Covid Test For Travel: All You Need To Know Today!

Unlike recent years, traveling may not be as fun as it used to be. With compulsory nose masks and Covid tests, many travelers are oblivious of the dos and don’ts. Not to worry, this article discusses all you need to know about the Covid test for travel. 

Although international flights have resumed, there are specific restrictions in operation. One challenge many travelers face is how to get tested before their trip.

A rapid test can come in handy, especially if you’re traveling under short notice. Also, with the right knowledge of what to expect before traveling, you can be prepared for your trip.

This article gives insight into CDC’s air travel recommendations and restrictions. Here, we give tips on how to stay safe while traveling during Covid. Also, we answer your common questions on the travel Covid test. 

Recommendations for Vaccinated and Partially Vaccinated People

In September 2021, the CDC informed the public of the rise of Covid cases in the country. As of the middle of September this year, the reported cases of Covid were 41.5 million.

The CDC recommends that people who aren’t fully vaccinated delay travels. However, if they must travel, there are specific recommendations they are to follow. 

In the same vein, people who are yet to be fully vaccinated are to protect themselves and others. One thing that is common with both sets of people is the mandatory travel Covid test.  

Also, it suffices to know that these recommendations are susceptible to change by the CDC. The reason is due to the change in the number of Covid cases. Additionally, the increase in the number of vaccinated people may cause changes in the CDC recommendations. 

Many people are unsure whether or not they are fully vaccinated. Here are tips to help you determine if you’ve been fully vaccinated. 

• You must have completed two compulsory doses of either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

• You must have taken the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Most importantly, you’re only declared fully vaccinated two weeks after the completion of your vaccines.

Below are the CDC recommendations for people who are fully vaccinated.

• While traveling within, into, and out of the United States

• Travelers are required to wear masks covering their mouths and noses on buses, trains, airplanes, or public transports. 

• Travelers are required to wear masks covering their mouths and noses in open areas of their mode of transport.

• Travelers should consider wearing masks in areas with high Covid 19 cases.

• Travelers should wear masks in public places and around partially vaccinated people.

• Travelers are required to adhere strictly to all local and state Covid 19 protocols. These Covid 19 protocols include observing social distance and wearing masks

Moving on, travelers are to self-quarantine and watch out for any Covid 19 symptoms. In the event they get symptoms, they are required to isolate themselves and get a covid test. They can choose from any Covid testing options.

Here are CDC’s recommendations for partially vaccinated people

Before traveling

• You’re to do a viral test 3 days before your trip. You can also request to do a same day Covid testing

While traveling

• You are to follow the same recommendations as fully vaccinated people

• CDC recommends you use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer or practice frequent hand washing

• You’re to stay at a minimum, 2 arm’s length from people not amongst those you’re traveling with

• You’re to avoid crowds whether small or large.

• You’re to observe social distancing always and wear masks.

After your trip

• Three to five days after your trip, do a viral test.
• You should self-quarantine for complete seven days even if your test comes out negative.
• If your Covid test is positive, ensure you isolate yourself.
• You’re to stay home for ten days if you decline a viral test.
• Be on the lookout for symptoms of Covid 19
• Avoid physical contact with people who have an increased risk of chronic illnesses.

Very importantly, we recommend you check the website of your local or state health department for testing locations. Additionally, avoid traveling with a sick person if you’re sick or tested positive to Covid.

FAQs On Covid Test for Travel

Do I need to take a viral test before traveling? Can I travel while sick? These and many more are common questions people traveling during Covid ask. Here are common questions on Covid test for international travel.

Does the CDC order affect only US citizens?

No. The CDC order applies to air travelers that are legal permanent residents, US citizens, and are either two years old or above. 

Is the order solely for air travel or does it affect land travel?

The order is solely for those traveling by air within and into the US. 

What are the acceptable types of Covid 19 tests under the CDC’s order?

People traveling by air must do a viral test. The viral testing options can be one of the following

• NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) 
• Antigen test

Air passengers can get tested for any of these Nucleic Acid Amplification Test)

• Antigen tests for  SARS-CoV-2 
• Nicking Enzyme Amplification Reaction which is otherwise known as NEAR
• Reverse Transcription Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification, otherwise known as RT-LAMP
• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, also known as RT-PCR
• Transcription-mediated Amplification, which is also called TMA
• Helicase-dependent amplification otherwise referred to as HDA

Our rapid tests acceptable?

One common question is whether or not rapid tests are acceptable. They are acceptable provided they are acceptable under CDC order and are viral tests.