How to get Antigen Test for Travel – COVID19 Test

Antigen Test For Travel – traveling has once again resumed after the spread of COVID-19 in the whole world. For a brief moment, traveling from one country to another was completely shut down during the first two waves of COVID-19. Most governments around the world were concerned regarding the safety of their citizens, and they did not want to take any risks. It was also the best thing to do at that time.

Most governments around the world might have opened their borders for travelers, but different countries have different rules and regulations. Most countries ask all visitors to present a COVID negative test along with the certificate of their vaccination.

When these rules were first introduced after the second wave of COVID-19, people were advised to take the RT PCR test. Nowadays, several governments around the world, including the Canadian government, the federal government of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have been accepting antigen tests for travel. And that is why today we are here to discuss everything regarding the same.

How to get an Antigen Test for Travel?

Before we discuss anything else, let’s first take a look at All the places where you can get yourself an antigen test for travel. You might already be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and prevention of the United States have recently changed its guidelines related to COVID testing.

Every American who is traveling abroad will have to pay for their COVID test on their own. Free COVID testing is not valid for international travelers. There are several pharmaceutical giants active in the United States that are providing antigen tests for travel, and you can make an appointment at their official website.

CVS pharmacy

When it comes to COVID testing, especially antigen tests for travel, CVS pharmacy is the biggest name in the United States as they have more than 9000 locations throughout the nation. You can visit their official website and create an early appointment to get yourself tested for travel. 

While you are creating the appointment, kindly don’t forget to mention that you are taking the travel test. There is a special option for every appointment maker to click if they are taking the travel test. 

Walgreens 

Walgreens pharmacy is the second biggest name in the United States, with more than 4500 locations throughout the nation. They have been providing free COVID testing services in the United States in partnership with the Centers for Disease control and prevention.

As the rules have changed, you have to pay for your COVID testing, and that is why at the time of the appointment, you have to select you are creating an appointment for international travel. The appointment process is very simple; you just have to visit their official website and click on COVID testing. After that, you will have to provide some information regarding the person taking the test.

Rite Aid Pharmacy

Rite Aid pharmacy is another big name in the United States to get yourself tested with an antigen test for travel. People who are not taking antigen tests for travel can get themself tested free of cost at Rite Aid pharmacy, and others will have to pay around $129.

Similar to other options, you have to create an early appointment at Rite Aid pharmacy. They might accept walk-ins in some locations, but you have to confirm at the location. They might not have an on-the-spot testing service which is why we suggest everyone create an online appointment at least one day before your testing time.

All about Antigen Tests

Antigen tests are becoming as popular as the RT PCR test for COVID-19. Several governments around the world are also accepting antigen tests for travel. That is why you should learn everything about these tests for your smooth journey.

Kindly remember You have to take a rapid antigen test for travel at a nearby pharmacy. At Home, COVID tests such as rapid antigen tests are not going to be valid for travel. There is a huge problem with the authenticity of the test results if you take a rapid antigen test at your home.

Rapid antigen tests are way easier to take as compared to RT PCR tests. One of the biggest benefits of these tests is their speed. You can get the test results of your rapid antigen test within 15 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, the RT PCR test is going to take around 24 to 48 hours to deliver the results.

If you are not taking an antigen test for travel, then these tests are the best to get yourself tested for COVID-19. They are more convenient as compared to RT PCR tests, as you can take a rapid antigen test at your home.

On the other hand, people who are going for the RT PCR test will have to visit a nearby laboratory Or pharmacy. Even if any pharmacy allows you to take an artificial test at your home, you still have to deliver the sample to the pharmacy, or they will pick it up from you.

There is also a huge difference in the pricing of rapid antigen tests and PCR tests for COVID-19. People who are not going to take a rapid antigen test for traveling can buy a test for around $10 apiece. On the other hand, you have to invest $130 to get yourself tested for COVID-19 with the RT PCR test.

Which countries are accepting antigen Tests for Travel?

We usually suggest everyone take a look at the guidelines released by the country they are going to visit. Every country in the world can have similar guidelines, and they can also change at any time of the day.

Still, we have created a list of countries that allow rapid antigen tests for travel. You can take a look at the below-given countries and also check the regulations before your visit.

• Austria
• Belize
• Bosnia
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Germany
• France
• Guatemala
• France
• Finland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Lithuanian
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Panama
• Peru
• Paraguay
• Portugal
• Serbia
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• UK
• Ukraine
• Canada

The above-given list indicates that the European Union has opened its gates for all travelers with antigen tests. Now, travelers can visit countries like Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom using antigen tests.

Several other countries, including Turkey, Jamaica, and Brazil, have also opened their gates for travelers with antigen tests. Our good neighbor Canada has also opened its borders for all travelers with an antigen test.

Most of these countries request everyone to get their self vaccinated before they make a plan. You must be fully vaccinated, which means you should receive at least two doses of the primary series of COVID vaccine to visit their country.

Usually, people are allowed to enter the country if they take an antigen test for travel no older than 24 to 72 hours.

Types of COVID Tests for Traveling

You might not be surprised to know, but there are different types of tests available for COVID-19, and most of those tests are valid for international travel.

RT PCR test and antigen test are among the most popular and accurate tests in their respective categories. 

The RT PCR test is a little expensive and complicated compared to antigen. Usually, it takes around 24 hours to deliver the results when it comes to the RT PCR test, and it also costs around $130 to get yourself tested at any pharmacy in the United States. 

You cannot take the RT PCR test at home, and companies claiming to perform artificial tests are going to take your sample to a nearby laboratory and deliver the results via email.

The antigen test is completely different from the above-given option. It is a fast and cheaper test. You can buy antigen tests for $9 to $10 a piece, and they are capable of providing results within 20 to 30 minutes.

Due to convenience, several governments around the world have started accepting a combination of antigen tests and full vaccination if you are trying to visit their country. You must be fully vaccinated, and you should have a negative antigen test no older than 24 to 72 hours to enter the country.