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How to Get a COVID Test for International Travel

A negative covid test continues to be a requirement to travel the world—including for entry into the united states. here’s how to get the right test when you need it..

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COVID tests are the must-have travel item of the pandemic.

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The need for COVID testing doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Even as more people get vaccinated worldwide against COVID-19, variants such as Delta and Omicron have put numerous countries on high alert. Once again, there are new—and in some cases, stricter—COVID testing requirements for travel.

As of December 6, the United States began requiring that all international arrivals get tested for COVID no more than one calendar day before flying to the United States , regardless of vaccination status. That’s down from three days prior, making it even more of a last-minute challenge to get tested before flying to the U.S.

France and the United Kingdom also reintroduced COVID testing requirements in December for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The sudden developments served as a reminder of how quickly travelers sometimes have to scramble to find tests that satisfy new rules—for many, it’s overnight. How do you stay on top of so many changes? How do you know what you need? Look here for starters.

Whether travelers are in search of a COVID test before heading abroad or need to re-enter the U.S., here are the (numerous) options and ways to get a COVID test for international travel.

What kind of COVID test is required to enter the U.S.?

According to the official order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID tests that satisfy the U.S. entry requirement include a PCR test, antigen test (including a rapid antigen test), or an approved home or self test , which means that there are some easier options than a PCR test, the results for which can take longer to obtain—though, there are services that offer “rapid PCR” tests, usually for an added cost.

CDC-approved COVID self tests for international travel

The BinaxNOW Antigen home kit is sold as a six-pack for $150, which comes out to $25 for each kit.

Courtesy of Abbott

For travelers who are worried about obtaining a PCR or antigen test within a day of flying back to the U.S., there is the option of bringing a set of COVID-19 home or self tests with them. The CDC has approved a handful of self tests for international travel. They include the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test , the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test with Azova , and Cue COVID-19 tests —all of which we have reviewed .

The tests can be self-administered—meaning you do your own nasal swab—but to meet the CDC requirements, they must be paired with a supervised telehealth video call in real time. (The above tests include the telehealth call service.) Travelers, take note: You must have a reliable internet connection wherever you plan to administer the test, so logging into the telehealth video call isn’t an issue.

Related We Reviewed the CDC-Approved COVID Home Tests for International Travel—Here’s What to Know

How to find a testing site abroad

Want to find out if the country you’re planning to visit has COVID testing sites that can turn around results within a day? A great place to start is the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories , which include an entire section on COVID-19 testing for each country. Right up front, the section answers the question of whether PCR and/or antigen tests are available to U.S. citizens and whether test results are reliably available within one calendar day. It also often includes information about where and how to obtain such tests.

Another good resource is TestforTravel.com , where you can search any international destination for testing centers and filter by the specific type of COVID-19 test you’re looking for.

The good news is that testing has ramped up worldwide, and it has become more widely available at international airports and hotels. Travel companies—including airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators—and travel advisors are also stepping in to help international travelers either actually get tested or find testing sites in their destination. The bad news is that pricing varies wildly. Tests can run anywhere from several dollars to several hundred dollars, which can make travel budgeting a bit of a nightmare.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have all developed resources to provide passengers with international testing information. American is doing so with the VeriFly app , a global health pass that allows users to more easily upload their health data.

Through its United app, United has added a feature called the “ Travel-Ready Center ” (located in the “My Trips” section of the app or online at United.com ). Once passengers access the Travel-Ready Center, they can identify COVID-19 travel requirements for upcoming trips, find local testing options, and upload proof of test results (as well as vaccination status).

Delta, too, has developed an easy COVID-19 testing search function on its website through which travelers can find testing center locations in numerous global destinations.

How to find a COVID test in the U.S. to travel internationally

First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re up to date on the latest entry requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit, or even just enter—there’s never been a better time to fly nonstop. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, these rules can change very quickly at times.

Again, the U.S. State Department’s country-specific COVID-19 advisories are a great place to start to find up-to-date entry rules and requirements. We have also rounded up our favorite interactive map tools that provide updated global COVID-19 travel information.

Once you know what’s required, whether you need a PCR or antigen test, for example, and within what time frame (between two and three days, or 48 to 72 hours, is the most common requirement), you can begin to track down testing options near you.

Mail-in COVID self tests

COVID testing throughout the U.S. is patchy at best in terms of availability and reliability, and it varies enormously from city to city, county to county, and state to state. Earlier this month, President Biden announced that at-home COVID tests will become more available and will be covered by private insurance plans. Additional details will be available in January, but there are a few home or self tests that travelers can stock up on with mail-in options that may qualify for health insurance reimbursement and that satisfy certain international government requirements for entry. (Of course, if the COVID test entry requirement is a very tight time frame—say, two or three days prior to travel—these mail-in options might not work.)

Note that these tests can be used for travel from the U.S. to international destinations that will accept the results , not the other way around. The tests that work for inbound travel to the U.S. from abroad were mentioned above and were reviewed by AFAR editors.

Here are some of the options we have found for self tests that could work for travel:

• EverlyWell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC ($109 per test, or discounted for $81.75 with code GIVEMORE): This FDA-authorized PCR test is delivered within two to eight business days of order, so it should be ordered at least a couple of weeks before travel. Once you receive it, take the self-administered test and mail it the same day using the included overnight delivery label. Upon receiving the sample, the lab will provide results within 24 to 48 hours.
• Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Test At-Home Collection Kit ($119 per test): An FDA-authorized PCR test that is typically delivered within two days of order. The self test includes a FedEx overnight label that travelers use to send the sample back to the lab, where results are processed within one to two days.
• LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Pre-Flight Test & Lab Report ($109 per test): A home testing kit that travelers can order in advance. The company advises at least five days prior to travel (but why not stock up even earlier than that?). After collecting the sample yourself using a nasal swab, you then send it to the lab with a prepaid next-day delivery label, and results can be expected within 24 to 72 hours after arriving in the lab. This is also an FDA-authorized PCR test.

In-person COVID testing options in the U.S.

Large pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens , healthcare networks, and county and state health agencies are among the numerous entities that offer COVID testing but not always with the guarantee of receiving results within a specific two- or three-day window. Travelers may need to rely on pricier local private providers and urgent care centers (such as CityMD and Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York and COVIDCheckToday in Southern California, Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami) to get a test for travel quickly. DMCOVID-19 Test is a nationwide testing service that does house calls and offers same- and next-day results—for a hefty fee; same-day services will run you around $300 and next-day around $220.

Getting tested at the airport

Another option (or backup option if waiting until just before departure is a little too nerve wracking for you) is to get tested at the airport.

XpresSpa Group’s XpresCheck brand now has COVID-19 testing locations at 11 U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Dulles, Houston, Newark, New York (JFK), Phoenix, Seattle, and San Francisco. Services include a standard PCR test with results within 48 to 96 hours (for $75) and a rapid PCR test with results within 60 minutes (for a much heftier $250). Beyond XpresCheck, countless U.S. airports have their own testing facilities as well now, so travelers can look into options at their local hub.

U.S. airports that have COVID testing facilities include:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Oakland International Airport
• San Diego International Airport
• Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Hawai‘i)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
• New York’s LaGuardia Airport
• Portland International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

What happens if you test positive?

“If you were to test positive for COVID-19 while overseas, you would need to postpone your trip back to the United States, potentially for several weeks. All travelers should have a plan B,” the U.S. State Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Ian Brownlee, said during a January 26 media briefing when the testing requirement for international travelers entering the U.S. was first introduced.

Brownlee noted that U.S. travelers should consider where they would stay, the cost of an extended stay, and the repercussions they would face if they could not immediately return, whether for work, for childcare issues, or other responsibilities.

“Think through the answers to these important questions carefully” prior to committing to travel plans, Brownlee said. Another recommendation he has for international travelers: Consider travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical treatments and COVID-19 related travel disruptions.

And the same goes for outbound travel—travelers need to consider what kind of safeguards they have in place, including the cancellation policies for all components of their trip, in the event that they or anyone in their travel group tests positive before flying out.

>> Next: The Best Travel Plan This Holiday Season: A Backup Plan

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The full range of blood tests are available at our clinic.

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Our GPs can advise on what tests are recommended for you, or if you know what tests you require you can simply book in for a blood test.

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Keeping well is a priority, (particularly in the current pandemic), and detecting problems early can make all the difference.

Health screens are an excellent way of having a clear picture of your current health, evaluating potential risk factors, and putting a plan in place for a healthier you.

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Private Covid-19 Tests in Kent 

Many of our COVID-19 test including PCR, Antigen and Antibody tests are government-approved. However, different countries and airlines have different requirements regarding their COVID-19 Certificate.

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RT-PCR test is one of the most required tests by airlines and countries followed by the Antigen and Antibody test. The PCR tests are the most reliable and sensitive ones in which allows to check for even small traces of COVID-19. 

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Antigen test is a faster COVID-19 test that checks for any proteins. When a protein is being detected means that the COVID-19 virus is still present. These type of tests are not accepted by all countries.

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The antibody test is a faster COVID-19 test that checks for any antibodies left or whether or not an individual has previously been infected with COVID-19. This type of test is not sufficient for travel. 

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We offer government-approved Fit to Fly certificates in Kent. When planning for your travel you should consider taking your Fit to Fly certificate on your way to go.

If you are travelling soon call us at 0330 390 3666 to arrange an appointment for a Fit to Fly test.

Rochester Airport Covid-19 Tests  

While many airports have started doing Covid-19 tests to provide their passengers with their certificates for safety in Rochester Airport does not offer those tests.

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 Before travelling make sure to check with your airline and destination country to determine which type of Covid-19 test you require. This is most often going to be the PCR test. 

In order to travel you will require a Fit to Fly test, these are issued to you once you test negative for Covid-19 and are not provided by the NHS. Make sure to book with a private clinic to receive your Fit to fly certificate.

In order to get your Fit to Fly certificate make sure to book online or over the phone at 0330 390 3666. We will then send you a confirmation email with the location of the clinic that you can attend.

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Do you know what a PCR test is? What happens to those nasal swabs after they’re taken? And what does it mean to have antibodies? Learn the answers to these common questions and more, so you can make the right decisions for your health and safety.

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Helping your business get back to work safely.

COVID-19 Testing Options to Detect Current Infection vs. Prior Infection

Get a better understanding of COVID-19 testing options – from what each type of test actually detects to sample collection and results. Know the facts to determine what’s best for you.

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What covid-19 treatments are available.

Though patients can recover from COVID-19 on their own, some patients are at risk for becoming seriously ill. There are now treatments available to assist with COVID-19 recovery, such as monoclonal antibodies, oral antivirals, or hospital treatments like antiviral drugs or convalescent plasma. Talk to your doctor and visit the  HHS website  for more information.

Labcorp Supports COVID-19 Blood Plasma Donation

We are proud to be part of The Fight Is In Us coalition to increase donations of blood plasma with COVID-19 antibodies. Blood plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for patients with an active COVID-19 infection. Public health authorities have asked for help with expanding the population of potential plasma donors. If you have recovered from COVID-19, you can test for antibodies by talking with your healthcare provider or by requesting one through  Labcorp.

Vaccination works

Vaccination has been shown to be very effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization for COVID-19. Labcorp has worked with several companies for their COVID-19 vaccination clinical trials. The more people who are vaccinated, the more likely we are as a society to move beyond this current pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of test is this.

The Labcorp OnDemand COVID-19 test is an NAAT test, also known as a PCR test. PCR tests are considered the  gold standard by the CDC  for diagnosing COVID-19 because of their sensitiviy and specificity. 

How long does it take to get test results back?

Currently the average time to deliver results is 1-2 days from when the sample is received at the lab. Our labs process samples seven days a week. Check with your  local FedEx  for pick up and drop off schedules. 

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Sample collection is quick and easy. The kit includes a short nasal swab that is inserted into the lower nostril, reducing the discomfort associated with longer nasopharyngeal swabs.

Check out our  COVID-19 FAQs  for more information.

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COVID-19 Testing for Travel in 2024 [Airlines, Airports, Hotels]

Christy Rodriguez

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Table of Contents

What covid-19 tests do you need to travel, where are covid-19 tests required, how much does a covid-19 test cost, how long do results take to get back, what proof do i need to travel, covid-19 testing options by airline, covid-19 testing options at airports, covid-19 testing options at hotels, additional covid-19 testing resources, evidence of vaccination, final thoughts.

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Now that travel restrictions are starting to ease, you might be planning for a trip. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you will possibly be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel. Some are free (with or without insurance), while others might require you to pay a fee. Some countries even build COVID-19 testing fees into their entry requirements.

In addition to cost, something else to consider is that your results are time-sensitive, meaning that you need to have your test completed during a certain amount of time prior to arrival or departure. We’ve pulled together some common locations that offer these COVID-19 tests and take these requirements into consideration so that you can get back to traveling as soon as possible!

There are many different types of tests for coronavirus, but which test do you specifically need for travel? 

Types of Tests

Antibody tests.

Antibody tests are blood tests that can identify if a person has COVID-19 antibodies, meaning that they have already recovered from the virus. These tests aren’t regularly used for travel since antibody tests can’t be used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. 

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests can show if you have an active COVID-19 viral infection and whether you might need to take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. There are 2 types of diagnostic tests — rapid and PCR tests.

Rapid antigen tests can show an active COVID-19 infection by detecting specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. These rapid tests are popular for their quick turnaround times but are rarely accepted when it comes to travel due to the high number of false-positive results . These are normally used at airports in addition to the traveler providing PCR test results, so it may still be important that you can find a rapid COVID-19 test near you.

The other common option is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (or PCR) test. These PCR tests are the most reliable option for detecting active COVID-19 infections as results are sent to a lab to be confirmed. Due to this, a negative PCR test is what is typically required to travel . Our guide will specifically note sites that are providing PCR tests.

Bottom Line: Ultimately, what test you need and when you need to take it depends on where you are traveling.

Requirements for Traveling to the U.S.

Effective December 6, 2021, if you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (over the age of 2) traveling back to the U.S. from abroad, the CDC now requires that you provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 1 day of departure (regardless of vaccination status). According to the CDC, “Rapid tests are acceptable if they are a viral test that meet the requirements under the Order.”

If you are traveling from abroad and are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you must be fully vaccinated and provide a negative test within 1 day of departure. You are allowed to travel with a child that has been unvaccinated, but they must also provide a negative test taken within 1 day of departure (if they are over the age of 2).

Without this information, you will be prohibited from flying to the U.S.

There are several exemptions to this rule:

• If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, you can travel with evidence of recovery (such as a positive COVID-19 test result) as well as a letter from a trusted professional stating that you are cleared to travel
• Travelers arriving via a land border (Mexico or Canada)
• Flight crew members do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test

Bottom Line: If your travel doesn’t involve an exception, you will need to find a way to obtain a negative PCR test internationally before your return flight.

Domestic Locations

There are a number of locations within the U.S. where having either a COVID-19 test result or evidence of completed vaccination can help you to avoid a quarantine (self or supervised) period upon arrival.

You must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test if you have not been fully vaccinated to visit the following locations:

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Washington, D.C.

International Locations

Each country has its own requirements related to COVID-19 testing. These requirements relate to what tests are acceptable and what tests will be required before arrival vs. upon arrival, as well as how recently you must have taken the test. Be sure to check out our guide to where Americans can travel internationally for more information about these country-specific requirements.

COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide at health centers and select pharmacies. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act  “ensures that COVID-19 testing is free to anyone in the U.S., whether or not you have insurance.”

If you choose to get your test at a location outside of these supported locations, COVID-19 PCR tests can cost anywhere from $20 to $1,419 per single test ( according to recent studies ) but these costs are usually covered by insurance unless noted otherwise.

If you are traveling internationally and are required to get a PCR test upon arrival at your destination or prior to your return trip to the U.S., you will need to refer to that country’s COVID-19 embassy site to determine your cost.

Most states or countries that require negative COVID-19 tests for entry or to avoid quarantine use a 48- to 72-hour timeframe. This can start with either the time of your departure or arrival at your final destination. Depending on the distance of the location, this may be extended to accommodate travel time. Knowing this, it is clear that it is important to find a location that can provide timely results.

Results vary greatly depending on where you are located, but generally take 1 to 7 days to be returned per the FDA. Ultimately, the best way to find out how long it will take in any particular area is to go to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) website and look at the option by state. The facilities listed may include the expected wait time to receive the results.

Once you’ve received your negative test result, what do you do with it? Most airlines have partnered with a third party or created a system to upload your test results. This means that you will either upload an electronic result or even take a photo of your negative test in the case of some rapid tests.

Here are a few examples:

• Common Pass Health Passport — United, JetBlue
• VeriFLY Health Passport App — American Airlines
• IATA Travel Pass — Emirates, Etihad, Singapore, Turkish, and many more

Other airlines, such as Delta and Hawaiian Airlines, are allowing you to upload test results to their websites directly. At the end of the day, be sure to check with your airline directly to see how to upload your negative test result.

Airlines are partnering with other companies to make it easier for travelers to get tested for COVID-19.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers multiple options for getting your COVID-19 PCR test.

At-Home Testing

Alaska Airlines is working with  Costco Wholesale to offer an at-home testing option for travelers ages 5 and up. These tests cost $114.99 each and you must also complete a video appointment with a doctor. Once completed, you ship it back via UPS overnight and results are available in 24 to 48 hours.

Alaska recommends that you purchase these tests at least 1 to 2 weeks before your trip to ensure that you can confirm a video appointment slot.

In-Person Testing

Alaska Airlines has partnered with Carbon Health to offer in-person testing for Alaska flyers. These Carbon Health tests cost between $150 and $165, and you must schedule your appointment in advance.

You’ll receive the same or next-day results at all of their testing sites in the following cities:

• Los Angeles

American Airlines

American Airlines uses VeriFLY, a mobile app, to help streamline test results and other AA preflight travel requirements. There are also many options offered for COVID-19 testing.

American has partnered with LetsGetChecked  for at-home PCR tests. American recommends purchasing your test at least 5 days before departure. Passengers flying to all of the international locations that American Airlines currently serves can use these test kits.

You will have results within 48 hours of receipt, but you will also need to complete a virtual visit with a medical professional. This kit costs $119.

You can also order a testing kit through eMed if you have a roundtrip flight. You will receive a rapid test for departure and 2 rapid tests to bring along with you on your trip. You can mail these in without having to find a lab in the country that you visit. Tests cost $150.

American Airlines has partnered with over 150+  CareNow  clinics that offer testing at $139. Results are available within 15 minutes.

GoHealth is another option for in-person testing. You can get a test at any of over 150 locations with results in 15 minutes. Testing is conducted through your insurance or at rates available upon request.

Delta Air Lines

Passengers can use FlyReady  to upload their COVID-19 test results to ensure acceptance of results for entry.

Delta has partnered with AZOMA to offer the Ellume COVID-19 test  so that passengers can test themselves and upload the results before departure and pack another test to take before returning back to the U.S. Test kits are $50 and come with a video observation to validate results.

Delta offers a list of in-person providers that it recommends using based on your location.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaii is one of the only states requiring evidence of vaccination OR evidence of a negative test to avoid a 10-day mandatory quarantine.

Hawaiian Airlines is going through Vault Health to provide any at-home tests for $119. Results are available within 24 hours after receipt.

Drive-Through Testing

Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with Worksite Labs to provide drive-through nasal swab appointments at Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). Each test costs $90 with results provided within 24 hours or $150 for results within 12 hours.

Travelers originating from Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX) can schedule an appointment with US BioTek Laboratories . If you need results within 36 hours, tests will cost $90 to $105, but if you need results within 24 hours, your test will cost $90 to $165.

For travelers originating from LAS, you can receive a nasal or throat swab test at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada . Tests cost $130 per person for results within 36 hours.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue has a few options for international travelers.

Like Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue has also partnered with Vault Health to provide at-home test kits for travelers to Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or Mexico. Each kit costs $119 and results will be provided within 72 hours.

JetBlue offers many in-person location options through XpressCheck.

Locations are available at:

• Boston (BOS)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK and LGA)
• Newark (EWR)
• Orlando (MCO)

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has recommended partners for those travelers heading to Hawaii .

Southwest has partnered with Vault Health for COVID-19 testing. This test costs $119 and you will receive results within 24 hours after its arrival at the lab.

Southwest lists a few recommended partners, including CVS MinuteClinics , Kaiser Permanente , and Walgreens .

United Airlines

United has multiple options for testing.

United is using ADL Health to provide at-home PCR test kits for flyers at their request. If you’ve already booked a trip, visit the Travel-Ready Center to find more information about the test and order one.

Travelers must mail their test back 72 hours before travel and get the results 24 to 48 hours before their flight. Each test costs $119.

United has partnered with Color to offer both day-of and drive-through testing for travelers flying from San Francisco (SFO) to Hawaii and Canada. Eligible passengers will receive information and a sign-up link via email 1 week before departure.

These tests cost $105 at the United Technical Operations parking lot at SFO. You must make an appointment for approximately 72 hours before travel, with most results coming back within 48 hours.

United has partnered with XpressCheck at many airport locations (which we’ll list in more detail below).

Domestic Airports

The following airports are offering COVID-19 testing. Keep in mind that the types of tests vary based on how quickly you need the test results and what type of test you get, and some locations are only allowing passengers traveling on certain routes to obtain a test.

International Airports

Here are some notable international airports offering COVID-19 testing options. This list is not all-inclusive, so be sure to check your destination airport to see if tests are available to you.

Offering COVID-19 testing at hotels is also becoming more common as a way to draw travelers back by offering convenient testing options. Testing is common at many resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. A few examples include:

Hotel Chains

• Accor — For Accor-managed properties in the U.S. or Canada, guests can request a free PreCheck PCR testing kit by x.labs to complete at home before checking in.
• Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts — Free COVID-19 antigen testing is available at all of the brand’s resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico as long as you book a stay of at least 3 nights. If you need to extend your stay due to a positive result, your stay of 10 nights is also covered.
• Karisma Hotels & Resorts  — All properties in Riviera Maya, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are offering  free COVID-19 antigen testing  to guests while CDC requirements are in place. PCR testing will also be available for a discounted fee. If you need to extend your stay at the resort due to a positive test, your stay of up to 14 days is covered.
• Marriott — If you stay at least 3 nights at a select Marriott hotel or resort in Mexico and the Caribbean, you (and 1 other guest) are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 test prior to your departure back to the U.S. In addition, if travel is delayed for a related reason (like a positive or delayed test), you can extend your stay at a discounted rate of 50% off the available flexible rate.
• Meliá Hotels International — Select properties throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic have launched free, on-site antigen tests . In addition to COVID-19 testing, these properties are also providing free travel insurance with all reservations, which allows for free stays of up to 15 days if you must quarantine.
• Playa Hotels & Resorts — Playa offers free COVID-19 antigen testing on-site to registered guests returning to the U.S. at all 17 of its resorts across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean.
• Sandals & Beaches Resorts — Free COVID-19 testing is available at all Sandals and Beaches properties while the CDC has its requirement for a negative test in place. For more information on the tests and other COVID-guarantees, see its website .
• Velas Resorts — Guests at a Velas resort can get a free COVID-19 antigen test provided at your resort in Mexico. If you need to quarantine, you will be offered a stay at a 75% discount.

Hot Tip: Many resorts are offering these services for free or a discounted fee, so it would be a good idea to inquire about the procedures before booking your stay.

If you’re looking for other options, know that tests are available at no cost throughout the country at health centers and some pharmacies.

Local Medical Resources

Private clinics and academic labs are available for COVID-19 tests and will bill your insurance provider directly. If you don’t have insurance, you may have to pay the full amount. You can get a COVID-19 test at:

• Government-operated facilities
• Private clinics
• Passport Health

To find a place to get a rapid or PCR COVID-19 test near you, you can contact your primary care doctor or search the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website .

Neighborhood drugstores often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance.

Pharmacies that may offer COVID-19 testing include:

• Local independent pharmacies
• Walmart (in partnership with Quest Diagnostics)

Something else to consider is that many countries are now allowing evidence of vaccination in lieu (or in addition to) a negative COVID-19 test.

We have an article detailing all the different options for standardized immunity passports and how this might be implemented, but for now, each country has its own requirements as to what is required for Americans to enter.

Getting a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel will likely be the new normal for the foreseeable future. Making sure you know which test is required and when is the first step that needs to occur. The next step is finding a good place to get your test.

There are many options that provide this testing — ranging from your local pharmacy to airports, and even hotels at your destination. Between all of these options, the hope is that travel can be safe once again.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rapid covid-19 test.

A rapid test is also known as an antigen test. This test detects protein fragments specific to the COVID-19 that show if you have an active case of the virus. Results are usually back in as little as 15 minutes, but often have a high number of false positives. The more reliable option is known as a PCR test, but these results usually take longer to arrive (between 1 and 3 days).

Does American Airlines require COVID-19 testing?

American Airlines does not mandate COVID-19 testing, but it does enforce requirements based on where you are traveling to. Be sure to check out AA’s COVID-19 travel page for current requirements based on your destination.

Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 before I travel?

If you are traveling domestically, you may want to get tested to avoid quarantine, period. In addition, Hawaii requires proof of a negative COVID-19 result or evidence of completed vaccination.

If you are traveling internationally, it is likely that you will have to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or completed vaccination to enter, but be sure to check travel requirements here . Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to return to the U.S.

Do I need a COVID-19 test to fly domestic?

While it is not required to have a COVID-19 test to travel domestically, you may still want to get one. If you fly to certain locations within the U.S. that require a quarantine, like Hawaii, it may come in handy. If you have evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, you could avoid either a recommended or mandated quarantine.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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What to Know About COVID-19 Testing for Travel

They can offer peace of mind, but most aren't accepted for return to the u.s..

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  requirement that all travelers coming to the United States provide official proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their flight, travelers are understandably nervous — and a bit confused — about the whole process.

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Here are some answers to common questions about COVID-19 testing for travel.

What is the hotel testing process like?  Many hotels have the return COVID-19 testing process set up seamlessly. For example, on my recent trip to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, the Dreams Bahía Mita Surf & Spa Resort gave me COVID-19 testing forms upon check-in, with a testing appointment scheduled the day before my checkout ($35 per test, free for Club Level guests). At my appointment time, masked guests were waiting with their passports in a hallway outside a conference room converted into a testing center. Inside, a nurse from a contracted health provider administered Abbott’s rapid antigen test with a nose swab. I waited semi-nervously to receive the text message about 15 minutes later, which indicated that my test was negative. (If the test comes back positive, the resort offers free quarantine lodging for up to 14 days.) The hotel provided an official form certifying the results (I took a photo of the page for backup). At the Puerto Vallarta airport, I provided my test results form when I checked in and was good to return home.

