From Canada to Israel, nations are starting to ditch COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers; however, in the US, there’s no sign of changing the current policy. To enter the country by air, you must present either a negative test within one day of flying or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days. This rule applies to everyone two years of age or older. All non-US citizens must also show proof of vaccination.
It’s important to note that the US test requirement covers one calendar day—not 24 hours—before departure. This allows travelers to take a test any time during the day prior to their flight, irrespective of departure time.
The testing regulation might seem daunting—particularly for those who need to get tested in unfamiliar locales—yet it doesn’t have to be. If you’re planning to travel soon, mapping out a strategy and getting tested within one day of your flight should seamlessly blend into your travel plans.
“The whole thing is not a big deal,” says Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the luxury travel agency SmartFlyer. When the US enacted a testing rule in 2020, Holtz notes that finding testing options was challenging. Today, they’re widely available.
“Even if a client is hiking the Himalayas, they can get their test done in a day,” he adds.
What kind of test do I need?
All travelers entering the United States must undergo a SARS-CoV-2 viral test, which includes antigen and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). The most common NAAT is a PCR test, regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. If you’re uncertain about whether the US will accept your test, refer to the CDC’s website for confirmation.
Different PCR tests yield varying wait times, ranging from fifteen minutes to several days. Consequently, look for a rapid PCR test if you require results within the one-day timeframe.
For travelers opting for a rapid at-home antigen test, remember to follow the CDC’s guidelines: a telehealth professional must confirm your identity, observe the test, and authenticate the results. Tests without a proctor will not be accepted.
Abbot BinaxNOW provides rapid at-home tests packaged with telehealth service for $69.99. Flowflex and Detect offer the telehealth service separately. Additionally, it’s possible for Americans to use free iHealth tests distributed by the government (available through COVIDTests.org, limited to eight per address). A virtual session with an iHealth test proctor costs $24.99. For further details, visit the associated websites to order kits and arrange appointments.
Regardless of the testing method you choose, all travelers must obtain documentation of the result before boarding a US-bound flight. This may include a QR code, text, email, or a printed letter. If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you can present your positive COVID-19 test result taken no more than 90 days before departure, along with a letter from a licensed healthcare provider clearing you for travel.
How do I get a COVID-19 test while traveling outside the US?
There are several options to consider when getting tested abroad:
Some hotels provide COVID-19 tests
It’s wise to check with the hotel or resort where you’re staying. “Many hotels are set up to handle testing,” says Holtz. Call ahead or check the hotel’s website to see if you can schedule an on-site appointment. Always ensure the test meets US requirements. If the hotel doesn’t provide testing, the concierge can direct you to the nearest testing facility.
Visit a local pharmacy
If you’re not staying at a hotel, consider heading to a local pharmacy. Although not all pharmacies provide on-site testing, their employees can likely guide you to an accessible medical clinic or testing site.
Check if your airport provides testing
Most international airports offer COVID-19 testing. Visit your airport’s website for testing locations, operating hours, test prices, and estimated wait times. On a recent trip through Florence, Holtz utilized a testing facility in the airport parking lot and received results in only twenty minutes.
Take an at-home test
Traveling with an at-home test kit offers peace of mind. This allows for testing at your vacation rental, at a convenient time, and in your preferred language, making it a relaxing alternative to long lines at pharmacies or airports. Ensure you have a strong WiFi connection, cell service, and the appropriate device to support a telehealth video conference; some providers, including iHealth, might not accept tests administered on cell phones or tablets.
Other tips for finding a test
To minimize search time for a testing location, utilize the internet. Test for Travel, an international COVID-19 testing database, offers an easy-to-use interface with information on global testing requirements, locations, available test types, and processing times.
“We have around 15,000 locations listed in roughly 105 countries right now,” states Test for Travel’s founder and CEO, Julien de Bats. The website displays only locations capable of processing tests in 72 hours or less and indicates whether same-day, next-day, or 15-minute results are available. Julien notes that rapid PCR tests are not as commonly available internationally as they are in the US, making antigen tests the easiest option to meet the one-day testing requirement.
When should I schedule my test?
Scheduling a COVID-19 test is as crucial to your trip-planning process as securing a hotel room. “It’s an integral part of your travel checklist,” says de Bats. Locating a clinic that complies with the one-day rule can pose challenges, and receiving results on weekends or holidays may limit your options. Testing costs can range widely, thus proper planning can lead to financial savings.
The bottom line? Take the time to plan ahead and alleviate stress later. Do not wait until the last minute and assume everything will fall into place.
Once you’ve determined how and where you’re getting tested, consider the logistics. For in-person testing, plan your route to the testing site. When using an at-home test with a telehealth professional, confirm you have reliable cell service or WiFi. If your testing site doesn’t require appointments, allocate ample time for your visit and consider arriving early within the one-day testing window. It’s advantageous to prepare for potential obstacles and be pleasantly surprised by a seamless experience.
What if I don’t receive my results before I fly?
“Start by contacting the laboratory or location where you got tested,” advises de Bats. If your results are still not available, reach out to your airline. Most airlines can assist in finding an alternative testing option, altering your departure date, or booking a flight to a location where you can receive a COVID-19 test before entering the United States. Carrying an approved at-home test kit can alleviate concerns and provide backup should your testing experience not follow the planned course.
For comprehensive information on COVID-19 and travel, explore iBestTravel’s Health Hub.
This article was first published Dec 3, 2021 and updated May 25, 2022.
