pre travel covid 19 test

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Where to get a COVID-19 test for travel

Going on a trip? Don't forget your COVID-19 test.

As more and more people get their vaccinations , the desire to travel grows stronger , fueled largely by the declining cases of COVID-19. The world is starting to feel a little bit safer. 

If you're preparing to cure your cabin fever, don't forget that you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to many destinations -- and to get back into the US, if you plan on traveling abroad . 

Though COVID-19 tests aren't in short supply anymore, some places still won't test you if you don't have symptoms or known exposure. That said, there are plenty of locations you can get tested for COVID-19 before traveling, as detailed below.

Community testing centers

Chances are, there's a park or parking lot near you reserved for drive-through COVID-19 testing. Some community testing sites are managed by state or local governments, others are managed through private companies and others may be a partnership between the two.

Color , for example, is a medical testing company that has several community testing sites across California.

To find community testing sites near you, check your local department of health website. If you can't find a testing site that way, a quick Google search of "COVID-19 testing near me" or "COVID-19 testing in [city]" should do the trick. 

You may have to pay for a test at a community testing center, because tests are generally reserved for people who have symptoms (and recreational travel is still not encouraged). However, some testing sites may offer free tests even if you don't have symptoms. 

A drive-through test might be the most convenient option.

Urgent care

Most urgent care centers offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. You can check the website of local urgent care centers or call to find out if testing is available. Most cities have multiple urgent care centers, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a test this way. Again, whether or not you pay depends on each urgent care center's particular policy. 

Doctor's offices and clinics

Your primary care provider may be willing to test you for COVID-19 if you don't have symptoms, although your insurance may not cover the test or the cost of the office visit for this purpose. It can't hurt to ask. 

Passport Health , a travel medicine and immunization agency with clinics across the US, offers COVID-19 testing specifically for travel. The agency has locations in 33 states .

Your primary care provider may offer you a COVID-19 test for travel.

Most large pharmacy chains offer COVID-19 testing for travel, but you'll probably have to pay out of pocket. Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have COVID-19 tests available for travel. The exact cost you incur may vary, but out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 tests generally hover between $100 and $150.

Kroger and Walmart pharmacies also offer COVID-19 testing in some states, and the same rule applies: The test is free if you have symptoms, but you have to pay for travel, recreation or simply peace of mind. 

If you go to a local pharmacy (not a chain), give the location a call to see if they offer COVID-19 testing for travel. There's a good chance they will have tests available, but it might cost more to get one from an independent business versus a large corporation. 

Medical labs

Cut out the middleman and head straight for a medical laboratory for your COVID-19 test. Quest Diagnostics, the lab where many tests go for processing anyway, offers drive-through COVID-19 testing . The lab requires you to pay for the test if you aren't showing symptoms. 

Curative is a new medical lab that was founded in January 2020 to develop a new type of sepsis test. The company quickly pivoted to making COVID-19 tests that March, and it now offers COVID-19 testing at more than 10,000 locations throughout the US. Curative processes all of its tests at its labs in San Dimas, California; Pflugerville, Texas; and Washington, DC.

Some travel destinations offer COVID-19 tests for guests. Call your destination to see if they offer return testing -- that is, the test you need to get back into the US. Keep in mind you still need to arrange your own test to get to your destination.  

Many airports offer travel COVID-19 tests for passengers. Whether or not it'll cost you depends on a number of factors, including what entity, exactly, is providing the test; whether or not they bill health insurance; and whether people showing symptoms are prioritized. 

To find out if the airport you're flying out of offers COVID-19 testing, search the airport's official website. You may also have some luck checking the website of your preferred airline. Delta has a handy tool where you can find a list of airport testing locations based on the country you're traveling from. United has information specific to certain cities and countries. 

Just keep in mind that some airports might not offer rapid tests, which means you shouldn't wait until the day of your flight to get your test. Not only could you miss your flight due to a long line, but if you can't get rapid results, you may not be able to board at all.

You may be able to find a COVID-19 test at the airport, but don't bank on getting your results immediately before your flight.

If you have some time to spare, consider buying an at-home COVID-19 collection kit instead of venturing out for a test. 

There are more than 10 at-home COVID-19 tests available for people without symptoms or known exposure, including those from Everlywell, LetsGetChecked and Picture from Fulgent Genetics. 

You can even order one on Amazon or call your local drugstore to see if they're stocking the new over-the-counter COVID-19 test from Ellume . 

From the time you order one of these tests, it'll take five to seven days to get your results, so this option is best for people who plan ahead. 

At home with a health care professional

Ready , a new urgent care telehealth platform backed by GV, Google's investment arm, offers in-home rapid COVID-19 testing. Book your appointment online and a qualified health professional will show up at your door to administer the test. You can also mail-order a test and take it while a health care worker supervises via a video call.  

BeeperMD offers a similar service, but only in Florida at this time. 

At-home kits are a good option for people who have time to spare before their trip.

When to get your COVID-19 test for travel 

Time -- or more accurately, timing -- is of the essence when it comes to getting a COVID-19 test for travel. The exact guidelines you need to follow will vary based on where you're going, where you're coming from and whether or not you're visiting multiple locations. 

In general, it's a good idea to take your COVID-19 test so that you receive results within three days of travel. This means you can take a rapid antigen test 24 to 72 hours before traveling or you can take a PCR test four to six days before travel. PCR tests usually take 24 to 72 hours to process.

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What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

• Masking During Travel

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COVID-19 PCR Testing: Choose The Option That's Right For You

COVID-19 Test (At-Home Collection Kit)

Get a COVID-19 PCR home collection kit to find out if you have COVID-19.

COVID-19 + Flu + RSV Test Home Collection Kit

Is it COVID-19, the flu or RSV? Our one swab test can find out.

COVID-19 In-Person PCR Test

Confirm you don't have COVID-19, if you're unexposed and symptom-free.

About our COVID-19 PCR Test

Detects known variants, gold standard, 60m+ pcr tests performed, trusted by doctors, learn more about covid-19, test comparison: understanding the different covid-19 tests.

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.

A Guide To COVID-19 Testing For Small Businesses

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.

Treatments & Vaccines

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. 

Is it painful to collect the nasal swab sample?

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.

*Labcorp’s COVID-19 PCR test has not been FDA cleared or approved, has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

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We’re excited to share the latest updates from OnDemand with you. Use code Welcome10 at checkout to receive 10% off. Exclusions apply.

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Testing for COVID-19

What to know.

• COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.

Types of tests

Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by testing specimens from your nose or mouth.

There are two main types of viral tests.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), including PCR tests, are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. NAATs tests are the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests.

Your sample will usually be taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing. It may take up to 3 days to receive results.

Antigen Tests

Antigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than NAAT tests, especially when symptoms are not present. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection.

To be confident you do not have COVID-19, FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single NAAT test can be used to confirm an antigen test result.

*Self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests that can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow the instructions closely when performing the test.

When you get tested

• Choose the right type of test for your circumstance.
• When using an antigen test, follow the recommendations provided by FDA and the test's manufacturer.
• If you do not, your results may be less likely to correctly indicate whether you have COVID-19 or not.

Choosing a COVID-19 test

I want to get tested and:, i have not had covid-19 or i have not had a positive test within the past 90 days..

You may choose a NAAT, including PCR, or antigen test. If you use an antigen test and your result is negative, repeat testing following FDA recommendations .

I tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.

My first positive test result was within 30 days or less:.

• I have symptoms: Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations .
• I do not have symptoms: Testing is not recommended to detect a new infection.

My first positive test result was within 31-90 days:

• I do not have symptoms: Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations .

After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. Some tests, especially NAAT tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days.

Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection.

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circumstances.

Getting a COVID-19 test

Buy self-tests (at-home tests).

Buy self-tests (at-home tests) online or in pharmacies and retail stores. If you have health insurance, it may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA's website for a list of authorized tests.

Go to a testing location

• Visit a community-based testing location , such as a pharmacy or health center near you. These locations may offer NAAT, including PCR, or antigen tests, and provide low- or no-cost testing for everyone, including people without insurance. Free NAAT or antigen tests may also be available through your local health department .
• Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about other testing options that may be available to you.
• If you are a person with a disability, the Disability Information and Access Line can help you access a test or find a test location.

Interpreting your results

If your covid-19 test is positive.

A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection .

• Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
• Monitor your symptoms . If you have any emergency warning signs , seek emergency care immediately.
• Seek health care right away for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

If your COVID-19 test is negative

A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that you could have an infection . If you used an antigen test, follow FDA recommendations for repeat testing .

• You may have COVID-19 but tested before the virus was detectable.
• You may have another viral infection or illness.
• Take actions to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly.

For Everyone

Health care providers, public health.

Pcr Testing: Timely Travel Requirements

• Last updated Aug 17, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made PCR tests a requirement for travellers in many countries. PCR stands for 'polymerase chain reaction', a technique used to amplify or copy small segments of genetic material. In the context of COVID-19, PCR tests are used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most countries require a negative PCR test result no later than 72 hours before departure, but requirements vary depending on the origin and destination countries. It is important to review the specific requirements of your destination country and airline before travelling.

