![]() That's good news for U.S.-bound travelers who may not have many testing options at their location abroad. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the testing program for international travel to the United States earlier this spring, allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that include remote supervision. testing mandate, have also started to offer rapid tests on site.Ĭountries that allow travelers to enter with a negative rapid, or antigen, test include the United States, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Austria and Croatia. Several hotels, hoping to comply with the U.S. airports and airlines offer rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers or travelers on specific flights or heading to particular destinations. These tests are popular for their quick turnaround times, but the level of accuracy can be lower than a PCR test.Ī growing number of U.S. Rapid antigen tests check for proteins on the virus's surface. Martin, Ireland (RT-PCR), Paraguay (RT-PCR or NAAT) and Bonaire (PCR or NAAT test). Facilities offering rapid tests generally bill you the total amount, and it typically isn't covered by insurance.Ĭountries that require a PCR test for entry include Anguilla (RT-PCR), Antigua and Barbuda (RT-PCR), St. That said, if you're looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it'll cost you. However, some urgent care facilities have introduced "rapid PCR tests." These are standard PCR tests with expedited turnaround times, where you can receive your results in as few as 30 minutes. Turnaround times for results can vary by chain and location, but are generally between one and seven days. PCR tests are typically easy to find, as several major drugstores, including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance. Several countries allow entry with a negative rapid antigen test (more on that below), but what you'll usually need for travel is a PCR test. These are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the current "gold standard" of tests. The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) detects active COVID-19 infections and is the most common NAAT test. Diagnostic testsīy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. So, which test do you need? And what's the difference between all the different tests? Here's what to look for before your next appointment to ensure you have the correct COVID-19 test for travel. And unvaccinated travelers now must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before departure, significantly shrinking the time window for testing. And now, pre-travel testing is even more critical as a result of the latest COVID-19 variant.Īdditionally, the United States still requires all travelers flying into the country from abroad to provide a negative COVID-19 test result within three days before departure. But depending on where you want to go, a negative COVID-19 test result might be required, particularly if you're not vaccinated or are traveling with unvaccinated children. Testing is much more accessible than it was earlier on in the pandemic. ![]() Different types of tests have varying levels of accuracy and turnaround times.įor more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter! ![]() Not all COVID-19 tests are equal, however. But there are only two types of tests: diagnostic tests, which check to see if you have an active COVID-19 infection and antibody tests, which check antibodies in your immune system produced in response to the virus that causes COVID-19. There are several names for COVID-19 tests, and keeping track of which one you need for travel can seem daunting. If you've taken a COVID-19 test during the pandemic, you might have been bewildered by the sheer number of options.
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