What are the U.S. testing rules for international travel?

For reentry to the U.S., the CDC requires all air passengers age 2 years and older (including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated passengers) to provide either documentation of a negative test taken within one day of their flight or documentation of recent recovery from  COVID-19 , along with a letter from a health professional certifying that the person is cleared to travel. The test must be an authorized viral antigen or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

Note that non-U.S. citizens need to show proof of vaccination prior to their flights to the U.S.  

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How and where can you get tested before your return to the U.S.?

Many international hotels are now offering approved and sometimes free COVID-19 tests for their guests that are almost becoming a standard part of the checkout process (see details of one example in sidebar). Local clinics and some airports offer CDC- and airline-approved tests as well, although costs, availability and timing vary widely — from free to sometimes well over $100 for a test.

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The CDC has started distributing free tests at three international airports around the U.S. (at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Miami and Chicago O'Hare), and has announced plans to expand the giveaways to other airports soon.

Many U.S. embassies, including in Britain, provide lists of approved local testing providers. Airlines also provide information about testing requirements and airport testing options.

Aside from finding an approved test to take (using local guidance from your airline, hotel and/or embassy), the most important step is to manage the timing of your test. If you plan to take a test at the airport, be sure to allow plenty of time for both the test and receiving the results, as wait times can be unpredictable — some travelers are facing long lines during the holiday travel season — and note that the test station may be far from your departure gate.

Can you test yourself?

While rapid off-the-shelf “at-home” (self-administered) antigen tests can provide an initial screening and peace of mind for travelers, they won’t meet the CDC requirements for reentry. ( See our story for more on home testing .)

For a home test to meet CDC reentry requirements, it must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test or antigen test) authorized by the FDA or the government of the country where you are. The test must also have an approved telehealth component that provides real-time supervision — so you’ll need a good Wi-Fi connection to consult with a medical professional from the test manufacturer who will confirm your identity, watch you administer the test and confirm the results.

And the test must be able to produce approved documentation to share with airline and customs officials. The CDC-approved travel reentry tests available online include Abbott’s BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Test ($70 for a two-pack), which will give you results within 15 minutes. The Qured Video Supervised Rapid Test ($45) is similar, with two tests included: The first is done under video supervision; the second, taken without supervision 24-36 hours later, is meant to confirm the result.

For frequent travelers, Cue Health has introduced its own testing device with a membership service. It's $474 for a device plus three tests, or a monthly service beginning at $50. To return to the U.S. after international travel, you'd need the Cue+ Complete membership, which is $90 per month.

What if you just want peace of mind that you don't have COVID-19 before traveling to visit family and friends within the U.S.?

In that case, you can use over-the-counter tests from drugstores. But there have been severe shortages for these quick-and-easy tests, which offer results in less than 15 minutes, as  omicron’s spread has led to a surge in demand .

While many countries have over-the-counter tests available for purchase once you get there, it might be a good idea to bring a few test kits with you (if you can find any). They can provide peace of mind if you are exhibiting symptoms, and save you time searching pharmacies for test kits (or a potentially expensive trip to a clinic at your destination). Again, these over-the-counter tests will not be enough to gain approval for return to the U.S., unless they have the certified telehealth component included.

What happens if you fail your return COVID-19 test?

Regulations for travelers receiving a positive test vary widely by country. Even if you're asymptomatic, you will typically be required to quarantine — either at a government-mandated location or one of your choosing — for at least a week, with a negative test required to exit quarantine. A few countries take care of the cost of quarantine food and lodging, many others do not, and costs can quickly accumulate.

This is the time when you should consider purchasing travel insurance — and choose COVID-19-specific options on your policy. Read the fine print carefully. Given the recent rapid spread of the omicron variant, it certainly would be wise to look into relevant travel insurance options for any international trip. 

A few more tips

· Stay on top of CDC guidance.  Before traveling, be sure to confirm the latest requirements on the  CDC website , and with your airline. You don’t want to be denied access to your return flight with an unapproved test or missing paperwork.

· Check your destination’s testing requirements.  Other countries’ testing and vaccination rules vary widely, but many require visitors to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days (some within 24 hours) of travel with approved PCR or antigen tests.  

Editor's note: This article was originally published on December 21, 2021. It's been updated to reflect new information.

Bill Fink is an award-winning travel writer covering global adventures for BBC , Lonely Planet , Thrillist and many other outlets. Follow him @finktravels.

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How Do I Get a PCR Test in Time for Travel?

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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Although the United States accepts certain rapid tests for travel, there are plenty of other destinations that require a PCR test for entry—which can present a serious problem for travelers. Given the current shortage of PCR tests, finding an available appointment can be an impossible challenge—and then you might not even get your results back within the 72 hour window that most destinations require. So how can you get a PCR test in time for your flight? We’ve found some options for travelers. 

One warning: Be prepared to pay for the convenience of getting a PCR test back in time for your flight. Most health insurance plans do not cover COVID tests for travel, and many rapid PCR test providers will charge extra for quick results. 

Rapid PCR Tests

Check to see if your destination accepts rapid PCR tests. These RT-PCR tests offer PCR accuracy but results can be delivered quickly (sometimes in less than an hour). Rapid PCR testing sites can be found at many airports, but if you don’t have an appointment, lines can be extremely long (and you won’t be guaranteed to be able to get a test, no matter how long you wait), so schedule in advance if you can.

What Do You Need for Documentation of Recovery from COVID to Enter the U.S.?

XpresCheck operates many of the airport testing locations, and they offer Rapid PCR tests for $250 with results in as little as 60 minutes. Appointments can be booked online. 

CVS Minute Clinic

Some CVS Minute Clinics offer Rapid PCR tests, which promise results “within hours.” However, appointments for these tests are extremely limited, so you may struggle to actually book one. Lab tests cost $139 out of pocket. 

Urgent Care

Try your local Urgent Care center, as many are now offering rapid PCR test options. Make sure you call or book online (rather than just showing up) as wait times are extremely long at most Urgent Care centers across the United States.

10 COVID Travel Tips from Public Health Experts

PCR Tests With Fast Turnaround Times

Currently, many PCR testing locations are taking up to a week to return results. If you need results quickly for travel, there are some companies that specialize in COVID tests for travel, promising to get results back within a certain time frame.

If you’re relying on a test that requires you to mail in a sample (or doesn’t guarantee results in a certain amount of time), you may wish to book a second test with another company just in case your first one doesn’t come back in time. 

Amazon COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC

Even Amazon has gotten into the COVID test game, offering a FDA authorized PCR test for $39.99. This is a mail-in test, but Amazon claims you will get results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at the lab. However, this means you could be cutting it close for getting results in time for your flight if there are any mail delays. 

Passport Health

Passport Health focuses on providing tests specifically for travel or to return to work/school. They do not generally offer tests to symptomatic individuals or close contacts, meaning it may be easier to find a PCR appointment here than at other overwhelmed testing centers. Passport Health has locations in: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New JErsey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. 

However, note that Passport Health does not guarantee results within 72 hours. 

5 Apps You Need for COVID-19 Travel

Looking for a RT-PCR test for Hawaii? Azova offers two easy options, both are which approved for the Hawaii Safe Travels Program. Choose from an in-person test for $119 or an at-home saliva RT-PCR test (with video observation) for $114.99. Be sure to follow Azova’s guidelines on when to book your test in order to get results in time for your test as the at-home test requires you to mail in a sample for processing. 

Same-Day COVID Testing Services

Many local companies have sprung up to meet the needs of travelers who need rapid PCR test results. If you Google: “Same-day PCR tests near me” you should be able to find a clinic or concierge medical service that will guarantee COVID results in time for travel. Some will even send a technician to your house to collect your sample, saving you the time and hassle of going to get a test. Of course, these concierge services tend to be pricey, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $150-$450 for these tests. 

Here are some examples of same-day PCR testing companies:

• Innovative Express Care , Chicago
• Longwood Health , Boston
• Carecube , New York CIty
• Drip Hydration , Various locations

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Travel and Coronavirus Testing: Your Questions Answered

Taking a test is the best way to assure yourself and others that you aren’t spreading the virus. Here’s what you need to know.

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By Tariro Mzezewa

As the United States endures an alarming surge in coronavirus cases across the country, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to warn people to postpone travel and stay at home to be safe.

But whether for the December holidays or otherwise, many Americans expect to continue with their travel plans, either out of necessity or desire, and many plan to tap new ways increasingly offered by airlines and airports to get coronavirus tests before their trips.

Some destinations, like Hawaii , Washington, D.C., and some Caribbean countries have begun allowing people who have tested negative for the virus and can show test results to skip mandatory 14-day quarantines, a process that some view as risky because it is possible that people can take a test, receive a negative result and then contract the virus later.