What You'll Learn

Testing requirements vary depending on the country you travel to and from, testing requirements may change, so check before travelling, you may need a 'fit-to-fly' certificate, nhs tests are not accepted for travel, private providers offer in-person or self-administered tests.

Testing requirements and guidelines vary depending on the country you are travelling to and from. As of February 2023, some countries have reinstated entry restrictions and testing requirements due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases being reported globally.

For example, the Australian Government requires pre-departure testing for people travelling from the People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macao. All arriving passengers from China must undertake a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before travelling and show evidence of a negative test result upon arrival in Australia.

Similarly, the Austrian Administration of Health mandates that all travellers from China show a negative PCR test (valid for 48 hours) before boarding a flight to Austria.

On the other hand, some countries have removed testing and vaccination requirements for entry. For instance, Norway has lifted all COVID-19-related requirements, including testing, quarantine, and registration. However, pre-arrival and post-arrival testing may still be required in Svalbard, an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

The UK has also removed all COVID-19 entry requirements as of March 18, 2022. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are no longer required to present a vaccine certificate or take a pre-departure test. However, there are specific requirements for travellers from mainland China, who must take a pre-departure COVID test.

It is important to review the requirements of your destination country and check with the corresponding airlines for their protocols. Most countries require a PCR test for travel, while others may accept a COVID-19 Rapid test or proof of vaccination.

Can Travel Itinerary for Schengen Change After Visa Approval?

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When travelling, it is important to be aware of the testing requirements of your destination and the country you are travelling from. These requirements may change, so it is always a good idea to check before you travel. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Firstly, most countries require a negative COVID-19 PCR test result no later than 72 hours before departure. However, this can vary depending on your destination and your vaccination status, so it is essential to review the requirements of your specific destination and corresponding airlines. For example, France mandates a negative COVID-19 test for travellers from certain countries, while the UAE requires a PCR certificate. Some countries may also require on-arrival testing, so be sure to check the guidelines for your destination.

Secondly, testing requirements for entry may differ depending on your vaccination status. Some countries may not allow unvaccinated travellers to enter at all, while others may require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test. It is important to confirm the specific requirements for your destination before you travel.

Thirdly, there are different types of COVID-19 tests available, including rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. Be sure to check which type of test is approved by your destination, as some places may not accept certain types of tests, such as antibody tests.

Finally, when scheduling your COVID-19 test, keep in mind the following factors: check age requirements, especially if you are travelling with children; know when your results will arrive, as timing is crucial; confirm travel restrictions and ensure that proof of vaccination or a negative test is sufficient for entry; and schedule your appointment as early as possible to ensure you get a slot.

By following these guidelines and staying up to date with the testing requirements of your destination, you can help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Traveler's Dream Destinations: Exploring the World's Most Alluring Spots

When travelling, it's important to be aware of any health risks and take precautions to ensure your safety and that of other passengers. In some cases, you may be required to obtain a fit-to-fly certificate, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This certificate confirms that a doctor has deemed it safe for you to travel by plane, taking into account any medical conditions you may have.

Airlines may request medical clearance in certain situations, such as if you have recently been discharged from the hospital, are recovering from an operation, or are more than 28 weeks pregnant. The requirements for medical clearance vary across airlines, so it is essential to consult your airline well in advance of your travel plans. Some airlines may require additional information, such as whether you need to travel with medical devices or require extra oxygen.

The process of obtaining a fit-to-fly certificate can vary. In the UK, the cost of the certificate can range from £20 to £40, depending on the GP surgery and region. It is important to note that the certificate must be current and provided at the time of your trip. For individuals with long-term conditions, updating the certificate for each trip is necessary, as the airline may refuse boarding if the documentation is outdated.

Pregnant women, in particular, may need to obtain a fit-to-fly certificate. This certificate will require confirmation from a GP or midwife that the pregnancy is normal and the expected delivery date. Some airlines may also have specific requirements, such as Jet2, which requires a Fit to Fly certificate provided by a doctor or midwife, signed and dated within seven days of departure and 16 days of return.

In addition to medical conditions, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted travel requirements. Most airlines and countries require travellers to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results no later than 72 hours before departure. Testing requirements can vary depending on your destination and origin, so it is essential to review the requirements of your specific destination and airline.

