Ruth Haines
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted air travel, with strict regulations and safety protocols implemented to curb the spread of the virus. One critical aspect of ensuring safe travel is COVID-19 testing, which has become a mandatory requirement for many destinations. As a result, travellers often wonder whether they can bring their own COVID-19 test kits to the airport or if they need to undergo testing at the airport or elsewhere. While some countries and airlines accept proctored tests, others have specific testing procedures, leaving travellers confused about the most reliable and accepted testing methods. This uncertainty highlights the need for clear and consistent guidelines regarding COVID-19 testing for air travel.
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What You'll Learn
- COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples are not allowed in carry-on baggage
- Some airports offer on-site rapid testing
- Some countries offer free testing to their citizens
- Airlines may require you to upload negative test results to their app
- Some at-home tests may not meet certain country guidelines
COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples are not allowed in carry-on baggage
COVID-19 test kits are available for purchase online or at local stores. These at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests are FDA-authorized for self-testing without a prescription. However, it is important to note that while unused COVID-19 test kits are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, there are specific rules regarding COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples.
COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples, such as nasal swabs or vials of sputum, are not permitted in carry-on baggage. These samples are considered a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance and must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as such during transportation. This means that if you are travelling with COVID-19 test kits that contain diagnostic samples, you will need to pack them in your checked baggage or ship them as cargo.
It is important to check with your carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in your checked baggage, as there may be additional requirements or restrictions. Additionally, when travelling with COVID-19 test kits, it is recommended to provide some sort of protection for the test kits to ensure they do not get damaged during transportation.
It is worth noting that some countries or airlines may have specific requirements or guidelines regarding COVID-19 testing and the acceptance of test results. For example, there have been discussions about whether certain proctored tests, such as Emed Binax, meet Swiss guidelines and are accepted at Swiss airports. In some cases, travellers may need to fill out additional forms or upload their negative test results onto an app before their flight. Therefore, it is important to research and understand the specific requirements of your destination and airline before travelling.
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Some airports offer on-site rapid testing
A small but growing number of major airports in the US now offer rapid on-site COVID-19 testing. This includes San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which opened the first on-site rapid testing in the nation in July 2020, initially for airport workers only. By October 2020, the site had expanded to offer testing to United Airlines passengers travelling to Hawaii, and other airlines have since been added. SFO now offers a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, with results available in about 45 minutes, as well as the rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, with results in about 15 minutes.
Similarly, Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers rapid COVID-19 tests, with the cost varying based on the type of test and provider. Antigen tests generally provide results within 15-30 minutes, while PCR tests may take longer, though some offer faster turnaround times.
Other airports that offer rapid on-site COVID-19 testing include Miami, Tampa, Dallas, LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark. These airports offer a mix of rapid antigen and PCR tests, with prices and wait times varying by airport and test type.
While on-site rapid testing is available at an increasing number of airports, it is important to note that not all COVID-19 tests are created equal, and the tests offered at the airport may not meet the requirements of all international destinations. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip.
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Some countries offer free testing to their citizens
While some countries require arriving passengers to undergo COVID-19 testing at the airport, others offer free testing to their citizens travelling abroad. Here are some examples:
Germany
Germany was one of the first countries to deploy airport testing, with German airline Lufthansa partnering with healthcare firm Centogene to provide PCR tests at Frankfurt Airport for a fee. On July 27, 2020, the German government announced plans to offer free, voluntary COVID-19 tests to all arriving passengers at its airports. However, shortly after, the country's health minister declared that testing would be mandatory for arrivals from "high-risk" areas, which included about 130 countries. Those arriving from “non-risk” areas could undergo free testing on a voluntary basis at local health centres instead of the airport.
France
Several French airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and airports in Bordeaux and Lyon, offer voluntary testing for passengers arriving from non-red-listed countries. These tests are provided free of charge, and passengers are advised to self-isolate until they receive their results within 48 hours.
