Roberta Aguirre
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel, many people wonder whether they can get tested at the airport. With testing requirements varying across different countries and airports, it can be challenging to determine where and when to get tested. Understanding the testing facilities available at airports can help travellers make informed decisions about their travel plans and ensure they comply with the necessary health and safety protocols.
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What You'll Learn
Testing requirements for travel
In 2022, many countries required proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry, with PCR tests widely accepted. The timeframe for testing varied, with some countries requiring tests no more than five days before departure, while others accepted tests taken within seven days of travel. Some countries, like Aruba, offered testing upon arrival for those unable to obtain a negative test result prior to departure. Additionally, some countries mandated antibody tests in addition to pre-departure tests. It was important for travellers to have valid proof of their test results, with printed copies recommended for easy presentation during their journey. Self-administered tests without supervision were often not accepted, and inconclusive results were treated as positive.
Pre-departure testing requirements were set by the country of transit or destination, and travellers were advised to check the specific requirements for their journey, including any variations for transit points. For example, travellers to the Bahamas in 2022 were required to show proof of full vaccination and completion of the two-week immunity period.
By 2024, several countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, had dropped pre-travel testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. Canada and Mexico had also removed entry requirements from the start of the pandemic. However, the United States continued to require even fully vaccinated citizens returning home to obtain a test, leading to concerns about inconsistency and increasing calls for a change in policy.
As of 2024, testing requirements for travel were a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that they were no longer necessary due to high vaccination rates and prior infections, while others emphasised their role in preventing infected individuals from travelling.
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Where to get tested at the airport
COVID-19 testing sites at airports
COVID-19 testing sites are available at some airports, including:
- Bradley Airport in Connecticut, USA
- Istanbul Airport in Turkey
Testing sites near airports
Alternatively, there may be testing sites near the airport. For example, in Rome, Italy, pharmacies across the city have been authorised to conduct COVID-19 testing since November 2020. Pharmacies that offer testing can often be identified by the presence of a small tent outside.
Country-specific testing information
The availability of airport testing may vary by country. For example, Turkey has played an exemplary role in offering COVID-19 testing, with testing available at international airports, public and private hospitals, and laboratories. Testing conducted at Turkish airports is primarily related to passengers' outbound international flight requirements.
Online resources
Some countries and regions provide online resources to help individuals locate testing sites. For instance, the state of Connecticut in the USA has a COVID-19 testing locator website.
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Cost of airport testing
The cost of COVID-19 tests at airports has been a concern for travellers, with some sources deeming it prohibitively expensive. At Heathrow Airport, tests cost £150, and two tests would be required for travellers, doubling the price. In Malaysia, the cost of RT-PCR testing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport ranges from US$60 to US$112, with higher prices for foreigners. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has criticised the high cost of testing, arguing that it will discourage travel to the country. Matta secretary-general Faeez Fadhlillah highlighted that the excessive number of tests and long quarantine period, in addition to the high cost, will deter tourists from visiting Malaysia.
Similarly, in Uganda, the high cost of mandatory COVID-19 PCR tests at Entebbe International Airport has drawn criticism from Kween County MP, Hon Abdi Fadhil Chemaswet. The test costs US$65, and the MP argued that this price only benefits private laboratories located near the airport. He compared the situation to neighbouring Tanzania, where testing is provided by the government, and called on the Ugandan government to review the pricing.
The cost of testing at airports has also been acknowledged as an issue by industry sources. Airlines have expressed concerns over the potential impact on travel demand, especially if testing is required in addition to quarantine measures. The effectiveness of testing as a means to ease quarantine restrictions depends on factors such as test accuracy, test timing, and harmonised testing regimes across different regions.
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Types of COVID tests available
COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have the virus and enable you to take the necessary steps to prevent its spread. There are two main types of viral tests: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)
NAATs, including PCR tests, are considered the "gold standard" for COVID-19 tests as they are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. For this test, a healthcare provider will take a sample from your nose or mouth, which will then be transported to a laboratory for testing. This process may take up to 3 days to receive results. However, some NAATs can be performed at the point-of-care and provide faster results.
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests, also known as self-tests or at-home tests, can be taken anywhere without visiting a specific testing site. These tests look for proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as antigens. Results from rapid antigen tests are typically available within 15 minutes. While these tests are convenient and have a low false-positive rate, there is a higher chance of false negatives, meaning you could test negative despite having an active infection. To mitigate this, the FDA recommends that individuals with symptoms conduct two antigen tests 48 hours apart, and those without symptoms perform three tests with the same time interval.
At-home antigen tests are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers, and can be purchased without a prescription. These tests are authorized by the FDA for self-testing and allow you to collect your sample, perform the test, and interpret the results without sending them to a laboratory.
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Time taken for test results
The time taken for COVID-19 test results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of test, the location, and the testing procedures. Here are some details on the time taken for test results in different scenarios:
Testing at Airports:
At some airports, such as Pearson Airport, travellers who undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival can expect to receive their results within 48 hours. However, there have been reports of longer wait times, ranging from 84 hours to 5 days, due to various factors such as testing volume and laboratory processing times. It is important to check with the specific airport and testing facility to understand their current wait times and procedures.
Testing Before Travel:
When travelling to certain destinations, such as the United States, many countries require incoming travellers to present negative COVID-19 test results obtained within a specified timeframe, typically 72 hours before departure. In such cases, individuals should plan their testing accordingly to ensure they receive their results in time for their trip.
Testing at Designated Sites or Home Testing:
In some countries, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are advised to get tested as soon as possible, preferably within the first four days of experiencing symptoms. During this time, they can visit a designated testing site or opt for a home testing kit. If an individual is on the fifth day of symptoms, they are usually directed to a testing site, as it may be too late to order a home test kit. The results from these tests can vary depending on the testing site's procedures and the volume of tests being processed.
Rapid Tests:
In certain situations, such as air travel, rapid tests may be administered, providing results within a shorter timeframe. For example, IBC Airways offers free COVID-19 antigen tests before each flight to the United States, with results available within 15 minutes. These rapid tests help ensure travellers meet the necessary requirements for entry into their destination country.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports offer COVID testing facilities, while others do not. It is always a good idea to check with the airport beforehand to see if they provide this service.
Typically, COVID tests at the airport are not free and must be paid for out of pocket.
The turnaround time for COVID test results can vary depending on the airport and the type of test administered. Some airports may offer rapid tests with quick results, while others may use tests that require sending samples to a lab, which can take longer.
