Medellin Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Requirements

As of 2021, COVID-19 testing services were available at Medellin's José María Córdova (JMC) international airport in Rionegro. The tests were provided by WTA Latam IPS and Healtix Home IPS. Testing was available 24 hours a day and was located in the lower level of the rental car building, with results available within a few hours. As of 2022, the antigen test cost was 95,000–100,000 pesos, and the PCR test cost was 230,000–261,000 pesos.

COVID testing is available at Medellin Airport

It is important to note that the testing facility only accepts cash payments in Colombian pesos. Additionally, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early as there may be waiting times for both the test and the results. The entire process, including waiting times, can take up to 2 hours.

For those seeking alternative testing options, there are rapid tests available in Medellin for around COP$50,000 to COP$80,000. Home testing services are also available, with results typically available within 12 hours. These services may be more convenient and less stressful, especially for early morning flights.

The tests are located on the lower level of the rental car building

COVID-19 testing services are available at Medellin's José María Córdova (JMC) International Airport. The tests are located on the lower level of the rental car building, which is across from the main terminal. The testing facility is a laboratory run by Medellin-based Healtix Home IPS and Bogota-based WTA Latam IPS.

The tests offered include the relatively rapid-result antigen test (results in 20 to 40 minutes) and the more-accurate but lengthier PCR test (24 to 36 hours for results). The antigen test costs 95,000 pesos, while the PCR test costs 230,000 pesos. It is important to note that the testing facility only accepts cash payments in Colombian pesos.

If you plan to get tested at the airport, it is recommended to arrive early and allow plenty of time for the testing process. First, you will need to take a ticket number and wait to be called. After filling out the necessary forms, you will take the test and then wait for the results. The entire process, including waiting times, can take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

For those seeking an alternative to airport testing, there are options for at-home testing services in Medellin. These services can come to your location (apartment, hotel, or house) and provide results within a few hours, offering convenience and peace of mind.

Antigen tests cost 95,000 pesos

COVID-19 testing services are available at Medellin's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro. The airport offers both antigen and PCR tests, with the former costing 95,000 Colombian pesos. The antigen test is relatively rapid, with results available in 20 to 40 minutes, making it suitable for travellers who need quick results before their departure. However, it is important to note that this test is less accurate than the PCR test, which takes longer but provides more reliable results.

The testing facility at the airport is operated by Healtix Home IPS and WTA Latam IPS, who jointly started providing COVID-19 testing services at the airport in January 2021. The antigen test priced at 95,000 pesos is a popular option for travellers, especially those returning to the United States, as the US accepts antigen testing for entry. The test is located in the lower level of the rental car building, and it is recommended to arrive early and allow extra time for potential waiting periods.

While the antigen test offers convenience and speed, it is important to be aware of its limitations in terms of accuracy. The PCR test, which costs more, provides more reliable results and may be preferred by individuals seeking a higher level of certainty. However, the longer waiting time for PCR test results can be a significant factor when travelling.

When considering the antigen test at Medellin Airport, it is advisable to have cash on hand, preferably in Colombian pesos, as some sources indicate that the facility may only accept cash payments. Additionally, it is worth noting that the price of the antigen test at the airport is higher than the price range of 50,000 to 80,000 pesos mentioned for rapid tests available outside the airport. Nevertheless, the airport testing option offers the convenience of on-site testing, which can provide peace of mind for travellers, especially those with impending flights.

PCR tests cost 230,000 pesos

Covid-19 testing services are available at Medellin's José María Córdova (JMC) international airport in Rionegro. The testing site is located in the lower level of the rental car building, across from the main terminal. It is open 24 hours a day, and employees can direct travellers to the testing site.

PCR tests at the airport cost 230,000 pesos, with results available in 24 hours. Tests must be paid for in cash, and prices are significantly higher in USD (approximately $65). Results are available in both English and Spanish.

It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport with plenty of time to take the test, fill out the required forms, and wait for the results. The entire process can take up to 2 hours, depending on wait times. Travellers should also be aware that some countries, including the USA, require a negative Covid-19 test within 1 day of departure. Therefore, it may be less stressful to get tested in town the day before a flight.

Results are available within 24 hours

COVID-19 testing services are available at Medellin's José María Córdova (JMC) international airport in Rionegro. The testing facility is located in the lower level of the rental car building, which is across from the main terminal. The testing facility is open 24 hours a day, and results are available within 24 hours.

The antigen test costs 95,000 Colombian pesos, and the PCR test costs 230,000 Colombian pesos. The tests are conducted by Medellin-based Healtix Home IPS and Bogota-based WTA Latam IPS.

According to some travellers, the entire testing process at the airport can take around an hour. First, you take a ticket number. After around 45 minutes, you will be called to fill out some forms, which takes about 10 minutes. Then, you take the test and wait for the results. You can request the results by texting a number on WhatsApp after 40 minutes. The test centre can be very crowded, so it is recommended that you leave plenty of time for the test.

While the testing facility at the airport is very convenient, it may be less stressful to get tested somewhere in town the day before your flight. This will give you more time in case there are any delays in getting your results.

Frequently asked questions