BEFORE YOUR TRIP
GETTING TESTED FOR COVID-19
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:
Test Name |
Test for |
Typical Turnaround |
Processed at |
Typical Cost |
PRC, RT-PCR or NATT( Viral) |
Current Infection |
1-3 Days |
Offsite Lab |
$ 150 |
Antigen or Rapid( Viral) |
Current Infection |
15-30 Minutes |
Onsite |
$ 25- $ 50 |
Antibody |
Past Infection |
2-5 Days |
Offsite Lab |
$ 120 |
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Travelers? 11
Have you been vaccinated for COVID-19? Congratulations! Those who have been vaccinated may still take a COVID-19 viral test to satisfy entry requirements in place in different countries and localities. COVID-19 mNRA or viral vector vaccines will NOT cause you to test positive on the COVID-19 viral tests. 11 https:// www. cdc. gov / coronavirus / 2019-ncov / vaccines / facts. html
22 BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE