What COVID-19 tests are required for international travel?
It depends on where you go.
In an effort to limit the spread of new coronavirus variants, many countries require incoming travelers to show recent negative evidence.
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. The tests must have been done no more than three days before leaving for the United States
Healthcare professionals tend to do more sensitive lab tests using a nasal swab that take a day or more to give results. Quick tests have a run time of about 15 to 30 minutes and are increasingly being used to examine people at test sites, offices, schools and nursing homes. For some quick tests, users can go home.
With any test, the US requires an electronic or printed test of the negative result of a medical laboratory. This means that even if you plan to take the test faster, you will probably need to visit a health care provider who can provide you with documentation.
England has a similar configuration, accepting the results of both types of tests. But health authorities impose additional requirements, such as that tests meet certain accuracy thresholds. Travelers are asked to verify that the test meets the standards.
After the countries set different requirements, European Union officials agreed to standardize the requirements of the 27-nation bloc.
___
The AP answers your questions about the coronavirus in this series. Send them to: [email protected].
How many variants of coronavirus are there?
What are the different types of coronavirus tests?
Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?