Hanoi Travel: What to Know

When it comes to travelling, it is important to be aware of the various requirements and restrictions in place, especially regarding COVID-19 tests. While PCR tests are a common requirement for travel, it is important to note that NHS COVID-19 tests are not accepted for travel. Here are some key points to understand:

• NHS Tests Are Not Valid for Travel: Many countries and airlines do not accept NHS COVID-19 test results for travel purposes. This is because NHS test results often lack the necessary documentation and proof of a negative test result. Therefore, it is highly recommended to opt for private COVID-19 testing services that provide the required “Fit to Fly” or "Fit to Travel" certificates.
• Private COVID-19 Tests Are Preferred: To enter most foreign countries, you will typically need a private COVID-19 test. This is because private tests provide written evidence that you are COVID-free at the time of travel, which is a requirement for many destinations. Ensure that your chosen test provider meets the standards and requirements set by the government of your destination country.
• Understanding the "Fit to Fly" Certificate: The "Fit to Fly" or "Fit to Travel" certificate is a crucial document that confirms you have tested negative for COVID-19. This certificate is provided along with a private PCR or antigen (lateral flow) test. It is important to note that not all countries accept antigen tests, so be sure to check the specific requirements of your destination.
• Vaccination and Recovery Certificates: Depending on your destination, you may be able to use proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 instead of a negative test result. Each country has its own requirements, so be sure to check the specific guidelines for your destination. Keep in mind that some countries may also accept an NHS COVID Pass, but this is not always sufficient on its own.
• Timing of COVID-19 Tests: The timing of your COVID-19 test is crucial. Most countries require that your negative test result be obtained within a specific timeframe before departure, typically within 72 hours. Check the requirements for your destination to ensure you take the test within the accepted timeframe.
• Country-Specific Requirements: COVID-19 entry requirements vary from country to country. For example, Spain may allow entry with proof of vaccination or a recent recovery certificate, while France may require a negative PCR or antigen test. Always review the latest entry requirements for your specific destination, as these can change over time.

In summary, while PCR tests are commonly required for travel, NHS COVID-19 tests are not accepted for this purpose. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to obtain the necessary private COVID-19 tests and certificates that comply with the requirements of your destination country.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Travel from Zurich Airport to Rhine Falls

When it comes to PCR tests for travel, there are two main types of private providers: those who offer in-person swab tests and those who provide self-administered test kits.

In-person swab tests are typically faster but tend to be more expensive. These tests are usually conducted at pharmacies or test centres, such as Boots and Express Test, and can also be done at airports for last-minute testing. It's important to note that some countries may require in-person testing to ensure the sample comes from the actual traveller.

On the other hand, self-administered test kits are more affordable but may take longer due to the reliance on postal services to deliver the sample to the lab. These tests involve the user collecting a swab sample from their nose or throat and then sending it to a laboratory for processing. While most countries don't accept self-administered tests for travel, some offer video call supervision by a healthcare professional during the sample collection process. This option may be more convenient, but there is a risk of the test getting lost in the mail.

It's crucial to carefully review the testing requirements for your destination, including the type of test (PCR or lateral flow), the timing of the test, and whether it needs to be administered by a professional or can be done remotely. Each country has different requirements, and failing to adhere to these specifications may result in denied boarding or other travel disruptions.

Additionally, it's important to consider the turnaround time for test results. While most providers can deliver results within 24 hours, last-minute testing may be more costly. When choosing a testing provider, ensure they can provide results within the timeframe specified by your destination's requirements.

By following the guidelines set by your destination and allowing sufficient time for testing and receiving results, you can ensure a smoother travel experience.

Ensuring Your Trustworthiness: How to Check if You Qualify as a Trusted Traveler

Frequently asked questions.

This depends on the requirements of your destination country and airline. Many countries require a negative test no more than 72 hours before arrival, but some require it 48 hours before arrival. The countdown starts from the moment of being swabbed, not from the receipt of the lab result.

Check the Foreign Office website for the latest on any new Covid restrictions, as well as general safety advice. Look out for the type of test required (PCR or lateral flow), whether it can be administered remotely or must be done in person, and when you need to get the test done.

PCR tests are considered the "gold standard" for coronavirus testing and can detect the Covid-19 virus with a high degree of accuracy. Antigen tests are done from home and provide results in a much shorter time frame (15-30 minutes).

• Julia May Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

• Jose Ramos Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

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What’s Going on With the Testing Requirement for Travel?

The requirement to test for Covid before flying to the United States is hated by many travelers and the U.S. travel industry. But the government shows no sign of getting rid of it.

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By Heather Murphy

• Published May 19, 2022 Updated June 10, 2022

[Update: The United States will lift the virus testing mandate for international air travelers on June 12. Read more here .]

As countries, including Canada and Britain , have lifted their Covid testing requirements for vaccinated visitors in recent months, some Americans are irate that they still have to show a negative test to board a flight back to the United States.

Jason Miller, a 37-year-old software engineer who lives in Texas, is so frustrated with the rule that he recently sent letters to the White House and several lawmakers and began encouraging others to do the same. “I support the C.D.C., still wear a N95 mask when in crowds and when I travel,” he said. But, he no longer feels that the rule provides value, in large part because “the testing has not stopped variants from entering the country.”

