COVID-19 Testing for Travel

It’s totally possible to still travel! There’s just a few more steps to add to your “Travel Checklist.”

• Make sure you check the COVID 19 travel requirements to each country when you book, before you fly and during your trip. Things are changing constantly so staying up to date is crucial!
• Things to check: Vaccination requirements & testing requirements for the country you’re traveling to, any layover/ pass through countries and your own country so you can return safely!
• Fortunately things have seemed to become more steady, with more notice being given before changes occur.

Not all COVID 19 tests are the same! There are different types of tests: PCR, Antigen (Rapid), and Antibody.

• PCR tests results range from 1-3 days. These are said to be the most accurate, however they take the longest time to see results. This is where timing is crucial when planning your next trip. Make sure you get your test with enough time to get results but not too soon that it is not valid.

Helpful tip: A lot of free testing centers are closed on the weekends! Take that into consideration when deciding on the day you choose to travel. Give yourself as much lead room as possible to get your test and results by the time you fly.

When I went to the Bahamas, they required the test to be taken no more than 5 days before travel. So I had to take the text 5 days before I was set to fly, get the results 3 days later, immediately submit the results, and then apply for their new Health Travel Visa required to enter the country. ( It was definitely a bit stressful!)

However, that was the most complicated requirement I’ve experienced. When I flew to Aruba you could get a test before leaving the U.S. or you could get one in the airport once you arrived to Aruba!

• There are also Rapid PCR tests in a lot of airports that provide PCR test results in as little as 1 hour. So, if for some reason you’ve missed a change in requirements you can receive a PCR test at the airport.

Helpful tip: Arrive early to the airport. Like I mentioned earlier, things are constantly changing so if for some reason you missed the latest memo, hopefully you can get a test in the airport and still make your trip!

Being unprepared will usually cost you though. There are free and paid testing sites everywhere. Local pharmacies and government agencies provide free testing and some require appointments and some have walk in available. If you plan ahead and make an appointment you can get a free test that fits the requirements.

• Antigen tests are known as “rapid” tests because they provide results in about 20 minutes.

These were seen to be less accurate at first, but have evolved to be a more widely accepted requirement.

• Antibody tests are used to show you’ve been previously diagnosed with COVID 19 and you still have the antibodies in your system.

These tests show you have the antibodies in your system which are able to help to protect you and fight the virus. (This is your body’s way of building up a defense to the virus: it does not mean you’re immune)

The latest requirements seem to be a PCR taken no more than 5 days before travel, an Antigen taken no more than 1 day before travel or a Positive Antibody test/ Positive Covid test within the past 6 months. As different strains appear and different vaccinations and boosters are available, the requirements continue to change.

If you’d like to read more about travelling during Covid, check out the Covid Travel Checklist!