How to Get A COVID Test Abroad
As part of a new mandate by the CDC, all passengers returning to the United States must show a negative viral COVID test result upon entering or returning home. So all travelers are wondering how to get a COVID test abroad.
For travelers, that means planning extra time and the expense of taking a viral test. It can seem like a daunting task to take a COVID test abroad, but with a bit of planning, the process is streamlined and doesn’t take much time. Last week in Costa Rica, my appointment took no more than 10 minutes from start to finish. Here are my tips on how to take a COVID test Abroad.
Do Your Research on Getting A COVID Test Abroad
The best place to start looking for a testing site is the State Department’s website. They have a list of embassies worldwide and information on the state of travel during COVID. For my trip to Costa Rica, the State Department website linked me to the tourism board of Costa Rica. They had a complete list of every COVID testing site in the country.
The requirement is clear that travelers should take a COVID test no more than three days before traveling. So if your flight is Thursday at 6 pm, you should not take a test before Monday.
Getting A COVID Test Abroad
Even though I researched various clinics’ websites and bookmarked them in Google Maps, I took the easy route and let my hotel help me sort it out. Many hotels and resorts worldwide are now offering to facilitate guests with a COVID test or provide the test for them.
The clinic calculated my appointment time based on my return flight to the USA. My hotel forwarded my flight time to the local clinic (specimen collection site) and made getting my COVID test abroad very easy. After a couple of emails and filling out a standard medical form, the clinic confirmed my appointment.
I was the only patient in the clinic and was not there for more than 15 minutes. I appreciated the privacy, cleanliness, and safety protocols. At this clinic, the test cost USD 125. I received an email 24 hrs later with my negative results.
After Receiving the Results
I uploaded the results to Verifly, which partnered with American Airlines. While I still had a paper copy with me, that step saved me a lot of time at the airport, and check-in was not a problem. Either verification through Verifly or a copy of a negative COVID test was required at check-in by American Airlines.
For more information on Flying During the Pandemic CLICK HERE
