Many countries require that travelers provide documentation of a recent COVID-19 test before being allowed to visit . Additionally , both the U . S . and Canada require a COVID-19 test be taken just prior to returning home . The types of COVID-19 tests , the time before travel in which the test must be taken and any quarantine requirements after entering the country vary widely and change frequently . Consult your travel advisor at our agency for up to the minute details on testing and other entry requirements and restrictions .
It ’ s helpful to have a basic understanding of the different , most frequently used tests .
Antibody tests , which detect whether someone was infected with COVID-19 in the past , are never used for entry requirements . The two primary types of tests accepted for entry into a country ( or state / province ) are viral tests which determine if someone is currently infected – the PCR test and Antigen ( sometimes referred to as the rapid test ). Here ’ s some highlights of the differences :