Should I get COVID-19 testing before traveling?

Rt-pcr covid-19 test for travel

The COVID-19 or Novel Coronavirus has been a threat looming over mankind since 2019. Even if you are fully vaccinated, certain activities require that you undergo Rapid COVID-19 testing. One of these is traveling. There has been a lot of travel bans over the last two years. But as the world tries to come back to normalcy, there is a gradual easing of travel restrictions. However, if you are feeling lost as to what to do and which test to take before traveling, here’s a guide to help you with it. 

Why is it necessary to do COVID-19 testing before traveling?

The CDC has mandated getting tested for COVID-19 for both domestic and international travel, especially via planes. The daily COVID-19 cases are still on a rise despite vaccinations and the vulnerable section of the population runs the maximum risk of infection. If you are COVID-19 infected without symptoms, and you travel somewhere without getting tested, chances are you will infect other people. If you are traveling overseas to another country, you have to follow their regulations regarding COVID-19 testing and quarantining. If you are coming back from another country to the US, then you have to follow the CDC-mandated rules of COVID-19 testing.

When to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling? 

One of the most important questions that come up in the whole traveling debacle is ‘When should I get tested if I want to travel?’ Well do not worry, CDC has some rules regarding both domestic and international travel. 

For domestic travel

  • You should be fully vaccinated. 
  • Check the pandemic situation of the place you are traveling to before booking your tickets. 
  • Make sure to delay your trip if you have been feeling under the weather or have been showing symptoms of the infection. 
  • Always wear a mask whenever you step outside. 
  • If you are not fully vaccinated, but still have to travel, you have to get tested before and after your trip for safety measures. 

For international travel (Applies to everyone over the age of 2 traveling from any foreign country to the US.)

  • You have to get a COVID-19 test if you are two years or older of age. It should be done no more than 1 day(for unvaccinated people) or 3 days (for fully vaccinated people) before you are set to travel by air. The negative result has to be shown to the airlines before you board the plane.
  • If you have recently recovered from the disease you can travel with documentation of recovery that is no more than 90 days old. You also need to carry a letter from a public health official or a licensed healthcare provider saying that you were safe to travel.
Rapid covid-19 testing

International Travel from the US to Foreign Countries 

The CDC also has some rules about what you need to do before you travel to another country as most countries have their own rules regarding testing and quarantining. 

  • Do not travel if you are sick or have shown symptoms.
  • If you tested positive for the virus but have not ended your isolation, you are not free to travel. 
  • If you had close contact with a person that has COVID-19, but haven’t ended your isolation, you cannot travel. 
  • Get your test results before boarding the flight. If your test comes back positive after you reach your destined country, you will have to isolate yourself and cannot come back until your quarantine period is over. 

Follow CDC for the latest information on COVID-19

If you have more queries about the general guidelines of CDC, you can visit their website and read updates about domestic and international travel rules. You can also use the CDC COVID Data Tracker to get more information about the spread of the virus. 

Conclusion

You should always get tested for COVID-19 before traveling anywhere. The best way to do this is to get a same-day RT-PCR test. This way you will be cleared to travel immediately if your results are negative. Affordable Rapid Testing can help you get same-day RT-PCR COVID-19 tests if you happen to be traveling from Phoenix, Arizona. We are affordable, safe, and offer accurate results.

These are the locations where you can easily avail the test: 

https://www.webmd.com/lung/COVID-travel

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