Other travelers have posted similar comments on social media, and a good portion of the travel industry in the United States has made clear it feels the same way.

But they have gotten little satisfaction from the Biden administration and public health officials.

On May 6, Jen Psaki, then the White House press secretary, said she was “not aware of a timeline” for ending the testing requirement and that the administration would base its decision on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation. As to what, specifically, the C.D.C. is using to determine whether testing is still necessary, an agency spokeswoman offered the vague explanation that it “is looking at different indicators” and “evaluating all guidance and orders based on the latest science and state of the pandemic.”

The obligatory test has not just created logistical hassles, it has fundamentally shifted the experience of traveling internationally, travelers say.

“It was always in the forefront of my mind,” said Danielle Bradbury, 42, who recently spent 12 days in Israel for her job developing medical devices while her husband cared for their two children back in Boston. “Every time I left the hotel, I asked myself, how much risk of not being able to get home am I putting myself in?”

Why was testing started in the first place?

In January 2021 , when the C.D.C. first instituted the rule that all U.S.-bound travelers 2 years and older had to show a negative test or proof of recovery before boarding a flight, the United States joined a sea of countries experimenting with different ways to slow the virus’s spread across borders. A statement from the State Department announcing the requirement played up the difficulty in getting a test abroad, suggesting that the rule also aimed to discourage Americans from traveling internationally. At that point fewer than 10 percent of Americans were vaccinated and case counts were rising, hitting a record of more than 300,000 new cases on Jan. 8.

Testing was not the first travel limitation the United States had deployed. In the winter of 2020, President Trump banned visitors from China, much of Europe , Brazil and Iran. When President Biden took office he layered the testing requirement on top of the travel bans. (He also expanded the ban to India .)

In late 2021, the United States pivoted away from country-specific bans and doubled down on testing, shortening the window from within three days of travel to one day, even for vaccinated Americans. By then it had become clear that vaccinated people could also spread the coronavirus . (Most unvaccinated visitors from abroad were prohibited from entering the country, even with testing.)

How effective has the policy been?

It depends how you define success, said Jeremy Goldhaber-Fiebert, a professor of health policy at Stanford University. If success was reducing the number of infected people who flew to the United States, he said, the testing requirement achieved that.

“It certainly prevented people who tested positive from getting on planes and it almost certainly prevented some amount of transmission on aircraft and in airports,” he said.

The exact number of infected people who were prevented from boarding planes is unknown, however, because no one tracks whether a passenger cancels a flight because of Covid. Most of the evidence is anecdotal; lots of people have stories about testing positive before flying home.

If success means keeping new variants out of the country, then it failed, said Dr. William Morice , the chair of lab medicine and pathology at the Mayo Clinic.

“The reality is that none of these measures have prevented the rapid global spread of any variant of concern,” he said.

But if success was not preventing the arrival of new variants, but instead delaying their arrival so that hospitals and authorities could be more prepared, then it may have worked. Mark Jit , a professor of vaccine epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who has studied the effectiveness of travel requirements, said that this is what testing does well.

“Testing can prevent the peak from being reached so quickly,” he said.

Still, once a variant is already widespread in a country, he found, a travel test has little effect.

Why are many countries getting rid of testing requirements now?

Explanations from authorities include readiness to enter a new phase of the pandemic, high vaccination rates and a determination that new variants are manageable.

“The current variant is making people less ill and the number of people being admitted to intensive care is limited,” the Netherlands government said in a typical statement in March, as it ended travel testing, among other Covid-related recommendations.

What’s the argument for getting rid of the U.S. requirement?

The primary argument is that it’s not doing enough good to rationalize the hassle.

Dr. Tom Frieden, who was the C.D.C. director during the Ebola outbreak of 2014, was among those who made this point. “Between super-effective vaccinations that we have and Paxlovid, which is a super-effective treatment, Omicron is less deadly than flu most years and we don’t require people to test for flu before they get on a plane,” he said. “If a more dangerous variant emerges,” he noted, “that’s a very different situation.”

Others argue that it doesn’t make sense to inconvenience so many people for a system that’s full of holes. Antigen tests — one option for travelers to the United States — are notoriously unreliable in the early stage of infection, said Anne Wyllie, a microbiologist at the Yale School of Public Health. For this reason she called the requirement “hygiene theater.”

The testing requirement is not just annoying for travelers, it’s economically damaging, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group. In a recent letter to Dr. Ashish K. Jha, the White House Covid coordinator, signed by more than 260 businesses, including airlines, cruise operators, casinos, tourism boards, Disney Parks and a zoo, the group said “the economic costs associated with maintaining the measure are significant.”

