Travelling has changed a lot since 2019 and the early parts of 2020. Not only are people more cautious about how often they travel and where they go, but airlines and governments around the world have various protocols involving domestic and international travel too.
If you are planning a trip in 2022, you may still have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test when you are boarding a flight or train. The rules are different in various countries, which is why you should know where to get tested if you are traveling internationally.
Using companies like Cignpost Diagnostics which provide COVID-19 testing, allows you to get the relevant test kits ahead of time. Ensure you are reading up on the protocols for each kit, as the time it takes to get a result can vary.
Below is a detailed explanation of how to get tested for COVID-19 when you are traveling, along with other tips for traveling in 2022.
Airport testing
When you are travelling in Europe and need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, the airport is your best bet for a quick turnaround time. Every major airport in Europe offers COVID-19 testing, and most of them can get you the results in one or two days.
The pricing for these tests, however, varies greatly depending on where you are traveling. Germany, as an example, has some of the most expensive COVID-19 airport testing fees, which range from €128 and €150 for each test.
Other countries are less expensive, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy. Tests are anywhere from €20 to €60 depending on where you travel to. If you are landing at a European airport and need to show proof of a negative PCR test, then airport testing is your best bet.
Home test kits
Another option for COVID-19 testing is to use home test kits. These are tests you can administer yourself, and the results appear within 10 to 15 minutes.
While home test kits are becoming more accurate, most countries choose to accept PCR test results as proof. Having home test kits is useful to know that you are COVID-19 negative and safe, but they may not be enough to allow you entry into a country that requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Luckily, there are a few COVID-19 at-home test kits that provide PCR quality. Ensure you do your research on these kits, as they must be certified by the relevant health authority for the country you are entering. If that country accepts the test as a PCR test, then you will be allowed entry.
Proof of vaccination
If you are planning to travel through Europe in 2022, then getting the EU Digital COVID Certificate may be an appealing option. The certificate is a way of digitally proving that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection.
Both recent COVID-19 infection and proof of vaccination are enough to gain entry into nearly every European country. There may be one or two exceptions, depending on where and when you travel, but nearly every nation now accepts one of the above as being sufficient for entry.
Plan testing ahead of time
If you are traveling through Europe in 2022 or entering Europe from another country, you should plan your COVID-19 tests ahead of time. Most European nations now accept proof of vaccination or recent infection for entry, but if you cannot produce either, you should schedule a COVID-19 test a couple of days before your trip.
By scheduling your test ahead of time, you can avoid having to take one at the airport when you arrive. You can schedule a test at local health centers, or buy PCR tests from pharmacies, administer them at home, and send your swabs to a lab to get the results.
Stay safe and have fun
There is nothing enjoyable about having to constantly worry about providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test, especially if you are traveling abroad. While you cannot change these circumstances, you can adjust your behavior to ensure you are on top of everything.
By having the relevant test kits in your possession, you can take away a lot of the worry while traveling. If you do have to get a quick test and show a negative result, you can do so without feeling anxious or nervous about where you will get tested.
Some airlines and governments accept the at-home testing kit results, while others require PCR tests. By knowing what is required, and where you must go if you need to do a PCR test, you can stay safe on your travels and have a wonderful time.
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