What COVID-19 tests are required for international travel?
It depends on where you are going.
In an effort to limit the spread of new variants of the coronavirus, many countries are demanding that incoming travelers have a recent negative test.
The United States, for example, will accept the results of a test that detects the genetic material of the virus – considered the most sensitive type of test – or a rapid test that looks for viral proteins called antigens. Tests must have been done no later than three days before departure to the USA
Health care professionals generally perform more sensitive laboratory tests using a nasal swab that takes a day or more to produce results. Rapid tests have a response time of about 15 to 30 minutes and are increasingly used to track people in test sites, offices, schools and nursing homes. For some quick tests, users can clean themselves at home.
With any of the tests, the US requires electronic or printed proof of a medical laboratory’s negative result. This means that even if you plan to get tested faster, you will probably need to consult a healthcare professional who can provide the documentation.
England has a similar configuration, accepting results from both types of tests. But health officials are imposing extra requirements, including that tests meet certain limits of accuracy. Travelers should check that the test meets the standards.
After countries had instituted a number of requirements, European Union authorities agreed to standardize requirements across the 27-country bloc.
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The AP is answering your questions about the coronavirus in this series. Send them to: [email protected].
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