Cartagena Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Requirements

If you're travelling to or from Cartagena and need to take a Covid-19 test, there are several testing centres available at the airport and across the city. Here is a list of some places where you can get tested for Covid-19 in Cartagena:

- HealthCars (at Rafael Nuñez Airport and Barrio España)

- Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano (Santa Lucia in Multicentro El Amparo)

- Servicios Integrales de Salud (Bocagrande)

- Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe (Centro Comercial Getsmaní Local 2B-01)

- Laboratorio Clinico Eduardo Fernandez (Centro, Bocagrande, and Santa Lucia)

- Mely Contreras (at-home testing)

- Laboratorio Yamile Bajaire (Cartagena Airport)

Covid testing locations at Cartagena airport

HealthCars

HealthCars is located at the Rafael Nuñez Airport and Barrio España (near Maria Auxiliadora Church). They also offer at-home testing. Their hours are 7 am to 6 pm at the airport and 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, in Barrio España, and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. They offer the following tests:

• PCR: $350,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours
• Antigen: $100,000 pesos at the airport; $90,000 at the Barrio España location; $110,000 for at-home testing. Listed turnaround time is 1 hour, but it may be ready in as little as 20 minutes.
• Antibody: $110,000 pesos, listed turnaround time of 1 hour.

Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe

Located in Centro Comercial Getsemani Local 2B-01, Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe offers at-home/hotel testing. Their hours are 7 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, and 7 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. They offer the following tests:

• Antigen: $130,000 pesos
• Antibody: $100,000 pesos

Mely Contreras

Mely Contreras provides at-home testing. She can be contacted via email at [email protected] or via Facebook and Whatsapp at +57 317 845-4407. She offers the following tests:

• PCR: $300,000 pesos, results within 24 hours
• Antigen: $160,000 pesos, results within 1 hour
• Antibody: $150,000 pesos, results in half an hour

Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano

Located in Santa Lucia in Multicentro El Amparo (near Bomba el Amparo), Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano also offers at-home testing. Their hours are 6 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7 am to 4 pm on Sundays and holidays. They offer the following tests:

• PCR: $185,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours
• Antigen: $70,000, results in 24-36 hours
• Antibody: Rapid test: $75,000, results in 24-36 hours; Spike test (to check vaccine response): $70,000, result time not listed.

There is also a testing facility at the Cartagena Airport. However, specific details about the types of tests offered and their prices were not readily available.

Cost of Covid tests at Cartagena airport

The cost of a Covid test at Cartagena airport depends on the type of test you need. As of August 2021, the price of an antigen test at the airport was $100,000 COP, while a PCR test cost $350,000 COP.

Cartagena airport offers Covid testing at the Rafael Nuñez Airport. The airport testing site is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight to ensure enough time for testing and check-in.

In addition to the airport, there are several other Covid testing locations in Cartagena, including private testing services that can come to your hotel or Airbnb. Prices for Covid tests in Cartagena vary depending on the type of test and the location, but generally range from $70,000 to $350,000 COP.

• HealthCars (at Rafael Nuñez Airport and Barrio España): Antigen test - $100,000 COP at the airport, $90,000 COP at Barrio España location; PCR test - $350,000 COP.
• Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano (Santa Lucia in Multicentro El Amparo): Antigen test - $70,000 COP; PCR test - $185,000 COP.
• Servicios Integrales de Salud (Bocagrande): Antigen test - $100,000 COP; PCR test - $280,000 COP.
• Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe (Centro Comercial Getsmaní Local 2B-01): Antigen test - $130,000 COP.
• Mely Contreras (At-home testing service): Antigen test - $160,000 COP; PCR test - $300,000 COP.
• Synlabs (Centro de Salud, Ronda Real): Antigen test - $140,0000 COP; PCR test - $280,0000 COP.
• Pasteur Laboratorios Clínicos (La Plazuela Mall): Antigen test - $200,000 COP; PCR test - $257,000 COP.
• Laboratorio Clínico Eduardo Fernandez (Centro, Bocagrande, and Santa Lucia): Antigen test - $150,000 COP.
• Caris (At-home testing service): Antigen test - $110,000 COP; PCR test - $310,000 COP.

Please note that prices and operating hours may have changed since August 2021, so it is recommended to contact the testing locations directly to confirm their current prices and hours.

Turnaround times for Covid test results

PCR Tests

PCR tests are considered the gold standard for Covid testing and are required by some countries for entry. In Cartagena, PCR test results typically take around 24 to 36 hours to be processed. Some facilities may offer quicker turnaround times, such as 6 hours, but these expedited results usually come at an additional cost. It is always a good idea to confirm the turnaround time with the testing facility before making an appointment.

Antigen Tests

Antigen tests are commonly used for respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19. They are generally faster and cheaper than PCR tests, making them a good option for rapid Covid testing in Cartagena. Antigen test results can be available in as little as 15 minutes to 2 hours. However, it is important to note that antigen tests may be less sensitive than PCR tests and are not accepted by all countries for entry. Always check the entry requirements for your destination country before choosing a Covid test.

At-Home Tests

At-home Covid tests are becoming more common and can be purchased online or from pharmacies. These tests typically involve a video call with a lab technician to confirm the results. While at-home tests offer convenience, they may not be accepted by all airlines and countries for travel. Be sure to verify the acceptability of at-home tests with your airline and destination country before choosing this option.

Testing Facilities in Cartagena

When considering turnaround times, it is essential to factor in potential wait times at the testing facility. Some facilities, like the airport testing centre, operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot in the queue. Additionally, giving yourself a cushion of a few extra hours or even a day before your flight is recommended to account for any unexpected delays in receiving your results.

