Owais Crawford
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new set of travel norms, with RT-PCR tests becoming a requirement for international travel. While the RT-PCR test was initially conducted at certified labs, with the increase in travel, airports have started offering this service to incoming passengers. This paragraph will explore the availability of RT-PCR tests at airports and the process of getting tested upon arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get tested? | International transfer passengers |
| Where is testing available? | Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai airports in India |
| When can testing be done? | On arrival or before departure |
| Why get tested? | To skip institutional quarantine |
| How to book a test? | Online or by booking a slot at the airport |
| Test cost | INR 3500-5000 |
| Test result wait time | 45-60 minutes to 4-6 hours |
| Requirements for entry into India | RT-PCR negative report or vaccination certificate |
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What You'll Learn
RT-PCR testing at Delhi Airport
RT-PCR testing is available at Delhi Airport for all arriving and departing passengers. The testing facility is located at Level 1 of the Airport Connect Building at T3. For international arrivals, the facility is located pre-immigration near Gate 3 at Arrival Pier A and Gate 15 at Arrival Pier B at T3.
The cost of an RT-PCR test at Delhi Airport is Rs. 500, while a Rapid PCR test costs Rs. 3,500. Results for the former are available in around five hours, while the latter provides results within an hour. To book a test, passengers can visit the website, fill in their personal and travel details, select a time slot, and make the payment. Passengers are required to provide a nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab. They can also get tested through a blood test.
Due to new travel guidelines, Delhi Airport witnessed unprecedented crowding, with travellers from ''at-risk' countries having to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests. The airport has since expanded seating arrangements and food counters in the waiting area. It has also installed 120 Rapid PCR test machines and set up dedicated counters for pre-booked tests to expedite the process.
Passengers travelling on domestic flights do not need to get tested at Delhi Airport, except for those flying into Maharashtra, who must present a negative RT-PCR test report issued within 24 hours of arrival.
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RT-PCR testing at other airports
RT-PCR testing is available at some airports for international travellers. In India, the Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai airports offer RT-PCR testing for incoming international travellers. The Bangalore Airport also offers RT-PCR testing. However, it is unclear whether this is available for all travellers or only for those travelling to India.
The cost of an RT-PCR test at the Delhi Airport is INR 3500, and the results are available in 60 to 90 minutes. A Rapid RT-PCR test is also available at the airport, which costs INR 5000 and provides results in 45 to 60 minutes. The test can be booked on the airport's website, www.newdelhiairport.in.
At the Mumbai and Delhi airports, the wait time for results is approximately 4-6 hours. If the result is negative, passengers with a connecting flight to domestic destinations in India will be stamped "RT-PCR negative and state quarantine till (date)" on their hand before proceeding to departures. For other passengers, a negative result will allow them to exit the airport, while a positive result will be processed according to local regulations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in India has issued guidelines to airport operators, instructing them to provide international passengers with the option of undergoing an RT-PCR test at the entry airport or their arrival airport in India. This allows passengers to seek exemption from institutional quarantine by undergoing testing at the airport.
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RT-PCR test costs
The cost of RT-PCR tests varies depending on the location and the type of facility providing the test. In India, the cost of RT-PCR tests has fluctuated throughout the pandemic, with prices varying across different states. In December 2020, the Delhi government reduced the rate of RT-PCR tests to Rs 800 from Rs 2,400. SpiceHealth, a subsidiary of SpiceJet Airlines, offered tests for Rs 499, while other labs charged Rs 1,200. The Maharashtra government also reduced testing rates, with tests costing Rs 980 in laboratories, Rs 1,400 for samples collected from COVID care centres, and Rs 1,800 for home collection. The Uttarakhand government set the price cap for RT-PCR tests at government and private laboratories to Rs 850 and Rs 900, respectively. The Telangana government reduced prices in private labs to Rs 850, while home collection was Rs 1,200. The Gujarat government set the price for private lab tests at Rs 1,500, while the Rajasthan health department reduced rates to Rs 1,200. The Kerala government lowered rates to Rs 2,100, while the Uttar Pradesh government set a price of Rs 1,600 for all laboratories, including private ones. The Odisha government reduced the maximum price for private lab tests to Rs 400.
The cost of RT-PCR tests at airports also varies. At Delhi Airport, the Rapid PCR Test costs INR 3500, while the starting price for the regular RT-PCR test is INR 5,000 ($71), which includes access to the international lounge while waiting for results. The wait time for results at Mumbai and Delhi airports is about 4-6 hours.