Iceland
Until July 1, 2020, Iceland offered free COVID-19 tests to arriving passengers at Keflavik Airport, its largest transport hub. After this date, travellers had to pay a fee for the test, with a reduced rate for those who paid in advance. Passengers arriving through other international airports in Iceland could be tested at the nearest local healthcare centre.
Luxembourg
During the summer holiday period in 2020, Luxembourg offered its residents one free COVID-19 test per person ahead of their trip abroad. Citizens could submit their requests for a diagnostic test online and then make an appointment at one of the country's test centres. Additionally, businesses could request free tests for employees travelling to countries that required a negative COVID-19 screening test.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has been providing rapid tests for free to its citizens since early 2021. Self-testing is considered the norm in the UK, with individuals able to perform at-home tests or purchase kits in stores or online.
Malaysia
Malaysia includes self-testing as part of its national testing strategy for COVID-19, with kits priced as low as $1.
United States
The United States government launched a website where people could order at-home rapid tests for free. Additionally, individuals could purchase at-home test kits and seek reimbursement from their health insurance providers for up to eight self-test kits per month.
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Airlines may require you to upload negative test results to their app
When travelling, airlines may require you to upload your negative COVID-19 test results to their app. For example, when travelling to the US, airlines such as American Airlines require passengers to fill out the VeriFLY app with a negative COVID-19 test result before they can check into their flight. The app usually takes about an hour to verify the document.
On return trips to Canada, travellers are asked to fill out the ArriveCAN app, which was created by the federal government to streamline COVID-19 requirements. While travellers must upload proof of vaccination, they do not need to upload a negative test result. However, border agents can ask for the results, but this does not always happen.
If you are travelling to China, you must take a nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test and apply for a green health code with the "HS" mark or a certified health declaration form before boarding the flight. These requirements have been in place since November 6, 2020, Pacific Time, and apply to all Chinese and foreign passengers.
For passengers travelling to China via connecting flights, you must test twice. As tests are not available in the transit zones of major airports in transit countries, use caution when choosing this option. Passengers should consult the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the transit country about the latest policies and entry requirements. It is important to note that tests are not available in most American airports, so caution is advised when transiting through the US.
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Some at-home tests may not meet certain country guidelines
When travelling, it's important to be aware of the specific COVID-19 testing requirements of your destination country, as well as those of your airline and departure country. While at-home COVID-19 tests can be convenient and easy to use, some may not meet the guidelines of certain countries. For example, one source mentions that the Emed Binax test kit does not meet Swiss guidelines and is therefore not accepted at Swiss airports. Another source mentions that they had to fill out an attestation form before their flight to the US, in addition to uploading their negative test result to the airline's app.
It is always best to check the requirements of your specific destination country and airline before travelling. This will help you determine whether your at-home COVID-19 test meets the necessary guidelines. It may be necessary to get tested at an approved facility or to use a specific type of test kit to ensure that your results are accepted. In some cases, you may need to present your results in a certain way, such as through a scan code on your phone.
Additionally, it is important to note that while unused COVID-19 test kits are typically allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, test kits containing diagnostic samples, such as nasal swabs or vials of sputum, are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance during transportation. Passengers should check with their carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in checked baggage or shipping them as cargo.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to stay up to date with the latest travel guidelines and restrictions, as well as to have a backup plan in case your at-home test is not accepted. This may include getting tested at an airport testing facility or having an alternative, approved test kit on hand. By being prepared and informed, you can minimise potential disruptions to your travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, unused COVID-19 test kits are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
No, these samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance during transportation. They are not allowed in carry-on baggage.
Yes, but it is important to check with your airline and destination country guidelines beforehand as some proctored tests are not accepted at certain airports.
It depends on the requirements of your airline and destination country. Some airports and airlines offer rapid COVID-19 testing on-site, but it may be preferable to bring your own test to avoid waiting.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you will likely not be allowed to board your flight and may be required to quarantine. It is important to check the guidelines of your airline and destination country to understand the specific requirements and restrictions.