“Given the slow economic recovery of the business and international travel sectors, and in light of medical advancements and the improved public health metrics in the U.S., we encourage you to immediately remove the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers,” the group wrote.

A survey commissioned by the group found that 46 percent of international travelers would be more likely to visit the United States without the requirement. A similar survey by the Points Guy, a site that specializes in traveling with credit card points and miles, found that more than half of its participating readers would be more likely to travel abroad without the requirement.

What’s the argument for keeping the policy?

Meegan Zickus, who runs a Facebook group for people with weakened immune systems, said that testing has become more important since the mask requirement went away. Without a testing requirement, most travelers are not going to bother to test or stay home, even if they suspect that they are infected, she said.

“Judging by the past two years, the only way to protect others is some type of enforced testing,” she said, because “the moral compass points directly to self.”

Dr. Seema Yasmin , a public health doctor and the director of the Stanford Health Communication Initiative, echoed this point. “I would say that it can give a high level of reassurance when 75 percent of people are not wearing a mask and might even be coughing and sneezing loudly,” Dr. Yasmin said.

(Though airplane ventilation systems appear to significantly mitigate spread of the coronavirus, research suggests that people sitting within a few rows still pose a risk to one another.)

“Some testing is better than none,” said Nathaniel Hafer , a molecular biologist at the UMass Chan Medical School.

Many countries also use testing to incentivize vaccination by waiving the requirement for vaccinated people, said Meghan Benton , a research director at the Migration Policy Institute, which tracks travel requirements. The United States encourages vaccination in its own way by prohibiting most unvaccinated visitors from abroad from entering.

Could a lawsuit end testing the way it did the mask mandate?

Given that there are currently at least four pending lawsuits that challenge the international testing requirement, some wonder whether it might be struck down by a judge’s decision, as the requirement to wear a mask on airplanes and other forms of transport was in April.

Lawrence O. Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown Law, does not think so. The C.D.C. can require testing from visitors entering the country from abroad because of the Public Health Service Act, which was explicitly created to prevent the introduction of dangerous infectious diseases in the United States, he said.

The rule, he said, “would be exceedingly difficult to successfully challenge in the courts, even for the most conservative judges.”

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

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 for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of the chair of lab medicine and pathology at the Mayo Clinic. It is Dr. William Morice, not Omrice.

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Heather Murphy is a reporter on the Travel desk. She welcomes tips, questions and complaints about traveling during the pandemic. More about Heather Murphy

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Coronavirus FAQ: Should I still take a COVID test before flying into the U.S.?

We regularly answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions." See an archive of our FAQs here .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended COVID-19 testing for airline passengers arriving to the U.S. from abroad. Why did they do that? Should I test anyway? And when?

Years from now, when Americans talk about foreign vacations during the pandemic era, they'll recall the rush for souvenirs, that extra suitcase ... and paying someone to stick a swab up their nose for the compulsory pre-flight COVID-19 test.

But now, that COVID test before travel won't be necessary. As of June 12, the CDC no longer requires any passengers arriving to the U.S. to show a COVID recovery certificate or take a COVID test before traveling to the U.S. (Non-U.S. citizens, with few exceptions, must show proof of vaccination.)

The CDC first put its testing rule in place in January 2021, which required a PCR or supervised antigen test within three days of travel. In November 2021, the CDC shortened the testing period to 1 day for people who were not fully vaccinated. Then in December 2021, the agency required that a viral test be done one day before the flight for all passengers.

Coronavirus FAQ: I got COVID. Then I got it again. What's the deal with reinfection?

Last week, the CDC explained in its announcement why it was now ending the testing requirement. Uptake of the highly effective COVID-19 vaccines, effective therapeutics and a high rate of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity all contributed to lower risk of severe disease and death across the U.S., according to the agency. As a result, the CDC said the testing requirement, which was needed at an earlier stage of the pandemic, could be withdrawn.

But the announcement also recommended that travelers boarding a flight to the U.S. take a viral test within three days of travel — and not travel if they are sick. And long-standing CDC guidance has recommended testing three to five days after the flight in case you picked up the virus during travel.

Why you should test before flying to the U.S.

It's a good idea to take a COVID test before boarding a flight to the U.S. – even though it's no longer required — for a number of reasons, says Gigi Gronvall , an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Knowing your COVID status can help you decide whether it's safe to travel or whether to push back your flight, says Gronvall. For tourists, it can reduce the chance of you feeling ill on your vacation. And it can prevent other passengers from getting COVID in transit. "It's especially important if you are at risk of severe disease because of age or underlying health conditions," she adds.

