Planning a trip soon? Ensure you have the correct COVID-19 test lined up.

Antigen tests. Rapid tests. PCR tests. RT-PCR tests. Antibody tests. If you've undergone COVID-19 testing during the pandemic, you may have felt overwhelmed by the multitude of choices.

There are various names for COVID-19 tests, and keeping track of which one you require for travel can feel overwhelming. However, there are only two categories of tests: diagnostic tests that determine if you have an active COVID-19 infection and antibody tests that detect antibodies produced in response to the virus causing COVID-19.

Not all COVID-19 tests provide the same level of reliability. Different types come with varying degrees of accuracy and turnaround times.

Testing is significantly more available now than it was at the start of the pandemic. However, depending on your travel destination, a negative COVID-19 test result may be necessary, especially if you're unvaccinated or traveling with unvaccinated children. Pre-travel testing has become even more crucial due to the latest COVID-19 variant.

Moreover, the United States mandates that all travelers arriving from abroad must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of departure. Unvaccinated travelers are now required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before departure, greatly reducing the testing time frame.

So, which test should you choose? What distinguishes all the various tests? Here’s what to consider before your next appointment to ensure you get the right COVID-19 test for travel.

Diagnostic tests

Also referred to as: Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP), diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, rapid test
Sample collection method: Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, saliva
Turnaround time: As quick as 15 minutes for a rapid antigen test or an hour for rapid PCR tests; standard PCR tests typically return results within 72 hours.

PCR Tests

The PCR test, or polymerase chain reaction test, is designed to identify active COVID-19 infections and is widely recognized as the most prevalent NAAT test.

Considered the current "gold standard" for detecting active COVID-19 infections, these tests are the most dependable. While some countries accept a negative rapid antigen test for entry, a PCR test is generally required for travel.

You can easily access PCR tests at various major pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, often at no extra charge if you're using insurance. Result turnaround times usually range from one to seven days, depending on the chain and location.

Some urgent care centers now offer "rapid PCR tests," which are standard PCR tests with quicker results, available in as little as 30 minutes. However, if you're seeking a speedy PCR test, expect to pay out of pocket, as these are typically not covered by insurance.

Countries mandating a PCR test for entry include Anguilla (RT-PCR), Antigua and Barbuda (RT-PCR), St. Martin, Ireland (RT-PCR), Paraguay (RT-PCR or NAAT), and Bonaire (PCR or NAAT test).

Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests detect proteins present on the virus's surface. These tests are favored for their quick results, although they may not be as accurate as PCR tests.

An increasing number of U.S. airports and airlines are providing rapid COVID-19 testing for passengers on specific flights or to certain destinations. Additionally, many hotels are beginning to offer on-site rapid tests to meet U.S. testing requirements.

Countries that permit entry with a negative rapid or antigen test include the United States, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Austria, and Croatia.

At-Home Tests

Earlier this spring, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the testing program for international travel into the U.S., allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that are remotely supervised.

This is encouraging news for travelers heading to the U.S. who may have limited testing options overseas. Those flying to the U.S. can utilize a self-test (often referred to as a home test if it's a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization [EUA] from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The test must include a telehealth service for real-time supervision.

Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test is approved by the CDC for travel to the U.S. Each box contains two tests, and the company advises to swab yourself twice within three days, ensuring at least 36 hours between tests. There’s another Abbott rapid test available at pharmacies that isn’t proctored and is not valid for travel. Additionally, Amazon's COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA.

Antibody Tests

Also referred to as: Serological test, serology, blood test, serology test
Sample collection method: Blood test
Result turnaround time: Can be same day or take up to three days

Antibody tests are blood tests designed to determine if a previous COVID-19 infection has led your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that it should not be used to diagnose an active infection.

Several countries, including Greece, Iceland, and French Polynesia, permit entry for visitors who present proof of a previous infection confirmed by an antibody test.