As covid infection rates rise and fall, business travellers and tourists to Europe alike are left wondering what covid testing they will need for their trip. Covid testing requirements and norms vary from country to country, and it’s important to do your research before you go so that you can get tested for covid and if necessary vaccinated ahead of your trip.
People arriving without the required covid test certificates or without proof of vaccination may be turned away or delayed at the border.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the COVID-19 testing requirements for travel to Europe.
What types of covid-19 tests are accepted for travel to Europe?
The most common types of COVID-19 tests that are accepted for travel to Europe are:
- Rapid antigen test
- PCR test
Rapid antigen test: A covid antigen test can be done quickly. The results of rapid antigen tests are available very quickly. At branches of Canadian Travel Clinics, you can get a rapid antigen test and certificate for travel within three to four hours.
PCR test: This is the most accurate kind of COVID-19 test. It can detect the virus even if you don’t have any symptoms. PCR tests typically take 24-48 hours to get results. This makes this test less well suited to travellers, who may need to get tested within a short window before travel.
You can also get a serology test for covid. This test checks your blood for antibodies to the covid-19 virus. Serology tests can show if you’ve been exposed to the virus in the past, but they don’t tell you if you’re currently infected.
The cost of covid-19 testing for travel to Europe
The cost of covid-19 testing varies so it’s best to check with the clinic you want to use. At Canadian Travel Clinics, we offer a good value, high quality covid test service. You should expect to pay between $70 and $120 for a covid test that is suitable for travel.
Where to get a covid test for Travel to Europe
You can get COVID-19 tested at a variety of locations, including your doctor’s office or at the airport. There are even some drive-thru covid test centres.
But for maximum peace of mind and convenience, we recommend using a dedicated service for travellers located near your home or workplace. Most covid tests for travel need to be taken within a certain window before travel (usually 72 or 48 hours), and for most people it doesn’t make sense to leave it to the last minute by getting tested at the airport.
At Canadian Travel Clinics we have plenty of covid test appointments in our city-centre clinics. Our rapid antigen testing service is designed for travellers. Visit our clinics page to make an appointment at a covid test centre near you.
We recommend that you make a travel health appointment six to eight weeks before you depart. That way you can find out what travel vaccines you need and arrange any shots to ensure they provide maximum protection during your trip. You can also plan your pre-travel covid tests at this appointment, and the travel health nurse will help you work out what covid tests are right for your travel party.
what to do if you test positive for covid-19 before your trip
If you test positive for COVID-19 before your trip, you’ll need to follow the guidance of your local public health authority if you are still in Canada. You may also need to cancel your trip.
If you are abroad and you test positive for covid, follow local guidance. You can contact your travel insurance company for help, and check the Government of Canada’s travel advisories.
Keep up to date with changing covid test requirements
COVID-19 testing requirements for travel to Europe are constantly changing. It’s important to do your research and check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re planning to visit before you travel.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you have the necessary COVID-19 tests and documentation for your trip to Europe.