convenience of not going to CVS then the answer is maybe.

This is very similar to the connection time in SJU question. The level of risk I'm willing to assume is higher than some travelers. I have all the travel aids (global entry, TSA pre-check, top tier frequent flyer status, etc) in place to make it as smooth and fast as possible but it could still go wrong if I book a 60 minute connection. Other people are only comfortable if they have 3 hours.

I'd suggest getting a test at CVS (also not approved) if you are at all risk adverse so you don't have to worry about it.

Jason, we took a Helix RNA, QL NAAT, RT/PCR test at CVS. I couldn't find a list of approved RT/PCR tests. The portal says RT/PCR or approved Rapid test.
Posted By: cwoody

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by jagmansr
The experience my crew of five had last week was they .


How does this work when you do the Binax testing as a group?

Login on one computer ( or phone) and connect to the visit eMed.com/app/start-testing and the eMed Certified Guide and pass the phone around?
or Do you each need to login separately?
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 07:41 PM

you start a new session for each person.
Posted By: cwoody

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 08:01 PM

Thanks Jason
Posted By: bailau

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/09/2021 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by ndfaninnc
We are arriving this Friday. We both have done the eMed/Binax tests based on advice from this forum. Not at all worried.


Have fun and let us know how the tests go...
Posted By: ndfaninnc

Re: Pre entry Covid testing - 11/10/2021 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by bailau
Originally Posted by ndfaninnc
We are arriving this Friday. We both have done the eMed/Binax tests based on advice from this forum. Not at all worried.


Have fun and let us know how the tests go...


Thanks Rob. Wheels up in 2 days, 0 hours and 25 minutes. Yeah, a bit excited. Two years is way too long of a gap. So ready to see everyone.
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