• HealthCars at Cartagena Airport offers antigen tests with results in approximately 1 hour, while PCR tests take 24-36 hours.
• Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano provides PCR results in 24-36 hours and antigen results in 24-36 hours as well.
• Servicios Integrales de Salud in Bocagrande offers PCR and antigen tests but does not specify turnaround times.
• Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe provides antigen and antibody test results on the same day.
• Mely Contreras offers at-home testing with PCR results within 24 hours and antigen results within 1 hour.
• Laboratorio Clinico Eduardo Fernandez provides antigen test results in 1 hour at their in-person location in Bocagrande.

Please note that the information provided is based on reports from travellers and testing facilities as of 2021 and 2022. It is always recommended to verify current turnaround times with the testing facility before making a decision.

Covid testing locations in Cartagena

Yes, Rafael Nuñez Airport in Cartagena offers COVID testing. The airport's testing centre, HealthCars, offers both PCR and antigen tests. The PCR test costs 320,000 pesos, with results available in 24-36 hours. The antigen test costs 100,000 pesos, with results available in 1 hour.

There are also several other COVID testing locations in Cartagena. Here is a list of some of them:

• Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano: Located in the Santa Lucia shopping mall, this clinic offers PCR, antigen, and antibody tests. The PCR test costs 185,000 pesos, the antigen test costs 70,000 pesos, and the antibody test costs 75,000 pesos. Results for these tests are available in 24-36 hours. They also offer at-home testing for an additional 40,000 pesos.
• Servicios Integrales de Salud: Located in Bocagrande, this clinic offers PCR, antigen, and antibody tests. The PCR test costs 280,000 pesos, the antigen test costs 100,000 pesos, the post-vaccine antibody test costs 90,000 pesos, and the normal antibody test costs 75,000 pesos. They also offer at-home testing for an additional fee.
• Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe: Located in the Centro Comercial Getsmaní Local 2B-01, this clinic offers antigen and antibody tests. The antigen test costs 130,000 pesos, and the antibody test costs 100,000 pesos. They can be contacted via phone at 664-4546 and are open from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, and 7 am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
• Mely Contreras: Mely offers at-home testing and can be contacted via Facebook and Whatsapp at +57 317 845-4407. The PCR test costs 300,000 pesos, with results available within 24 hours. The antigen test costs 160,000 pesos, with results available within 1 hour. The antibody test costs 150,000 pesos, with results available in 30 minutes.
• Synlabs: Located in the Centro de Salud, near La Castellana Mall, this clinic offers PCR, antigen, and antibody tests. The PCR test costs 280,000 pesos, with results available in 24-36 hours. The antigen test costs 140,000 pesos, with results available in 2-24 hours. The antibody test costs 60,000 pesos, with results available in 2-24 hours. They also have locations in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellín, Cali, and Bogotá, including at the airport in Bogotá.
• Pasteur Laboratorios Clínicos: Located in La Plazuela Mall, this clinic offers antigen and antibody tests. The antigen test costs 200,000 pesos for individuals and 140,000 pesos for family groups of 3 or more. The antibody test costs 120,000 pesos. Results for these tests are available in 2-4 hours. They also offer at-home testing.

Additionally, some hotels and Airbnbs in Cartagena may be able to arrange COVID testing for their guests. It is recommended to contact your accommodation directly to inquire about this service.

How to get a Covid test in Cartagena for travel to the US

The US requires either a PCR or antigen test for travelers to the country. If you are travelling to the US from Cartagena, Colombia, you can get a Covid test at the Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTS). HealthCars handles the COVID-19 testing at the airport and offers a guaranteed 24-36 hours for processing a PCR test and just one hour for the antigen test.

Covid testing at the airport

Location: Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTS)

PCR test cost: 350,000 pesos

Antigen test cost: 150,000 pesos

Antibody test: 110,000 pesos

Appointment: No appointment needed but they also do home testing

Time for PCR test results: 36 hours or less. Or one hour for an antigen test at the airport (if they aren't busy)

Covid testing at private clinics in Cartagena

You can also obtain a Covid test at private clinics in Cartagena. Clinica MediHelp is one such clinic, offering both PCR and antigen tests.

Location: Bocagrande Carrera 6a. # 5 -101

PCR test cost: 400,000 pesos

Antigen test cost: 170,000 pesos

Antibody test costs: 140,000 pesos

Time for PCR test results: up to 24 hours, antigen 3 hours

Covid testing at private labs in Cartagena

There are several labs in Cartagena that offer Covid testing. Synlab Colombia has locations in several cities in Colombia, including Cartagena.

Location: Centro de Salud y Negocios Ronda Real Local 226C, Dg. 31, Cartagena, near the La Castelllana Mall.

PCR test cost: 280,000 pesos

Antigen test cost: 150,000 pesos

Antibody test costs: 60,000 pesos

Appointment: Yes – you can schedule a test on their website.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am to 11:40 am and 1 pm to 2:40 pm

Time for PCR test results: 48 hours or less. Or up to 24 hours for an antigen test.

Another private lab in Cartagena is Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano.

Test location: Santa Lucia near Bomba el Amparo

PCR test cost: 210,000 pesos

Antigen test cost: 90,000 pesos

Antibody test costs: 75,000 pesos

Covid testing using EPS insurance

If you have EPS insurance, you can obtain a Covid test for free or low cost. However, EPS call centers may try to avoid appointments for tests if you don't have symptoms and may ask you to self-isolate instead. Processing times are also longer than private hospitals and labs.

PCR test cost: free or low cost

Antigen test cost: free or low cost

Antibody test cost: free or low cost

Appointment: needed

Time for test results: 72 hours or longer

Frequently asked questions