Antigen Test Kits: Where To Buy For Travel

The ongoing pandemic has made COVID-19 testing a prerequisite for travel. While some countries have dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, others mandate a negative test result, especially for unvaccinated individuals or those travelling with unvaccinated children. Testing requirements vary depending on the destination and may include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, rapid antigen tests, and antibody tests.

PCR tests are widely considered the gold standard for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are often required for international travel. These tests can be obtained from various sources, including airports, clinics, drugstores, and online retailers.

Rapid antigen tests, which are less accurate than PCR tests, are also available for purchase online and at drugstores. These tests are popular for their quick turnaround times but may not be accepted for entry into certain countries.

Additionally, mail-in and in-home testing options are available, providing convenience and accessibility for travellers. However, it is essential to ensure that the chosen testing method meets the requirements of the destination country.

It is recommended to verify the latest travel guidelines and consult official sources, such as government websites, for up-to-date information on testing requirements and approved testing providers.

Where to buy antigen tests for travel in the US

Antigen tests are widely available in the US, with many options for those looking to purchase tests for travel. Here are some places where you can buy antigen tests for travel in the US:

Online Retailers

You can purchase antigen tests from various online retailers, including Amazon and iHealth. These retailers offer different brands of antigen tests, such as the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, which is available on Amazon for $28 for a pack of five tests.

CovidTests.gov

US households can order free tests through CovidTests.gov. Each household is eligible to receive four free tests from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Local Pharmacies

Antigen tests are also available at local pharmacies. Some tests may be rebranded, such as the CVS Health At-Home COVID-19 Test Kit, which is available at CVS pharmacies.

Global Travel Clinics

If you are specifically looking for antigen tests for travel, Global Travel Clinics offer video-supervised COVID-19 antigen tests for $29 with free shipping. Their tests are CDC-compliant, trusted by airlines, and FDA-approved. They also provide testing for outbound and inbound travel to the US, with different requirements for each.

Insurance Coverage

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a certain number of free tests per month. Check your insurer's website or get in touch with them to understand their coverage and reimbursement policies for COVID-19 tests.

Free Testing Sites

If you are uninsured, you can check the CDC's Increasing Community Access to Testing for COVID-19 program to find free testing sites near you.

It is important to note that the availability of antigen tests may vary, and it is always a good idea to check the latest information from official sources, such as the FDA and CDC, regarding test accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Where to buy antigen tests for travel in the UK

If you're looking to buy an antigen test for travel in the UK, you'll need to purchase one from a private provider, as you cannot use a free NHS test for travel purposes. The UK government has released a list of approved providers for lateral flow tests, which you can find on its website.

When purchasing an antigen test, it's important to first check the testing requirements of the country you're travelling to. While some countries accept antigen tests, others may require a PCR test. It's also worth noting that some countries specify that the test must be carried out using a nasal swab, rather than a saliva test.

• Randox
• BioGrad
• Collinson
• UK Meds
• Eurofins
• Halo
• Chronomics
• Project Screen by Prenetics
• DocTap

You can also purchase antigen tests from your airline or holiday company, which often offer discounted rates for their customers. Some examples include:

• Tui
• On the Beach
• British Airways
• EasyJet
• Jet2
• Ryanair
• Virgin Atlantic

Prices for antigen tests vary depending on the provider and the type of test. They can range from as little as £3.99 for a simple at-home antigen test to around £20-£30 for tests that include a "fit to fly" certificate.

When purchasing an antigen test for travel, be sure to order it in advance and carefully read the instructions to ensure you meet the testing requirements for your destination.

Where to buy antigen tests for travel in Canada

If you're looking to buy antigen tests for travel in Canada, there are a few options available to you. Here are some places where you can purchase them:

Canadian Travel Clinics

Canadian Travel Clinics offer video-supervised rapid antigen tests for both inbound and outbound travel to Canada. The test costs $49.00 and can be ordered online. The kit will be shipped to you the next business day, and you can book a video consultation with a trained healthcare advisor to guide you through the test. The results are typically available within a few hours, and you'll receive a travel certificate by email.

Online Retailers

There are several online retailers in Canada that sell rapid antigen tests in bulk. These tests are typically sold in packs of 10 or more, with prices ranging from $10 to $15+ per test. Some popular options include:

• BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit
• FlowFlex Rapid Antigen Test
• Boson Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test
• SD Biosensor Rapid Test

Local Pharmacies

In addition to online options, you may also be able to find antigen tests at your local pharmacy or drugstore. It's worth checking with stores in your area to see if they have tests available.

It's important to note that the requirements for travel testing may vary depending on your destination. Be sure to check the latest guidelines from the Government of Canada and your specific destination country before your trip.

Where to buy antigen tests for travel in Europe

Antigen tests are widely available across Europe and are often used as a convenient and cost-effective method of COVID-19 testing for travellers. The price of a rapid antigen test typically ranges from €15 to €50, but this can vary depending on the country and the type of test. In some countries, antigen tests are recognised as valid proof of entry, while others may require a PCR test instead. It's important to check the specific requirements of your destination country before travelling.