Are all coronavirus tests the same?

No. There are two categories of coronavirus tests : virus tests, which help determine if you have the coronavirus, and antibody tests, which detect if you have an immune response because of past exposure to the virus.

[Read our 2021 Travel questions and answers guide on restrictions, vaccination and more.]

If you want to find out if you currently have the coronavirus, you should plan on taking a virus test like a polymerase chain reaction or PCR test. PCR tests are currently considered the gold standard for tests because of their accuracy and reliability. PCR tests can detect an active infection and require a swab in the nose or the back of the throat. Some tests use saliva. The test is highly sensitive and looks for the virus’s genetic material.

Another type of diagnostic test is an antigen test, which detects the presence of a specific viral antigen or bits of coronavirus proteins, implying current viral infection. For antigen tests, a sample is collected by nasal swabbing, with hopes that there are some virus proteins in the sample.

You’ve probably heard of antibody tests, too, but those aren’t what you need in order to travel . An antibody test checks for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes Covid-19.

Are rapid tests reliable?

Many companies have released rapid tests and they are mostly antigen tests and they take minutes to return results. These tests tend to be less accurate, and false negatives could lead people to be reckless and unwittingly spread the virus, but they are fast and affordable. You can check if your airline and destination accept results from rapid antigen tests.

How do I know which test to take?

Most airlines and destinations will accept PCR tests although others might also be allowed.

If you’re taking a test specifically because you are about to travel, you should first see if your destination has a list of tests that it will accept. Many places, including Hawaii, Washington D.C., New York and a number of Caribbean countries, specify which tests they will accept.

If you get a test that isn’t approved, you could be forced to quarantine upon arrival or the airline could prevent you from boarding the flight.

Where do I get a test?

Many places are offering coronavirus tests, including some hospitals, urgent care clinics, pharmacies and doctor’s offices. Some churches and fire stations are offering testing, too. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines are offering testing at the airport or at nearby drive-through sites for passengers heading to certain destinations. Some airports have clinics in terminals. Companies, including CareCube and Pixel by LabCorp , will mail a test to you and you send back a sample; they promise to send you your results within 12 to 34 hours and 36 hours, respectively. JetBlue has a partnership with Vault Health for mail-in tests .

It’s a good idea to start by reaching out to your doctor’s office to see what all the available options for testing are and how long it will take to get results. If you don’t have a primary care provider, a good place to start is on city and state health department websites, which outline the various testing options and locations.

I have a trip coming up. When should I take my test?

You should get a coronavirus test before you travel. Figuring out the exact time can be tricky, but you can’t wait too long to take the test because you might not get the results back in time to go on your trip.

For those reasons, many destinations, including France , Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and Hawaii, require that the test be taken within 72 hours of departure. Abu Dhabi and Croatia require test results are within 48 hours of departure. Some airlines, like Egypt Air, allow travelers to use results from a test taken up to 96 hours before traveling, depending on where they are traveling from and to.

You can walk into a testing site, but it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment and to not wait until the last minute to get the test.

How long does it take to get test results back?

It depends.

If you’re taking a test because you’re getting ready to go on a trip, you should look for test providers who will get results back to you within 36 hours, so that you have your results by the time you leave for your trip. Keep in mind that different tests will come with different wait times for results. Rapid tests typically return results in less than an hour, and results from PCR tests tend to take a few days because samples have to be sent to a lab.

There’s always a chance that your results won’t arrive in time, so try to be flexible with your travel plans.

Does insurance cover coronavirus tests?

Not all tests are covered by insurance, but since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March, many people should have coverage for coronavirus testing. Under the Act, public and private insurance, including self-funded plans, have to cover F.D.A.-approved coronavirus tests and costs associated with diagnostic testing.

Rapid tests like the ones offered at the airport on the day of travel might not be covered by many insurance companies.

What should I do if I test positive for the virus?

Stay home and isolate. Don’t travel with the virus.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list .

Tariro Mzezewa is a national correspondent covering the American South. More about Tariro Mzezewa

Going on vacation soon? Make sure you have the right COVID-19 test

Antigen test. Rapid test. PCR test. RT-PCR test. Antibody test. If you've taken a COVID-19 test during the pandemic , you might have been bewildered by the sheer number of options.

There are several names for COVID-19 tests, and keeping track of which one you need for travel can seem daunting. 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.

Not all COVID-19 tests are equal, however. Different types of tests have varying levels of accuracy and turnaround times.

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Testing is much more accessible than it was earlier on in the pandemic. 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. And now, pre-travel testing is even more critical as a result of the latest COVID-19 variant .

Additionally, 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. 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.

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.

Diagnostic tests

Also known as: Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP), diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, rapid test How the sample is collected: Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, saliva Turnaround time: It can be as little as 15 minutes for a rapid antigen test or an hour for rapid PCR tests. PCR tests generally come back within 72 hours

The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) detects active COVID-19 infections and is the most common NAAT test.

These are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the current "gold standard" of tests. 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.

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. Turnaround times for results can vary by chain and location, but are generally between one and seven days.

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. That said, if you're looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it'll cost you. Facilities offering rapid tests generally bill you the total amount, and it typically isn't covered by insurance.

Countries that require a PCR test for entry include Anguilla (RT-PCR), Antigua and Barbuda (RT-PCR), St. Martin, Ireland (RT-PCR), Paraguay (RT-PCR or NAAT) and Bonaire (PCR or NAAT test).

Antigen tests

Rapid antigen tests check for proteins on the virus's surface. These tests are popular for their quick turnaround times, but the level of accuracy can be lower than a PCR test.

A growing number of U.S. airports and airlines offer rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers or travelers on specific flights or heading to particular destinations. Several hotels, hoping to comply with the U.S. testing mandate, have also started to offer rapid tests on site.

Countries that allow travelers to enter with a negative rapid, or antigen, test include the United States, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Austria and Croatia.

At-home tests

The U.S. 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.

That's good news for U.S.-bound travelers who may not have many testing options at their location abroad. Travelers flying to the U.S. can use a self-test (sometimes called home test if it's a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization [EUA] from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The test must also have a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision.

Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test is CDC-approved for travel to the U.S. Each test comes with two tests per box, and the company says to swab yourself twice within three days , with at least 36 hours between. There's a second Abbott rapid test that you can buy at the drugstore, but it isn't proctored and can't be used for travel. Another at-home test, Amazon's COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC, has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA.

Antibody tests

Also known as: Serological test, serology, blood test, serology test How the sample is collected: Blood test Turnaround time: Can be same-day or up to three days

Antibody tests are blood tests that can identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it shouldn't be used to diagnose an active infection.

Several countries, including Greece , Iceland and French Polynesia , allow visitors who have proof of a previous infection with a confirmed antibody test.

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Living with COVID-19

The government has published its plan for Living with COVID-19 and free universal testing has come to an end.

Most people are no longer required to get a PCR test if they have symptoms or test regularly at home.

Find out who is still eligible for free testing

Minimise the spread of COVID-19

As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching the virus and passing it on to others. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, try to stay at home and limit contact with other people. If you need to go out, for example to go to work, try to keep your distance from others.

Washing your hands, opening doors and windows when you meet people indoors, wearing masks in crowded places and getting vaccinated can all help to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Find out how to stay safe on GOV.UK

Easy Read version of Government Guidance.

Protect Kent and Medway. Protect lives.

PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Oct 26, 2021 • 6 min read

Which type of COVID-19 test do you need to travel? © Ergin Yalcin / Getty Images

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, PCR tests, antigen tests, and LAMP tests have all entered the common lexicon. But what’s the difference between all of the ways to test for COVID-19 and which one do you need to travel? 

It’s a labyrinth of acronyms and technologies, but getting it wrong when traveling can be a real headache of denied boarding ⁠—or even being sent back to where you came from. We explain what they all are, when you need them and how to find them when you’re on the road. 

What’s a PCR test and why do I need one?

A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test looks for genetic material within a sample via a process that takes a matter of hours. For COVID-19 purposes, it amplifies the sample taken from your nose, throat or saliva to try to find genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. If the test finds that material, you have or have recently had the disease. The Cleveland Clinic has some further explanations of how PCR tests work .

PCR is usually officially called RT-PCR (RT for Reverse Transcription) and is one of a group of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) that include a variety of methods—NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, and SDA—all of which are explained well by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . But all you really need to know for travel is what the relevant country you’re traveling to wants.

Use government websites to check for the latest entry requirements to your destination, or check out our Health Hub . In practice, you may need either a specific PCR or other kind of NAAT test to travel internationally. Many countries require a recent negative test in order to enter, with some even requiring testing for vaccinated travelers. Do check carefully, and either print out or screenshot the requirements so you can confirm that you’ve got it right with whoever is administering your pre-departure test.

Some countries require that tests be conducted by a healthcare provider like a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, while others are fine with the kits that let you swab yourself and mail a pack off to the lab for testing.

