An essential part of your travel preparations during the pandemic is a covid-19 test. Most airlines will need to see proof of a negative coronavirus test before you can board a flight. And the entry requirements for many countries now includes a covid-19 travel certificate. This proves that you have a negative result on a test for covid-19 that was taken within a certain timeframe before travel or arrival.
What are the entry requirements for the country I am visiting?
The entry requirements for different countries vary, and they can change rapidly and without notice. We strongly recommend that you check a reliable source of advice before booking your test. The Government of Canada’s travel health advisories are a dependable source of information for travellers during the pandemic. Your destination’s own government website may also help with up-to-date details about entry requirements for travellers. Your travel or booking agent may have advice too.
Check the entry requirements for the region you are travelling to and any places that you are transiting through while you are planning your trip. Check again shortly before you leave as border requirements may change at very short notice.
The entry requirements for the place you are travelling to are likely to include evidence of a recent negative PCR covid-19 test or in some cases a rapid antigen test is allowed. Most countries will require that you take a test within a specified timeframe, for example, within 48, 72 or 96 hours before entry or before travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements of your destination and of any countries you will transit through.
Do I need any documents for my pre-travel covid test?
Please bring your passport to your covid-19 testing appointment, as we will need your passport number for your travel certificate.
How long does it take to get a PCR swab test result?
The appointment to get tested for covid-19 before travel takes minutes at most.
You should allow 24 hours to receive your covid-19 PCR swab test result and travel certificate.
The antigen test and certificate will be ready in three to four hours. The antigen test is valid only for some destinations.
Can I get tested for covid-19 at the airport?
You cannot rely on being able to access a covid-19 test at the airport. You need to organize local covid-19 antigen testing or PCR swab testing near home before you travel. It takes 24 hours to get a PCR test result and a few hours to get an antigen test result. If you wait until you get to the airport to get a covid-19 test, you risk not being allowed to board your flight.
Canadian Travel Clinics has many conveniently located branches where you can get a timely, reliable covid-19 test ahead of your journey.
What can I expect at the airport during the pandemic?
You will also have to comply with your airline’s infection-control guidance and any covid-19 requirements at the airports you are passing through. Refer to your booking agent or to the airport’s websites and resources to check what you need to do. For example, where you need to wear masks and what health checks you might need to undergo, and what delays you can expect.
Booking a covid-19 pre-travel test
Booking your pre-travel test for covid-19 is very easy and quick. You can book a coronavirus test for travel online right now, at the branch of Canadian Travel Clinics nearest you. Our covid-19 testing clinics are convenient and central and we have appointments early or late in the day so you don’t even have to miss work to get tested.
How do I get my covid-19 travel test results?
We will send your covid-19 test results and travel certificate to you.
The most reliable way to get the covid-19 travel certification for flying and travel is to book an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics.
Please note that travel rules are subject to rapid change. Keep up to date with the government’s instructions about travel and be aware of requirements for your destination and for any countries you will transit through on a flight transfer.