How to test now

The best time to test before a flight, or any other event, is as close to the start time as possible. That's because test results "are just a snapshot in time," says Gronvall. A minute after getting negative results, you could be exposed to someone with the virus and suddenly be infected with COVID-19. For a flight, you might take a test a day before so that you're not changing all your travel plans at the last minute if you test positive.

Because the tests are now voluntary, it's up to you to decide what kind of viral test you'd like to take. While PCR tests are likely to be more accurate, it can take a day or more to get them back. So many people are going to take a rapid antigen test, which shows results in less than 15 minutes but can be give a false negative result if someone has a lower viral load – say, if they were very early in the course of their infection. Still, these at-home tests can be trusted if you get a positive result. They give false positives extremely rarely.

You're probably best off taking a few rapid antigen tests with you on your trip. If possible, choose tests you've used before to minimize confusion and stress while you're away. And keep the tests in their original packaging, even if it means you have to jettison other items in your suitcase, so that you're sure you have all the components and instructions. Use these tests when necessary – for example, if you've had a COVID exposure — and before you get on the airplane, says Daniel McQuillen, an infectious disease specialist at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Mass.

What to do if you test positive

If your test comes back positive while you are at your destination, you will need to isolate and postpone your return to the U.S. until it's safe for you to travel, says Jasmine Reed , a CDC spokesperson. Your travel companions may need to quarantine, too. Follow all COVID recommendations and requirements at your local destination, she adds.

Coronavirus FAQ: Our mini-zine has advice on when & how to dial down COVID precautions

The CDC says it's best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure to someone with COVID-19. But if you must travel during days 6 through 10 after your last exposure, then:

• Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact. Make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling.
• Properly wear a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95, when you are around others for the entire duration of travel during days 6 through 10.

Make sure that you can access health care while abroad. Talk to your doctor ahead of your trip to ask how to reach out if you test positive while out of the country. And make sure you have health insurance that will cover care if you need a doctor's visit, medication or hospitalization if you get COVID-19 abroad. If your insurance policy covers care overseas (Medicare and Medicaid generally do not) ask for a letter that states that and have your insurance card with you. The State Department has information on buying coverage for care overseas.

Don't ask for Paxlovid before you fly

Coronavirus FAQ: I took Paxlovid. I felt better. Then symptoms rebounded. What's up?

You may have heard that there's a drug that can help reduce the risk of progressing to severe disease if you do contract COVID-19 — and may wonder if you should pack it in your travel bag. Paxlovid received an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in December 2021 for people at risk of severe COVID, including hospitalization and death, because of risk factors such as age, obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

But experts, including Raymund R. Razonable, vice chair of infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic, advise against it. For one thing, says Razonable, under the drug's EUA it can only be prescribed based on a positive viral test. Razonable says he's had requests for the drug from people pre-travel, but he's turned them down both because that's in violation of the EUA and because the drug can be hard to manage. Paxlovid can have negative interactions with dozens of drugs, including vitamins and supplements. Patients who take it must work with their doctor or pharmacist to decide whether they can be off of certain drugs or reduce the doses for the five days of the drug's course.

How to stay safe while traveling

Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, like a plane, remains a good idea, says Gronvall. If people don't feel like wearing it the whole time on a flight, they should at least consider wearing it during boarding and deplaning. "Often, air crews shut the air off then — so circulation of air, [which can help prevent virus transmission], goes way down, and that's also when people are more crammed together."

McQuillen also reminds people to take masks with them on any trip and to wear them in indoor public settings like airports to avoid getting sick while traveling. And make sure you've had your full vaccine doses and at least one booster dose , he says. That's to ensure that if you do get COVID abroad, it's likely to be less severe. "The vaccines are engineered to prevent ICU-level disease and death."

Fran Kritz is a health policy reporter based in Washington, D.C., and a regular contributor to NPR. She also reports for the Washington Post and Verywell Health. Find her on Twitter: @fkritz

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US Implements Stricter COVID-19 Testing Rules For International Travelers

December 07, 2021

Test score slump, COVID resurgence, winter forecast

TGIF, Delaware.

What are your plans for this late-summer weekend?

Expect it to be hotter today, with a high of 90 and sunny skies.

As we approach back-to-school time, there is some bracing news in Delaware education:

Student assessment performance remains below pre-pandemic , with many still declining. We will continue to report on this and many other education issues in the weeks ahead.

Headed to Mondegreen at the Woodlands of Dover? Here are some stories to help you plot your course:

• Dover's Phish Mondegreen Festival taps Questlove & others for big event
• Phish food: What tasty vendors are coming to Mondegreen Festival in Woodlands of Dover?
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After Weston Wilson hitting for the cycle last night, you are probably hype for more Phillies action They play the Nationals at 6:40 p.m. tonight and 6:05 p.m. tomorrow.

