Book with Confidence | Page 46

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