Tests Required For Travel: A Quick Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we travel. From implementing HEPA filters to blocking middle seats, airlines have introduced dozens of measures to enhance the cleanliness and safety of their planes. While most countries have eased or dropped testing requirements for entry, some countries won't allow unvaccinated travellers to enter at all, while others require proof of a negative COVID-19 test and/or quarantine. Here's what you need to know about testing before you travel.

What COVID tests are required for travel?

As of 2022, most countries have eased or dropped their testing requirements for entry. However, some countries will still require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination before allowing entry. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements of your destination country before travelling. Here is a list of things to consider:

Check Entry Requirements

Firstly, it is important to check the entry requirements of your destination country. Some countries may still require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. This information can usually be found on the website of the country's tourism board or official government resources. It is also worth checking if your country of origin has any specific requirements or recommendations for travelling abroad.

Get Tested Before Travel

If your destination country requires a negative COVID-19 test, make sure to get tested within the specified time frame and receive your results on time. There are many testing options available, including through your airline or at drug stores, urgent care facilities, and hospitals. Keep in mind any age requirements for testing and ensure that your destination country approves the type of test you are taking.

Vaccination Status

Check if your destination country requires proof of vaccination. If so, make sure your vaccinations are up to date and that you have the necessary documentation to provide proof.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers pandemic-related costs, such as trip cancellations or interruptions due to a positive COVID-19 test. Some credit cards may also offer travel insurance benefits, so it is worth checking if your card provides any coverage.

International Driving Permit

If you plan to rent a car while abroad, you may need to obtain an international driving permit. The process for obtaining one varies by country, but it usually involves submitting an application and passport photos.

Health Insurance

Familiarise yourself with your health insurance policy's coverage for international travel. Consider purchasing additional insurance, such as emergency evacuation insurance, if needed.

Luggage Restrictions

Check the luggage restrictions for your airline and destination country, especially regarding liquids and the size and weight of suitcases.

Other Considerations

• Notify your bank of your international travel to avoid any issues with your card.
• Obtain local currency for your destination country, if needed.
• Locate the nearest embassy or consulate of your country in the area you are travelling to.
• Download offline maps or directions if you anticipate limited cell service.
• Screenshot or make physical copies of important documents, such as passports, visas, and bookings.
• Research local transport options to and from the airport at your destination.

Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest travel news and guidelines, as requirements can change. Safe travels!

Where can I get a COVID test for travel?

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling, there are several options available to you. Firstly, if you have health insurance, you should contact your doctor or health plan to get tested. Doctors and health plans are responsible for providing free out-of-pocket COVID-19 testing to their patients. If you don't have health insurance, you can still access free COVID-19 testing at certain locations. In the US, the CDC's Testing Locator will help you find a site near you. In LA County, free testing is available for uninsured individuals at participating locations listed on ph.lacounty.gov/covidtests/how. Antigen testing kits are also widely available at county libraries, community-based organisations and other participating locations.

If you are travelling, many airlines have made it easier to find a test before your journey, as several destinations require proof of a negative result before arrival or before you board. You can also schedule a test outside of the options offered by your airline. Many drug stores, urgent care facilities and hospitals offer coronavirus testing, and it often comes free of charge.

When scheduling your COVID-19 test, keep the following in mind:

• Check age requirements. If you're travelling with children, they may be exempt from testing.
• Know when your results will arrive. Testing has a specific time frame for taking the test and receiving the results, so make sure yours will come back on time.
• Make sure your destination approves the test. There are several types of tests, including rapid antigen and PCR. Check that your test is accepted by your destination, otherwise, you may have to take another test or face a mandatory quarantine.
• Confirm travel restrictions. Some destinations still don't accept any international travellers without a formal quarantine. Ensure that proof of vaccination or negative test results is sufficient for entry into your destination.
• Schedule your appointment as early as possible. While testing options are more widely available than before, slots may still be limited, so book as soon as you've planned your travel.

When do you need to get a COVID test for travel?

As of 2022, most countries have eased or dropped testing requirements for entry. However, some countries won't allow unvaccinated travellers to enter at all, while others require proof of a negative COVID-19 test and/or quarantine. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements of your destination country before travelling.

If you are travelling to the United States, as of December 2021, all in-bound international travellers must show proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than one day before departure, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. This rule also applies to those with US layovers en route to other destinations. Alternatively, travellers can provide documentation showing they have recovered from COVID-19 and are cleared to travel by a doctor, including a positive test result from within the last 90 days.

If you are travelling domestically within the US, there is no requirement to take a COVID-19 test. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travellers get tested one to three days prior to travel.

If you are travelling internationally from the US, you will need to check the requirements of your destination country. As of June 2022, international travellers entering the US are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test before entry.

It is important to note that testing requirements can change frequently, so it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

What kind of COVID test do you need?

When it comes to COVID-19 testing for travel, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to check the specific requirements of your destination country, as these can vary. Some countries might not require any testing at all, especially for vaccinated travellers, while others might mandate a negative COVID-19 test and/or a period of quarantine. It's also important to check the rules of the airline you're flying with, as these can be different from the requirements of your destination country.

In general, if you're travelling internationally, it's a good idea to have proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status with you. This could be your physical vaccination card, a digital copy, or a photo of your card. It's also recommended to double-check which vaccines are accepted in your destination country, as not all countries recognise the same vaccines.

If you do need to take a COVID-19 test for travel, make sure you know what type of test is required (for example, PCR or antigen) and the timeframe in which the test needs to be taken. It's also a good idea to have both physical and digital copies of your test results. Keep in mind that testing requirements can change frequently, so it's important to check for updates in the days leading up to your trip.

For travel within the United States, testing and vaccination requirements can depend on the airline and the health regulations at your destination. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travellers get tested one to three days before travelling domestically.

Where can I get a COVID test for international travel?

When planning international travel, it's important to be aware of the testing requirements of your destination country. Some countries may not require a COVID test at all, while others may only allow unvaccinated travellers to enter with a negative test result. The type of test and the timeframe in which it must be taken can also vary. For example, Greece requires a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, while Canada requires a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the flight's departure. Israel requires a test within 72 hours of departure, and the US requires a test no more than one day before departure.

With that in mind, there are several options for getting a COVID test for international travel. Many countries have COVID testing readily available, and you can check US embassy websites to see if a given country has tests available for US citizens. It's also worth checking directly with your hotel, as some may have on-site testing or a list of local providers. Alternatively, you can take a virtually proctored at-home test, as long as it's FDA-approved and provides a lab report. These can be purchased ahead of time and brought with you on your trip.

If you're in the US, you can find testing sites near you by using websites like Get Tested COVID-19. Smaller clinics may be less overwhelmed than larger hospitals, and you can save time by finding a site that doesn't require a physician's referral or an appointment. COVID tests are available at no cost at health centres and select pharmacies across the country, but if you get tested somewhere that's not supported by the government, you may have to pay a fee, which is usually covered by insurance.

If you're specifically looking for a PCR test, Express Healthcare Urgent Care offers them at several locations in Maryland and Virginia. They also offer rapid and antibody testing, and walk-ins are welcome with no appointment needed.

Frequently asked questions