Some countries also require you to take another test after your arrival. You’ll want to check, but in this case the cheaper at-home, mail-off test kits might save you some money⁠—although if you have to quarantine until you get the result it’s faster to get swabbed in a healthcare setting with its own lab.

How is a PCR test different from other tests: antigen, LAMP, TMA or others?

PCR tests differ from others in what they’re testing for and how they process the sample. In many cases, the actual sample extraction from your nose, throat or saliva can be the same—it’s what’s done with it that counts.

But besides the common PCR test, some destinations accept antigen tests , which look for specific molecules on the surface of the virus. These are much faster—it might take 15–30 minutes for most of them—and come either as home test kits or in a healthcare setting like a pharmacy, test centre or doctor’s office. 

By and large, only antigen tests administered by a healthcare provider, with the written documentation you’ll receive, are considered valid for travel purposes. Bring the requirements of your destination country with you when you book the test to make sure. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about the EU's digital COVID-19 certificate 

As more destinations introduce vaccine passes to enter cultural sites and restaurants, some countries⁠—like France and Spain⁠—also accept recent antigen tests for the Digital COVID certificate. 

Where can I get a PCR—or antigen—test for travel?

Whether you’re entering a country or returning home, you may have to provide written proof of a PCR or antigen test over the last 24, 48 or 72 hours. Note that this validity window for PCR and antigen tests may well be different based on where you’re going. 

Antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, with results within 15-30 minutes, but tests for travel purposes may incur charges—and tests for public health purposes may not give you the right paperwork for travel. 

PCR tests are less widely available and take longer, so you’ll want to do some more planning. In many countries you should be able to get a PCR test with documentation for travel at a pharmacy⁠—but be aware that in many places these are still quite expensive. If you’re struggling to find somewhere that provides tests, you could contact your airline and see if they can help. 

Check your own country’s embassy in your destination, that country’s embassy in your own country, as well as the relevant airlines and airports to get more information on tests. 

How do I get a PCR test abroad?

Since PCR tests take longer and require more equipment than an antigen test, it can be harder to find them. Given varying requirements that the test be conducted within one, two or three days, if you need a test to travel, it’s best to have one done in a healthcare setting (ideally at a lab) than using an at-home mail-in kit. 

The US Department of Health & Human Services maintains a list of community-based testing sites in the US , while the UK government maintains a list for arrival tests that may also be useful for passengers departing the UK . 

France, too, has a COVID test location database that allows you to search by location and to choose PCR, antigen or both. Germany does as well, broken out by region . Use a translation app or ask at your hotel for help.

For other countries, run a web search like “COVID travel test”, PCR or antigen, and the country name, but make sure you aren’t tripped up by private companies gaming the search results.

Can I take a PCR or antigen test at home for travel, or bring a test with me?

Most countries don’t accept self-administered tests for travel. That said, there are some options where you bring a test with you and book a video call with a healthcare professional who monitors you when taking the test—either then sent off to a lab for a PCR test or developed where you are for an antigen test.

On balance, with both PCR tests and antigen tests widely available in many locations, this seems like a lot of extra overhead, together with the possibility of tests going astray in the post. 

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel? What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival?

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Find cheapest Covid-19 tests for travellers ahead of trip abroad

Portal will enable users to compare price, availability, and reliability of pre- and post-travel coronavirus tests

• 12:58, 30 APR 2021

A Covid test comparison site has been unveiled to help travellers access essential advice and information ahead of trips abroad

Covid Testing Network has launched the site to enable users to compare price, availability, and reliability of pre- and post-travel coronavirus tests.

Medical experts claim the market has seen the emergence of new, inexperienced PCR test providers, and the fluctuation of the price of tests.

This combination makes it difficult for the consumer to be confident that they are getting the best deal.

Travellers will now be able to gain access to efficient and affordable PCR testing by comparing private test providers’ pricing and service levels across all accredited laboratories in the UK.

Searches can include:

• Type of test required - Fit to Fly, Test to Release, Day 2 & 8 Arrival Tests
• Testing facility - at home, or in-person local clinic
• Test availability within a specific geographic radius
• Turnaround time - same day, up to 18 hours, up to 24 hours, up to 48 hours and up to 72 hours

Results can be sorted by price, turnaround time or company name. Additionally, results display the key features of a provider’s offering such as whether discounts are available on testing for families, and whether non-invasive saliva tests are available.

All providers on the site have declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for providers of Day 2 & 8 Testing, Test to Release for international travel, or general Covid-19 testing.

Accreditation may only be applicable to specific tests; however, Covid Testing Network only lists providers for the tests they are approved to perform.

This ensures that travellers have the correct test at the time of departure and ensures they are permitted to travel by their airline or travel organiser. All test bookings are made directly with the PCR test provider.

Tim Perkin, co-Founder at Covid Testing Network, said: “We believe that transparency when customers are booking a PCR test for travel is of huge importance.

"If testing deadlines are missed or incorrect documentation is presented when travelling, the result might be that travellers miss out on their holiday or trip.

"When entrusting the testing process to a PCR test provider, travellers need to be assured that the provider will deliver the service they have promised at a reasonable price.”

For more information, visit: www.covid19-testing.org

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Where to Find a Covid PCR Test in King County

By Angela Cabotaje January 10, 2022

Image: Katya Havok / Shutterstock.com

First there was the  omicron  surge—now the BA.5 subvariant. Le sigh. Sure, we can get  free at-home Covid tests  through the United States Postal Service and Washington state  to avoid any toilet-paper-level scarcity of  rapid tests . But many folks may still need PCR or NAAT tests from county-run sites and hospital popups for an official diagnosis.

Pharmacies like Bartell , Walgreens , and CVS may offer testing appointments, but this list should aid you in your search for swabs. We’ll do our best to keep it updated. For the latest guidance on Covid-19 testing and locations, visit  Public Health—Seattle and King County’s testing page . 

Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St NE (PCR and Rapid PCR).  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 1:30pm. Rapid results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended. 

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site -  Boeing Auburn Facility, 2400 Perimeter Rd.  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Drive-through or walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site -  Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, 1B parking lot.  Make appointments online  here . Available every day, 9am to 5:30pm. Drive-through or walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

Federal Way

Education Service Center, 33330 Eighth Ave S.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Friday, 9am to 2pm. Appointments recommended. 

Federal Way Aquatics Center, 650 SW Campus Dr.  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 5:30pm. Appointments recommended. 

Sacajawea Middle School, 1101 S Dash Point Rd. Make appointments online here . Available Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Appointments recommended. 

Kent/Des Moines

Kent Phoenix Academy (PCR and NAAT), 11000 SE 264th St.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Friday, noon to 4pm (PCR) or noon to 5pm (NAAT). NAAT test results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended. 

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site -  Highline Community College, 2400 S 240th St, S-1 parking lot.  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Ash Way Park and Ride, 16327 Ash Way .  Make appointments online  here . Available Sunday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Drive-through and walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

Atlas Genomics - HealthPoint Renton, 805 SW 10th St.  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 6:15pm, and Saturday, 8:15am to 4:15pm. Drive-through. Appointments recommended. 

Cornish Playhouse, 201 Mercer St (PCR and Rapid PCR).  Make appointments online  here . Available Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 7pm; Monday and Friday, 8am to 6pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Rapid results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended. 

Don Armeni Boat Ramp, 1222 Harbor Ave SW.  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm. Appointments recommended. 

Garfield Playfield Tennis Court, 537 25th Ave (PCR and  NAAT) .  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 8am to 2pm. NAAT results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended.

Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way. Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Thursday, 8am to noon. Appointments recommended.  

Kings Hall/Mount Baker Light Rail, 2929 27th Ave S. Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 8am to 2pm. Appointments recommended. 

Lower Woodland Park Playfields, 5201 Greenlake Way N. Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 3pm. Appointments recommended. 

Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Ave NE. Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm. Appointments recommended. 

Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St. Make appointments online here . Available Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6pm, and Monday, noon to 1pm. Appointments recommended. 

Seattle Pacific University, 315 W Bertona St (PCR and NAAT).  Located on the first floor of the Student Union Building. Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 3pm. NAAT test results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended.

Seattle University, 1300 E Columbia St. Make appointments online here . Available Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 8am to 3pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 6pm. Appointments recommended. 

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Aurora, 12040 Aurora Ave N.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Drive-through and walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Ballard, 1145 NW Market St.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Harborview, 319 Terry Ave.  Make appointments online  here . Available every day, 8am to 3:15pm. Testing for travel, events, or gatherings should be scheduled 14 days in advance. By appointment only.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Rainier Beach, 5117 Rainier Ave S.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - South Seattle (SoDo), 3820 Sixth Ave S.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Drive-through and walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - University District, 4113 Franklin Pl NE, E04 parking lot.  Make appointments online  here . Available every day, 9am to 5:30pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - UW Medical Center Northwest, 1510 North 115th St.  Make appointments online  here . Available every day, 7:30am to 3pm. Testing for travel, events, or gatherings should be scheduled 14 days in advance. By appointment only.