It is important to note that the prices mentioned above may not be up to date, as costs may have changed since the initial publication of the sources. Additionally, some countries or states may have implemented new guidelines or requirements for RT-PCR testing, which could impact the associated costs. Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest information and guidelines before planning to undergo an RT-PCR test.
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RT-PCR test results time
RT-PCR tests are used to diagnose illnesses or detect gene changes using small amounts of genetic material. In the context of COVID-19, RT-PCR tests are used to diagnose active infections and can be performed on samples collected from the upper respiratory tract using nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, or saliva. The timing of sample collection and the type of specimen used can impact the accuracy and sensitivity of the test results.
The time required to receive RT-PCR test results may vary depending on the testing facility and the specific test performed. At some airports in India, such as Mumbai and Delhi, the wait time for RT-PCR test results is approximately 4-6 hours. Rapid RT-PCR tests are also available at Delhi Airport, with results available in 60 to 90 minutes, allowing passengers to board their connecting flights within three hours of arrival.
It is important to note that the accuracy of RT-PCR tests depends on the timing of the test in relation to the onset of symptoms. The tests are most accurate within the first week after symptoms appear, and the likelihood of a positive result decreases over time. By four weeks after symptom onset, the test is more likely to return a negative result. However, false negatives can occur, especially if the test is performed too early in the infection when the viral load may be below the detection threshold.
To interpret RT-PCR test results, it is important to understand the terminology used. Typically, a "positive" result indicates the presence of the target genetic material, suggesting an active infection. On the other hand, a "negative" result means that the target genetic material was not detected, indicating the absence of an active infection. However, a negative result does not rule out the possibility of a recent or ongoing infection, especially if the test is performed too early or too late in the disease process.
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RT-PCR test requirements
The RT-PCR test requirements vary depending on the country and the mode of travel. Here are the RT-PCR test requirements for some countries:
India
International travellers can get an RT-PCR test done at certain Indian airports, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The cost of the test at Delhi Airport is INR 3500-5000, and the wait time for results is about 4-6 hours. If a passenger tests positive, they will be processed according to local regulations. Passengers who test negative and have a connecting flight to domestic destinations in India will be stamped "RT-PCR negative and state quarantine till (date)" on their hand. They can then proceed to departures. For other passengers who test negative, they will be stamped and allowed to leave the airport.
Additionally, airlines require passengers to fill out a Self Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal and upload a negative RT-PCR test report or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Thermal screening will also be conducted at the airport, and passengers with abnormal body temperatures will be restricted from boarding.
Finland, France, Nepal, Maldives, UAE, United Kingdom, Japan, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, and Romania
These countries require fully vaccinated documents for entry.
Germany
A negative RT-PCR test result is required three days before travel.
Russia and Sweden
A negative RT-PCR test result is required, issued no less than 48 hours before departure.
Canada
Travellers need to be fully vaccinated.
Afghanistan
A negative RT-PCR test result is required, not older than 72 hours.
Thailand
A pre-departure RT-PCR test is required, and travellers must take a self-administered ATK test on day five of their trip. A COVID-19 vaccination certificate, Thailand Pass, travel insurance, and hotel booking confirmation are also mandatory.
United States
A negative RT-PCR test must be done the day before travel for those aged two and above. Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within 90 days is also accepted.
Singapore
Only PCR test results are accepted, and travellers must test negative in the country they are departing from three days before arrival.
It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination country and mode of travel, as these requirements can change over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get an RT-PCR test at the airport. The availability of this service depends on the airport and country. For example, some airports in India such as Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai offer RT-PCR testing for international travelers.
The cost of an RT-PCR test at the airport varies depending on the location and the type of test. For example, at Delhi Airport, the Rapid PCR test costs INR 3500, while the regular RT-PCR test costs INR 5000.
The time taken to receive the results of an RT-PCR test at the airport can vary. Rapid RT-PCR tests at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport provide results in around 45-60 minutes. In contrast, regular RT-PCR tests at the same airport usually take around 3-4 hours.
It depends on the airport and the testing facility. Some airports, like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, offer the option to pre-book a test slot on their website. However, other airports may not provide this option, and you may need to book the test on arrival.
If you test positive for COVID-19 at the airport, you will be processed according to the local regulations and guidelines. This may include isolation, genomic testing, and mandatory quarantine periods. It is important to monitor your health and follow the instructions provided by the airport health authorities.
