How to Obtain a COVID Test for International Travel

The necessity for COVID testing shows no signs of diminishing. Even with increased global vaccination efforts, variants like Delta and Omicron have raised alarms in many countries. Consequently, new—and often stricter—COVID testing protocols for travel are being implemented.

Starting December 6, the United States mandated that all international arrivals must be tested for COVID no more than one calendar day before flying to the United States, irrespective of their vaccination status. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of three days, adding urgency to the testing process before flying to the U.S.

In December, both France and the United Kingdom reinstated COVID testing requirements for all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status. These sudden changes highlight the need for travelers to quickly secure tests that comply with new regulations—often with very little notice. How can you keep track of these rapid updates? What do you need to know? Start here for guidance.

Whether travelers need a COVID test before departing for an international destination or for re-entry into the U.S., here are the various options and methods for obtaining a COVID test for global travel.

What type of COVID test is necessary for entry into the U.S.?

Per the official directive from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acceptable COVID tests for U.S. entry include PCR tests, antigen tests (including rapid antigen tests), or an authorized home or self-test. This means there are simpler alternatives to the PCR test, which often takes longer to get results for—though some services provide 'rapid PCR' tests, typically at an additional fee.

CDC-approved COVID self-tests for international travel

For travelers concerned about securing a PCR or antigen test within a day before returning to the U.S., there's the option of bringing along a set of COVID-19 home or self-tests. The CDC has authorized several self-tests for international travel, including the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test, the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test with Azova, and Cue COVID-19 tests—all of which we have reviewed.

These tests can be self-administered—meaning you conduct your own nasal swab—but to comply with CDC requirements, they must be conducted with a supervised telehealth video call in real-time. (The tests mentioned include the telehealth service.) Travelers should remember: You need a reliable internet connection wherever you plan to take the test to ensure seamless access to the telehealth video call.

How to locate a testing site overseas

Wondering if the country you intend to visit has COVID testing locations that can deliver results within a day? A great starting point is the U.S. State Department’s comprehensive COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which feature a section on COVID-19 testing for each nation. This section clearly addresses whether PCR and/or antigen tests are accessible to U.S. citizens and if results are reliably available within one calendar day. It often provides details on where and how to obtain such tests.

Another valuable resource is TestforTravel.com, where you can search for testing centers in any international location and filter by the specific type of COVID-19 test you need.

The positive aspect is that testing has significantly increased globally, becoming more accessible at international airports and hotels. Travel companies—such as airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators—along with travel advisors are also assisting international travelers in finding testing sites or actually getting tested at their destinations. The downside is that prices vary drastically. Tests can range from just a few dollars to several hundred, complicating travel budgeting.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have all created resources to help passengers access international testing information. American Airlines utilizes the VeriFly app, a global health pass that facilitates the uploading of health data for users.

United Airlines has introduced a feature called the “Travel-Ready Center” within its United app (found in the “My Trips” section or online at United.com). This center helps passengers understand COVID-19 travel requirements for their upcoming journeys, locate local testing options, and upload proof of test results and vaccination status.

Delta Airlines has also implemented a straightforward COVID-19 testing search tool on its website, allowing travelers to locate testing centers in various international destinations.

How to locate a COVID test in the U.S. for international travel

First and foremost, ensure you are informed about the latest entry requirements for the countries you plan to visit or even just transit through—there's never been a better time for nonstop flights. As we've seen throughout the pandemic, these regulations can change rapidly.

The U.S. State Department’s country-specific COVID-19 advisories are an excellent starting point for finding the most current entry rules and requirements. We’ve also compiled our favorite interactive map tools that provide updated global COVID-19 travel information.

Once you understand what’s needed—whether a PCR or antigen test, for instance—and the time frame required (commonly between two and three days, or 48 to 72 hours), you can start searching for testing options nearby.

Mail-in COVID self-tests

COVID testing availability across the U.S. is inconsistent and varies significantly from city to city, county to county, and state to state. Earlier this month, President Biden announced that at-home COVID tests will soon be more accessible and covered by private insurance plans. More information will be provided in January, but there are several home or self-tests that travelers can acquire through mail-in options, which may qualify for insurance reimbursement and meet specific international entry requirements. However, if the COVID test entry requirement has a very tight time frame—such as two or three days prior to travel—these mail-in options might not be suitable.

Please be aware that these tests can be utilized for travel from the U.S. to international destinations that will accept the results, but not for entry into the U.S. from abroad. The tests applicable for inbound travel to the U.S. have been previously mentioned and were reviewed by Dinogo editors.

Here are some self-test options we’ve identified that could be suitable for travel:

• EverlyWell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC ($109 per test, or $81.75 with code GIVEMORE): This FDA-authorized PCR test is delivered within two to eight business days of ordering, so it’s best to order it at least a couple of weeks before your travel date. Once received, you can take the self-administered test and mail it back the same day using the provided overnight delivery label. Results will be available within 24 to 48 hours after the lab receives the sample.
• Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Test At-Home Collection Kit ($119 per test): An FDA-authorized PCR test that usually arrives within two days of order. The self-test includes a FedEx overnight label for returning the sample to the lab, where results are typically processed within one to two days.
• LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Pre-Flight Test & Lab Report ($109 per test): A home testing kit that travelers can order in advance. It’s advisable to order at least five days before travel (though stocking up even earlier is a good idea!). After collecting your sample using a nasal swab, send it to the lab with a prepaid next-day delivery label; results can be expected within 24 to 72 hours after the lab receives it. This is also an FDA-authorized PCR test.

Options for in-person COVID testing in the U.S.

Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, healthcare networks, and local health agencies are among the many entities that provide COVID testing, though results are not always guaranteed within a specific two- or three-day timeframe. Travelers may need to seek out more expensive local private providers and urgent care centers (like CityMD and Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York, and COVIDCheckToday in Southern California, Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami) for quicker testing options. DMCOVID-19 Test offers a nationwide testing service that includes house calls and provides same- and next-day results for a premium; same-day testing costs around $300, while next-day testing is approximately $220.

Getting tested at the airport

An alternative (or a backup plan if waiting until just before your flight feels too stressful) is to get tested at the airport.

XpresSpa Group’s XpresCheck brand currently operates COVID-19 testing sites in 11 U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Dulles, Houston, Newark, New York (JFK), Phoenix, Seattle, and San Francisco. They offer a standard PCR test with results in 48 to 96 hours for $75, as well as a rapid PCR test with results available in 60 minutes for a significantly higher price of $250. In addition to XpresCheck, many U.S. airports now feature their own testing facilities, so travelers can explore options at their local airports.

U.S. airports equipped with COVID testing facilities include:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Oakland International Airport
• San Diego International Airport
• Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Hawai‘i)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
• New York’s LaGuardia Airport
• Portland International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

What should you do if you test positive?

“If you test positive for COVID-19 while traveling internationally, you’ll have to delay your return to the United States, possibly for several weeks. It's crucial for every traveler to have a backup plan,” said Ian Brownlee, the U.S. State Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, during a media briefing on January 26 when the testing requirement for international arrivals to the U.S. was first established.

Brownlee highlighted that U.S. travelers should think about their accommodation options, the expenses associated with an extended stay, and the consequences of being unable to return immediately, whether due to work commitments, childcare responsibilities, or other obligations.

“Carefully reflect on these significant questions” before finalizing your travel plans, Brownlee advised. He also suggested that international travelers consider purchasing travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical expenses and related travel disruptions.

This advice also applies to outbound travelers—consider what safeguards you have in place, including the cancellation policies for all parts of your journey, in case you or anyone in your travel group tests positive before departure.