As countries around the world face a new surge of COVID-19, many of them have tightened their travel restrictions in recent weeks, making a negative PCR test mandatory fr all travellers. Here's a roundup of countries where you need to get tested before or after your arrival.
Europe
Since January 18, 2021, the United Kingdom requires negative PCR tests from all newcomers, except for travellers under the age of 11 and those where COVID-19 testing is not available. This test must have been taken within 72 hours of departure for the UK. It's worth noting that the UK has temporarily suspended its travel corridors, which means that passengers are quarantined for ten days, regardless of their country of departure. Scotland and Wales have similar measures.
France also requires a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours before departure for travellers from non-European Union countries. This measure also applies to people travelling from the UK.
In Germany, PCR tests can be done either at the airport, at a doctor or a local testing centre. Quarantine is mandatory for all travellers, but it can be interrupted on Day 5 if the result is negative. Since December 15, 2020, PCR tests carried out at the airport are no longer free of charge. In Austria also, the quarantine can be interrupted if the test is negative on the 5th day after arrival.
Belgium, for its part, applies the OECD recommendations. Thus, travellers from the red zone are quarantined for ten days upon arrival and tested for COVID-19. However, they can end their quarantine on the 7th day if the 2nd test is negative.
Iceland now requires two PCR tests instead of one, the first free of charge on arrival and the second 5-6 days later, during the 14-day quarantine. This measure will be in place until February 2021. However, since December 10, travellers who have already been tested before their departure are exempt from the test on arrival, provided they have supporting documents.
Italy is one of the few European countries that require travellers from the EU and the Schengen area to have a negative PCR test performed within 48 hours of arrival. Those who haven't been able to get tested will be quarantined for 14 days.
In short, negative PCR tests are mandatory for being granted entry in most European countries, including Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Croatia, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Netherlands, Estonia, Cyprus, Greece, among others. For its part, the Czech Republic requires travellers from low-risk countries to undergo a medical examination upon arrival. In Portugal, which is currently locked down, anyone over the age of 2 must have a negative PCR test.
Middle East
In Bahrain, all travellers need to do a PCR test on arrival, at their own expense. The cost is US$ 80 per person. They then have to self-isolate while awaiting the test result. Travellers who wish to stay for more than ten days must undergo a second test.
The UAE also requires negative PCR tests. In contrast, the test may have been performed within 96 hours prior to arrival. A second test is performed during the 14-day quarantine at a designated hotel. In Abu Dhabi, newcomers also have to wear an electronic GPS bracelet during the quarantine.
Asia
In addition to the 14 days of quarantine, a negative PCR test is required for entry in China. For seven days, the travellers who are mainly from a list of eligible countries, are subjected to temperature checks before a new test is carried out. The quarantine only ends when the 2nd test is negative.
Singapore has also reopened its borders to travellers from certain countries, but to enter, they must undergo a PCR test on arrival. While awaiting the test result, travellers have to self-isolate for 48 hours at a hotel of their choice.
In Thailand, the PCR test is not required upon arrival but after the 14-day quarantine. Newcomers are only allowed to travel around the country if the test is negative. In addition to the PCR test, they must also purchase health and travel insurance of a minimum amount of US $ 100,000 covering treatment of COVID-19 in case they would need it.
In the Maldives, only one PCR test is required since there is no quarantine. This test should be taken before arrival. However, travellers can be selected randomly at the airport for COVID-19 testing.
Americas
Since January 7, Canada requires all travellers to provide a negative PCR test to be allowed entry. The test must have been carried out no more than three days before the departure date, regardless of the country where the travellers are coming from. However, the 14-day quarantine on arrival remains mandatory.
From January 26, 2021, all travellers to the United States, including returning American citizens, will also be required to provide a negative PCR test. This test must have been carried out within three days before arrival in the country. Only cabin crew members, military staff, and children under the age of two will be exempt from COVID-19 testing.
In Belize, the PCR test must have been taken within 96 hours of departure. On the other hand, in Panama, it must have been taken within 48 hours or at the airport against fees of US $ 50. Besides, travellers who already test negative may be randomly selected for a 2nd test.
Guatemala, whose borders remain closed to travellers from the UK and South Africa, requires a negative PCR test for any traveller over the age of 10. This test must have been taken no more than 96 hours before departure or at the airport for a fee of US $ 25.
In many Latin American countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil since December 30, 2020, Chile and Bolivia, PCR testing is mandatory, unlike in Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay.
Oceania
As of January 18, 2021, all travellers from Australia, Antarctica and some Pacific Islands, except children under the age of 2, have to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in New Zeeland. For travellers coming from the UK and US, the test must have been taken within 96 hours of departure. The 14 days quarantine, however, remains compulsory.
Australia is following suit by making PCR test mandatory from January 22, 2021. The test must have been taken within 72 hours of departure. But there are exceptions, for example, for seasonal workers from low-risk countries where testing is not available. They will benefit from tailor-made treatment.
Africa
COVID-19 is also mandatory in most African countries. For example, to enter South Africa, travellers must produce a negative PCR test carried out a maximum of 72 hours before departure. For travellers having COVID-19 symptoms or suspected of having been in contact with an infected person, a 2nd test will be required at their own expense. If the test is positive, they will be quarantined for ten days at a designated facility.
Meanwhile, Mauritius requires a negative PCR test carried out between 5 and 7 days before the traveller's departure. Once on the island and during the 14-day quarantine at a designated hotel, three more tests are performed, on Day 1, Day 7 and Day 14. The fee of Rs 13,500 paid by foreign nationals entering Mauritius covers the three PCR tests.