• Austria: Antigen tests are available at testing centres, Vienna Airport, and some private laboratories. At testing centres, tourists can get free antigen tests but must register and provide proof of residence. Antigen tests at Vienna Airport cost €25 for adults and €15 for children under 18.
• Belgium: Antigen tests are authorised and can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Self-tests are also available but are not recommended by the government due to concerns about accuracy. The cost of antigen tests varies, with rapid tests priced between €10 and €20.
• Croatia: Tourists need to pay for antigen tests in Croatia. The price of a rapid antigen test is between €13 and €40, while a PCR test costs between €40 and €133.
• Cyprus: At Larnaka and Pafos airports, antigen tests cost €15 and €19, respectively. For travellers leaving the country, antigen tests cost €15 at both airports.
• Czech Republic: Antigen tests cost approximately €8, and PCR tests cost about €32.
• Denmark: Testing is currently free for both residents and tourists in Denmark. Tourists must register before taking a PCR test.
• Finland: Tourists have to pay for testing in Finland. At Helsinki Airport, the Aava Medical Center offers antigen tests for €127-€139 and PCR tests for €189.
• France: Self-tests are authorised and can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Antigen self-tests cost around €29, while PCR tests are charged at €49.
• Germany: Testing is available at certain airports and screening centres, with costs ranging from €128 to €150. Since March 2021, German citizens have been entitled to one free rapid antigen test per week, while students and teachers can receive two free tests weekly if they have in-person courses.
• Greece: Antigen tests are available at testing centres and pharmacies for an average price of €8-€10. PCR tests have a ceiling price of €47.
• Hungary: The maximum price for a PCR test is set at €55, while antigen tests range from €25 to €41.
• Iceland: PCR tests are free for both Icelanders and tourists arriving in the country. For travellers leaving Iceland, the cost of a test is approximately €96.
• Ireland: Testing is free only under certain conditions, such as for people over 40 with symptoms. Tourists must pay for tests, with PCR tests starting at €59 and antigen tests at €35 at Dublin Airport.
• Italy: Tests are free only with a medical prescription. Antigen test prices are set at €8 for those under 18 and are free for people who cannot be vaccinated due to certain diseases. PCR test prices vary across regions, typically ranging from €50 to €120.
• Latvia: At Riga Airport, travellers can get a saliva PCR test for €25, an antigen test for €24, or a saliva test (non-contact) for €25. Outside the airport, testing centres offer varying prices, typically between €35 and €80.
• Lithuania: Testing is not free in Lithuania. At Vilnius Airport, PCR tests cost €75, and antigen tests are €35. Rapid PCR tests, which provide results in 1.5 hours, cost €140.
• Luxembourg: Testing is not free, and prices are set by individual laboratories. At the airport, a PCR express test costs €169.
• Malta: Antigen tests are available at Malta International Airport for €35-€40. Appointments must be made in advance, and results are available in 20-45 minutes.
• Netherlands: Testing is not free. Antigen tests typically cost between €35 and €40, while PCR tests range from €80 to €95.
• Norway: COVID-19 tests are free for air passengers arriving in the country. For other travellers, PCR tests cost €100-€140, antigen tests are €45-€150, and rapid PCR tests are around €250.
• Poland: Antigen tests cost €22-€44, and PCR tests range from €60 to €132. At Warsaw Airport, antigen tests are €44, and PCR tests are €114.
• Portugal: Test prices vary, with PCR tests costing €100-€120, antigen tests €25-€40, and serological tests €80-€100.
• Romania: Antigen tests cost €10-€15, and PCR tests are €38-€50. At airports, tests are more expensive, with PCR tests costing up to €80 and antigen tests up to €30.
• Slovakia: Non-vaccinated individuals must register every time they enter the country. PCR tests cost €50-€80, and antigen tests are about €15.
• Spain: Tests are free for contact cases or individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. Otherwise, antigen tests cost about €50, and PCR tests are around €100. In the Balearic Islands, prices are capped at €30 for antigen tests and €75 for PCR tests.
• Sweden: Testing is not free. PCR test prices range from €68 to €245, and antigen tests are available at pharmacies and laboratories for €29-€58.

Please note that the information provided is based on the sources available and may not be exhaustive. Testing requirements and prices may change, so it is essential to check the latest updates before travelling.

Where to buy antigen tests for travel in Australia

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available at a variety of retailers in Australia, including:

• Supermarkets such as Woolworths, Coles and select IGA outlets (both in-store and online)
• Pharmacies and chemists (in-store and online)
• Major online health product retailers such as Healthy Life, Clinical Supplies, and Rapid Antigen Australia
• Grocery delivery apps such as Milk Run and Send (available in some suburbs in select cities only)

RATs typically cost between $10 to $30 each, with packs of two and five available for around $30 and $50 respectively.

When purchasing a RAT, it is important to ensure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). This is a legal requirement for any kit sold in Australia.

Additionally, the Australian government has made it mandatory for international arrivals to present a negative rapid antigen test upon entering the country.

Frequently asked questions