What to Know About COVID Testing for Travel
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Travel is back, and you’re feeling more than ready to board your first national or international flight since the pandemic. Before you start packing, you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with knowledge on what safety and health measures are required to keep you and others safe wherever your travels take you.
We’ve gathered your common questions and concerns about traveling during COVID-19 so you can travel with peace of mind.
Can I travel if I have been vaccinated? Can I travel if I have NOT been vaccinated?
The CDC has highly advised unvaccinated individuals not to travel domestically and internationally until they are fully vaccinated. However, if you are not vaccinated and must travel, you should follow the CDC’s international and national travel recommendations.
Fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to contract and spread COVID-19. But, as we’ve seen with the Delta variant, vaccinated travelers are still at risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19 variants. Before your trip, make sure to closely follow COVID-19 conditions at your destination.
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling?
The CDC recommends all domestic and international travelers get a COVID-19 test before and after travel. By testing, you protect yourself and those around you. Get tested 1-3 before and after your trip. If you leave Saturday morning, book Wednesday morning for a Standard test or between Wednesday morning and Friday morning for Priority.
What kind of COVID-19 test is needed to travel internationally?
Before traveling internationally, nearly all countries will require a negative PCR test (polymerase chain reaction), which are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the “gold standard” of tests. There are several medical institutions and companies that offer PCR tests, but keep in mind that some destinations only accept PCR tests from a specific list of testing providers. Before heading to your destination, make sure to check the testing requirements to ensure you’re receiving the proper test needed for travel.
Can I get a rapid PCR test?
Though PCR tests generally take around 72 hours for results, some urgent care facilities and companies offer rapid PCR tests with shorter test result turnaround times. Sameday Health currently offers rapid PCR tests with a test result turnaround time of 1 hour or less.
Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to travel domestically within the United States?
No, you do not currently need a negative COVID-19 test to travel domestically within the United States from state to state. However, if you’re traveling to the US from out of the country, all air passengers, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before boarding a flight.
Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to travel internationally even if I’m fully vaccinated?
Some countries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry despite being fully vaccinated. It is highly recommended to check testing requirements per destination for the fully vaccinated and unvaccinated.
For additional information on testing and testing requirements prior to your trip, please visit the CDC website.