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - West Seattle, 2801 SW Thistle St.  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended.

Washington State Convention Center, 705 Pike St, First Floor (PCR and NAAT).  Make appointments online  here . Available Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm. NAAT test results typically available within two hours. Appointments recommended. 

UW Medicine's Covid test site in Shoreline is one of the few open on Sundays. 

Image: Seattle Met Staff

UW Medicine Covid-19 Testing Site - Shoreline, 15499 15th Ave NE.  Make appointments online  here . Available Sunday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Walk-up. No testing in preparation for surgery. Appointments recommended. 

Church by the Side of the Road, 3455 S 148th St .  Make appointments online here . Available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 5:30pm. Appointments recommended. 

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COVID-19 tests for travel

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Fit to fly lateral flow test kit: at home, fit to fly pcr test kit: at home, fit to fly pcr test: in-store, before you check in, check out our getaway essentials.

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COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk

• Department of Health & Social Care
• UK Health Security Agency

Updated 21 May 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

This guidance only applies to people living in England. There is separate guidance available for people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Introduction

The success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme has meant that the requirement for shielding and identifying people as clinically extremely vulnerable ( CEV ) is no longer necessary.

Most people who were part of this CEV patient cohort are no longer at substantially greater risk than the general population and are advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, as well as any further advice received from their healthcare professional.

However, there remains a smaller number of people whose weakened immune system means they may be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, despite vaccination.

Enhanced protection measures, such as those offered by specific treatments or additional vaccinations alongside other protective behaviours, may benefit these individuals. This guidance is for those individuals who remain at higher risk.

This page contains information on:

• who this guidance is for
• keeping yourself safe

COVID-19 vaccines

Covid-19 treatments, covid-19 testing.

• what to do if you test positive for COVID-19
• what to do if you test negative for COVID-19 and still feel unwell

Who this guidance is for

Immunosuppression means you have a weakened immune system due to a particular health condition or because you are on medication or treatment that suppresses your immune system. People who are immunosuppressed, or who have specific other medical conditions, may have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases, including COVID-19.

Most people with immunosuppression will be under the care of a hospital specialist and/or known to their GP. As a result of this they will usually be eligible for either or both of:

additional vaccines including COVID-19 boosters

Further information on who is included in these groups of people is included in the sections on vaccination and treatments below. If you are in one of these groups, consider following the guidance below on keeping yourself safe.

Keeping yourself safe

The following advice on ‘keeping yourself safe’ is aimed at adults. Children and young people are recommended to continue to attend education, unless they are advised otherwise by their clinician. Attending education is hugely important for children and young people’s health and their future.

If you have been advised by the NHS that you are in one of these groups, you are advised to:

• ensure you have had all of the vaccines you are eligible to receive
• continue to follow any condition-specific advice you may have been given by your specialist

You are advised to try to avoid contact with people who have symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. A detailed description of COVID-19 symptoms can be found in guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19 .

If you have visitors to your home, consider ventilating your rooms by opening windows and doors to let fresh air in. More advice on ventilating your home can be found on GOV.UK.

Consider asking visitors to your home to take additional precautions, such as keeping their distance. COVID-19 tests are no longer free for the general public, but you may wish to ask visitors to take a lateral flow device ( LFD ) test before visiting. You might also consider asking them to wear a face covering and you may want to wear a face covering yourself.

If it feels right for you, work from home if you can. If you cannot work from home, speak to your employer about what arrangements they can make to reduce your risk. It may be that you are entitled to a Reasonable Adjustment under the Equality Act . See Public health principles for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in the workplace

If you are too ill to work, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay .

When out and about, you may want to try to keep your distance from others if that feels right for you, and consider reducing the time you spend in crowded spaces or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Consider wearing a well-fitting face covering in crowded public spaces. Although face coverings are primarily worn to protect others, because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main routes of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, they may also provide some limited protection to the wearer.

Further advice about face coverings can be found in guidance on living safely with respiratory infections including COVID-19 .

If you have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment, and you are aged 6 months or over, you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring if it has been at least 3 months since your last vaccination.

This is to help improve any protection you may have built from previous vaccination or infection.

By having a further dose of vaccine, you may reduce your chance of catching the COVID-19 infection. If you do catch COVID-19, the symptoms may be less severe and the illness shorter than if you had not had the extra vaccination.

Further information, including about those who may need an extra dose this spring, is available . You should receive a letter inviting you to book. If not, check with your GP or specialist whether you are eligible.

You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first.

How to book

If you are eligible for a vaccine, you can book a COVID-19 vaccine:

• on the national booking system
• by going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
• on the NHS app
• by talking to a local NHS service, such as a GP surgery
• by talking to your care home

It will help to take the vaccination invite letter, an NHS letter describing your condition or treatment, or a repeat prescription slip with you, or you can show your health record or prescription history in the NHS App.

You can book or manage a COVID-19 vaccination online through the NHS website.

If you can’t book online, phone 119 free of charge, 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. You can ask someone else to do this for you. Please ensure you have your NHS number at hand. If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language ( BSL ) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS BSL interpreter service .

The NHS strongly encourages those with a weakened immune system to take up their offer for the spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible to ensure they have the highest possible level of protection.

Further information on COVID-19 vaccinations is available on NHS.UK.

The NHS is offering treatments to those people with COVID-19 who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill and who are aged 12 years or above. Not all treatments are suitable for people aged 12 to 17 years.

The list of eligible people who are offered these treatments is regularly reviewed and is available on the NHSE and GOV.UK websites. The list currently includes some people who have:

• Down’s syndrome, or another chromosomal disorder that affects their immune system
• certain types of cancer or have received treatment for certain types of cancer
• sickle cell disease
• certain conditions affecting their blood
• chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) stage 4 or 5
• severe liver disease
• had an organ transplant
• certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease)
• HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
• a condition affecting their immune system
• a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or certain types of dementia
• certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions

This list is a summary and does not cover everything.

If you were identified as being eligible for assessment for COVID-19 treatments before 27 June 2023, you will have been contacted by the NHS to make you aware of this.   

If you have become eligible for assessment for COVID-19 treatments since June 2023 (or become eligible), you will have been told about this (or will be told about this) by your doctor or specialist at the point that you were diagnosed with a qualifying condition or began a qualifying treatment. 

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to your doctor or hospital specialist who can advise you.

Treatments for COVID-19 are most effective if they are started early (ideally within 5 days of you first developing symptoms). It is therefore important that you take a COVID-19 test as soon as possible if you develop symptoms so that you can access treatments early if you test positive for COVID-19. 

A broader group of patients (currently those aged 18 years and over, and with underlying health conditions) may also be able to take part in the  PANORAMIC clinical study  if they test positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic.

In England, patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments can access free LFD  tests.

If you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, please make sure you have a supply of  LFD  tests at home so that you can test yourself quickly if you develop symptoms of COVID-19. You can now obtain free LFD tests from your local pharmacy. You can also use tests you’ve paid for, for example, a test you’ve bought from a supermarket or pharmacy. Further information is available on NHS: Treatments for COVID-19 .

Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory infections include, among others:

• a high temperature
• unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
• shortness of breath
• a loss of, or change to, your normal sense of smell or taste

Test kits contain instructions and links to support those who need assistance in testing.

If you test positive

If you test positive, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Further advice about staying at home can be found in guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19 .

If you are eligible for treatment, it’s important to start as soon as you can. To be effective, treatments for COVID-19 need to be given quickly after your symptoms start.

If your COVID-19 test result is positive, follow the information for accessing treatments in your area on the NHS COVID-19 treatments page.

If you test negative and you still feel unwell

If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, you should take another test on each of the next 2 days (3 tests in total over 3 days).

If you continue to feel unwell, you should seek healthcare advice via your GP or NHS 111. If it is an emergency, you should call 999.

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Do You Need to Retest After a Positive COVID-19 Result?

• Positive for COVID-19?
• Do I Need to Retest?
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• Retest After Re-Exposure?
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If you test positive for COVID-19 , you don't need to retest if your symptoms have cleared or are improving. However, you should take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you're sick. This may include staying away from others if you have a fever and/or taking additional precautions, such as wearing a well-fitting face mask and washing your hands often.

This article explains when to retest after a positive COVID test and explores special situations where retesting may be valuable.

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What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you:

• Take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Monitor your symptoms.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about treatment if you are at risk for severe illness.

According to the CDC, to reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19, you should:

• Isolate at home until you've been fever-free for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medication) AND your symptoms are mild and improving.      
• Take additional precautions for five days following isolation, such as wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and washing your hands often.

Is It Possible to be Infected With Two Different COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time?

It's not common, but there have been case reports of people who have been diagnosed with two COVID variants at the same time.

Do I Need to Retest After Getting COVID-19?