And now, more news …

COVID-19 surge across U.S., symptoms to be aware of and fall 2024 COVID vaccine info

Amidst an anticipated summer surge in COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of the country has reported “very high” levels of the virus in wastewater viral activity, reports Krys’tal Griffin. 

For what you need to know about COVID transmission in Delaware and the most recent health and safety guidance , go here. We will bring you updates.

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Entertainment: Party with Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute at OC's Seacrets, surf-rock legend at Burley Oak

News Quiz:   A winter forecast and an official state cocktail: Take our news quiz

Sports : We ask Delaware high school football players to dream up their perfect NIL deal

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You, the loyal Eagles fan, can follow along for every step of the journey with our exclusive newsletter Eye on the Eagles, which you can expect in your inbox every Friday morning.

Eagles beat writer Martin Frank will bring you all the action, insights from the field and plenty of exclusive content from the clubhouse. Sign up here.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Test score slump, COVID resurgence, winter forecast

The mpox strain spreading now is different from the one in 2022: Here's what to know

The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.

The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. 

Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide . 

But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.

On Thursday, Sweden confirmed the first known infection of clade I outside Africa , though Swedish health officials said the person was infected while spending time in Africa. Health authorities in Pakistan also confirmed a case of mpox on Friday but have not identified the strain yet. 

Clade I is more transmissible than clade II and capable of being more severe, so infectious disease experts are concerned about further international spread.

“We should have learned a lesson from 2022 that an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere,” said Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health.

How does this version of mpox spread?

Mpox has historically spread in a few ways. The first is through close, personal contact with an infected person, such as skin-to-skin contact with rashes or with saliva or mucus. The second is via contact with contaminated materials. And the third is contact with infected animals: hunting, trapping or cooking them, touching sick rodents or getting bitten or scratched. 

In 2022, the version of clade II that spread globally, dubbed clade IIb, was passed primarily through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo recently, clade Ib has also been spreading through sexual contact among female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Research that hasn’t yet been published or peer reviewed linked an outbreak in an eastern mining town in Congo to professional sex work in bars.

But that’s not the only way the virus is being transmitted. Dr. Stuart Isaacs, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said much of the spread of clade I could be due to exposure to animals and transmission within households, but limited surveillance in the regions where the virus is make it difficult to know for sure. 

Isaacs said there’s early evidence that clade Ib has certain “properties that are allowing it to spread more readily person to person.”

How severe are the recent cases?

In the past, outbreaks of clade I have been deadlier than clade 2, killing up to 10% of people who got sick . But more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. Out of an estimated 22,000 cases in this outbreak in Congo , more than 1,200 people have died — which puts the fatality rate at just above 5%. 

By comparison, clade II outbreaks in Africa have generally had a mortality rate of around 1%, and just 0.2% of cases linked to the 2022 global outbreak were fatal.

Rimoin said the disease’s severity “can have less to do with the actual clade and more to do with route of transmission, the immune system of the individual, the source of the infection.” 

The threat in the U.S. could be milder than in Africa, according to Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“The underlying health conditions of the population in the DRC are probably contributing to the current case fatality rate,” he said, using the acronym for the Democratic Republic of Congo. “With less malnutrition and better access to health care resources, I would imagine that the case fatality rate will not be as high as we’re seeing in the DRC.”

Vaccines for mpox are also widely available in the U.S., following a major rollout effort in 2022. Two doses of the mpox vaccine or a previous clade II infection should protect against severe illness from clade I, the Department of Health and Human Service said Wednesday.

Do mpox symptoms differ between the clades?

Symptoms of the two mpox clades can be difficult to distinguish from each other.

The illness generally starts with a rash that progresses to small bumps on the skin, followed by blisters that fill with whitish fluid — a hallmark of the disease — and eventually scab over. People may also experience a fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

These symptoms often disappear on their own within a few weeks. But in severe cases, people may develop larger, more widespread lesions, secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, heart inflammation or swelling of the brain. Immunocompromised people may develop atypical symptoms and have a greater risk of hospitalization and death. 

Historically, mpox lesions have tended to appear on the face, chest, palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. But during the 2022 outbreak, people frequently developed lesions around the genital and anal region or inside the mouth and throat, presumably because of how the virus was spreading at the time . The lesions were also fewer in number and less pronounced overall.

Some cases of this nature have also been detected in the current outbreak in Congo. 

“There is talk that there are more people that have lesions around the genitals this time around than previous clade I outbreaks,” said Amira Albert Roess, a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University. “It’s going to take us some time to really understand what may be going on here.”

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

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