Transit through the US from Canada to Asia

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Dec 19th, 2021 2:49 pm

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Dec 17th, 2021 11:50 pm

rsawhney [OP]: Newbie; Nov 15, 2012; 7 posts

Dec 17th, 2021 11:50 pm

Transit through the US from Canada to Asia

I am travelling to Thailand with a connection in the US. Thailand requires a PCR test within 72hours of the first departure (i.e., from Toronto). The US now has a new rule where they require a negative COVID test within 1 day of departure from Toronto. The same day PCR tests are exorbitantly priced, so I was wondering if i did a PCR test from MedioneRX for $85 (with a 24hr turnaround time) and then do a Rapid Antigen Test from Costco ($16.99) within the 24hours of flying out of Toronto to the US.

Any idea if the US will accept the Antigen Test for transit and then I could use my PCR test for transit through Japan and entry into Thailand? Or would it have to be one of this rip-off same day PCR tests that I'll need to get around this situation?

Has anyone been through this situation?

5 replies

Dec 17th, 2021 11:55 pm

thriftshopper: Deal Fanatic; Jul 7, 2017; 9714 posts; 5110 upvotes; SW corner of the cou…

Dec 17th, 2021 11:55 pm

U.S. has no transit. Your transit into the U.S. is treated as a normal entry into the U.S. Pay up or stay home.

I smile when I see container ships sailing past my house laden with stuff made in China

Dec 18th, 2021 9:13 am

dr_torch: Deal Addict; Mar 3, 2009; 1894 posts; 1176 upvotes; Ottawa, ON

Dec 18th, 2021 9:13 am

thriftshopper wrote: ↑ U.S. has no transit. Your transit into the U.S. is treated as a normal entry into the U.S. Pay up or stay home.

Geez ... People are so friendly these days.

You are correct that the United States has no transit. Once you get through pre clearance you are in the United States.

They do, however, accept a rapid antigen test. So the OPs plan is ok as far as I see it.

+2

Dec 18th, 2021 10:11 am

goldenball: Deal Addict; Jan 30, 2013; 1368 posts; 397 upvotes; RICHMOND HILL

Dec 18th, 2021 10:11 am

depending on how much your time is worth
could do one test for all: MedioneRX rapid pcr 6-9 hours $120+tax or the FH Health pcr(1 hour result) or VectorHealth pcr(2 hour) $350+tax.

Dec 19th, 2021 2:18 pm

wirespeed: Sr. Member; Aug 12, 2014; 624 posts; 470 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Dec 19th, 2021 2:18 pm

rsawhney wrote: ↑ I am travelling to Thailand with a connection in the US. Thailand requires a PCR test within 72hours of the first departure (i.e., from Toronto). The US now has a new rule where they require a negative COVID test within 1 day of departure from Toronto. The same day PCR tests are exorbitantly priced, so I was wondering if i did a PCR test from MedioneRX for $85 (with a 24hr turnaround time) and then do a Rapid Antigen Test from Costco ($16.99) within the 24hours of flying out of Toronto to the US.

Any idea if the US will accept the Antigen Test for transit and then I could use my PCR test for transit through Japan and entry into Thailand? Or would it have to be one of this rip-off same day PCR tests that I'll need to get around this situation?

Has anyone been through this situation?

if i read things right, going to the US, the testing requirement is not about 24 hrs but rather done on the previous day. if that is the case, your medioneRX may satisfy both US and thailand requirement.

Dec 19th, 2021 2:49 pm

uber_shnitz: Deal Guru; Nov 6, 2010; 10006 posts; 1947 upvotes; Montreal, QC

Dec 19th, 2021 2:49 pm

The US entry test can be antigen so that should help your costs and it should be able to return in time.
Wirespeed is also correct, the requirement is a day before not 24h so you have a bit of leeway timing wise depending on your flight times.

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