If you follow the CDC's guidance on preventing respiratory viruses when you're sick, there is generally no need to retest yourself for COVID-19.

What If a PCR Test Is Positive?

There are different tests used to detect COVID-19.

Antigen tests, available over the counter, detect proteins on the surface of the virus itself. Another test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) , performed in a lab, detects the genetic material of the virus and is often used to confirm a positive antigen test result.

Antigen tests are far less sensitive than PCRs. With a PCR, you can continue to test positive for weeks or even months after an antigen test delivers a negative result.

So if you are re-testing to see if your infection has passed, a positive PCR does not mean that you are contagious. Although minute amounts of the virus may be detected, they may not be at levels capable of infecting others.

What If an Antibody Test Is Positive?

In addition to antigen and PCR tests, there are antibody tests that detect proteins produced by the immune system in response to COVID-19.

Despite being given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the early part of the pandemic, COVID antibody tests are not used in the same way today.

According to the CDC:

• Antibody tests should not be used to determine if someone has COVID-19.
• Antibody tests should not be used to assess a person's immunity to COVID-19 given that scientists do not know how long or robust these protective antibodies are.

COVID antibody tests have other limitations. Among them, it can take one to three weeks before there are enough antibodies for the test to detect. By that time, many other people could have been infected.

Today, antibody tests are used for population-based research. They are also sometimes used to aid in the diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) , a rare but severe complication of COVID-19 in adults and children.

Should I Retest If Re-Exposed to COVID?

If you tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days and have been re-exposed to the virus, you may or may not need to be retested. It depends on how long ago you tested positive and whether or not you have symptoms.

According to the CDC, you should be retested if:

• You tested positive for COVID within 30 days and have COVID symptoms.
• You tested positive for COVID within 31 to 90 days and have COVID symptoms.
• You tested positive for COVID within 31 to 90 days and do not have COVID symptoms.

Antigen testing is recommended. If the result is negative, repeat testing should be done.

You should NOT be retested if you tested positive for COVID within 30 days and do not have COVID symptoms.

Window Period for Antigen Testing

The window period for a COVID antigen test is five days. This means that it takes that amount of time for the virus level to be high enough that a test can detect it. Testing before then may lead to a false-negative result .

Can My Employer Require COVID Retesting?

Several workplaces have implemented COVID-19 screening to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the CDC advises against policies that require employees to have a negative COVID result before they can return to work.

Instead, the CDC recommends the same isolation and masking policies it has in place for the general population.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers who put mandatory COVID-19 testing in place must ensure that the testing is job-related and consistent with a business necessity. The purpose should be to identify current infections.

Do I Need to Retest a Positive COVID Test for Travel?

You'll need to check the testing requirements for your destination. You may need to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter a country or come back to the country you traveled from. If you test positive for COVID-19 while you are traveling, you will need to follow the guidelines for isolation, testing, and treatment where you are.

Does a Continued Positive Result Mean I Have Long COVID?

Long COVID , also known as post-COVID syndrome, is a chronic condition in which people continue to have symptoms three months after the onset of the initial symptoms or a positive COVID test result .

Symptoms of long COVID may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Joint or muscle pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Changes in smell or taste
• Changes in the menstrual cycle

Long COVID is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms. There are no tests used to diagnose the syndrome, and repeat testing has no value in determining whether or not you have long COVID.

The CDC does not recommend repeat COVID-19 testing for those who have followed guidance on preventing the spread of the virus and whose symptoms are improving or cleared.

The CDC also does not recommend repeat testing for returning to work. Instead, workplaces should adhere to the same isolation/masking recommendations for the general population.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 testing: What you need to know .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick .

Samoilov, Kaptelova, Bukharina, Shipulina, Korneenko, Saenko, Lukyanov, Grishaeva, Ploskireva, Speranskaya, & Akimkin. (2021). Case report: change of dominant strain during dual SARS-CoV-2 infection .  BMC Infectious Diseases ,  21 (1), 1–8. doi:10.1186/s12879-021-06664-w

University of Chicago Medicine. COVID-19 testing: When to test, how accurate are home tests and more .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim guidance for SARS-CoV-2 testing in non-healthcare workplaces .

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. What you should know about COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO laws .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travel .

World Health Organization. A clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus, 6 October 2021 .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Post-COVID conditions .

Yomogida K, Zhu S, Rubino F, Figueroa W, Balanji N, Holman E. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults aged ≥18 years - Long Beach, California, April 1-December 10, 2020 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2021;70(37):1274-1277. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7037a2

By Christine Zink, MD Dr. Zink is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with expertise in the wilderness and global medicine.

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Testing and Diagnosis for Lyme disease

• Healthcare providers consider multiple factors when evaluating a patient for Lyme disease.
• Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease relies on a blood test that detects antibodies to the Lyme bacteria. It can take several weeks after infection for the immune system to make enough antibodies to be detected by the test.
• CDC recommends using antibody tests that have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and follow a two-step process.
• Some laboratories that do not accept private insurance may be offering tests that are not cleared by the FDA.

When assessing a patient for Lyme disease, your healthcare provider will consider:

• The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease
• The likelihood that you have been exposed to infected blacklegged ticks
• The possibility that other illnesses may cause similar symptoms
• Results of laboratory tests, when indicated

Laboratory testing

CDC recommends the use of FDA-cleared antibody tests for laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease. As with antibody tests for other infectious diseases, the accuracy of these tests depends upon how long you've been infected. Antibody tests may appear falsely negative during the first few weeks of infection, typically when a patient has an erythema migrans rash, but FDA-cleared assays have good sensitivity after 4-6 weeks have passed. Once your blood tests positive for antibodies, it will likely continue to do so for months to years, even when the bacteria are no longer present.

Be aware that laboratories that do not accept private insurance may be offering tests that are not cleared or approved by the FDA.

What a diagnosis means

Patients treated with antibiotics in the early stages of the infection usually recover rapidly and completely. Most patients who are treated in later stages of the disease also respond well to antibiotics, although some may have suffered long-term damage to the nervous system or joints.

Because the immune system continues to make the antibodies for months or years after an infection is gone, your blood test will remain positive after the bacteria are no longer present. Unfortunately, these antibodies don’t reliably prevent re-infection should you be bitten by another infected tick.

About tickborne co-infections

In addition to Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks can spread several other tickborne diseases . A person who has more than one tickborne disease at a time is said to have a co-infection. The frequency of co-infections varies widely from place-to-place and over time.

The most common co-infection with Lyme disease is anaplasmosis , which occurs in up to ~10% of patients with Lyme disease. Other co-infections, including babesiosis , Powassan virus disease , and hard tick relapsing fever , occur less frequently.

Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are treated with the same antibiotic, so a person getting treatment for Lyme disease will be treated for anaplasmosis at the same time, regardless of whether additional tests were run. Babesiosis is a parasitic disease that is treated with different medications. If your Lyme disease symptoms do not seem to be going away after taking antibiotics, see your healthcare provider.

Although some providers test patients for Bartonella or Mycoplasma co-infections, there is no evidence that these germs are spread by ticks. If you have been diagnosed with co-infections, you may consider getting a second opinion. CDC recommends finding a board-certified infectious disease specialist, internist, or pediatrician affiliated with a university teaching hospital. Learn more about how to select a healthcare provider .

Your state or county health department is typically the best source of information about tickborne diseases that occur your area.

If you need a doctor

In areas where Lyme disease is common, most family practice physicians, general practitioners, and pediatricians are familiar with diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.

In areas where Lyme disease is not common or for more complicated cases of Lyme disease, infectious disease specialists are often the best type of doctor to see. Please note that CDC cannot evaluate the qualifications and competence of individual doctors; however, the National Institutes of Health provides information about how to choose a doctor. Additionally, your state medical board can help you find out if your health care provider is in good standing.

• Horowitz HW, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, Holmgren D, McKenna D, Schwartz I, Cox ME, Wormser GP. Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis coinfection: impact of case definition on coinfection rates and illness severity . Clin Infect Dis. 2013 Jan;56(1):93-9.
• Krause PJ, McKay K, Thompson CA, Sikand VK, et al. Disease-specific diagnosis of coinfecting tickborne zoonoses: babesiosis, human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease . Clin Infect Dis . 2002 May 1;34(9):1184-91.
• Belongia EA, Reed KD, Mitchell PD, et al. Clinical and epidemiological features of early Lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Wisconsin . Clin Infect Dis . 1999 Dec;29(6):1472-7.
• Steere AC1, McHugh G, Suarez C, Hoitt J, Damle N, Sikand VK. Prospective study of coinfection in patients with erythema migrans . Clin Infect Dis . 2003 Apr 15;36(8):1078-81.
• Lantos PM, Wormser GP. Chronic coinfections in patients diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease: a systematic review . Am J Med . 2014 Nov;127(11):1105-10.
• Telford SR, Wormser GP. Bartonella transmission by ticks not established. Emerg Infect Dis . 2010 Mar;16(3) 379-84.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria spread to people by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.

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