How to find a COVID-19 test while traveling abroad
COVID-19 testing is a reality of traveling during the pandemic, especially with the threat of the new omicron variant.
In addition to finding a predeparture COVID-19 test in the U.S., depending on where you're going, travelers will also need access to COVID-19 tests while abroad. At the very least, all travelers must show proof of a negative test taken no more than one day before flying to the U.S.
Unfortunately, getting a test abroad can be just as challenging — if not more so — than getting one close to home. Here are several locations where you can find a COVID-19 test while abroad during your next trip.
Hotel or hostel
Hyatt Cap Cana (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
Your hotel (or hostel, if that’s your thing) should be the first place you look if you need a COVID-19 test to travel back to the U.S. During the pandemic, a hotel offering complimentary COVID-19 testing is as valuable of a perk as a free upgrade or meal voucher. Many hotels worldwide provide free (or reduced-cost) COVID-19 testing for travelers headed back to the U.S. or travelers arriving at the hotel.
Examples of current hotel COVID-19 testing programs available around the world include:
- Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport: The Test, Rest and Fly package consists of an overnight stay, breakfast and one PCR test with results in 24 to 36 hours. The package starts at $295.
- Sofitel London Heathrow and London Gatwick: The hotels have a Test and Rest program, a package that includes a room and a PCR test. Test results can be returned overnight.
- The Baha Mar hotel complex in the Bahamas offers a complimentary rapid antigen test upon arrival and departure.
- Marriott Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: Offers on-property COVID-19 antigen tests to all guests staying at the resort for $50 per person or a PCR test for $125 per person.
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Offers one complimentary antigen test per guest per stay and charges $25 per additional antigen test. The resort also offers one complimentary PCR test with a seven-night minimum stay, or $79 for fewer than seven nights.
- Park Hyatt Dubai: PCR test costs $54 per person with a 24-hour turnaround. Express PCR tests costs $95 per person (expect a six- to 10-hour turnaround).
During a trip to Mauritius in November, the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa and the JW Marriott Mauritius offered complimentary coronavirus testing upon arrival. Travelers have to test negative to move freely about the island.
But, things got tricky when trying to arrange for a test to fly back to the U.S. As I wrote earlier this month, my resort did provide COVID-19 tests for guests – but only PCR tests that came with a 36-hour turnaround. That time frame didn’t work for me as I was leaving for the U.S. later that night.
So, before you check in to your hotel, you should inquire about exactly which coronavirus tests your resort or hostel provides and how long it’ll take to get your results. You'll also want to confirm that you'll receive an official copy of your test results, which you will need to travel to the U.S.
You’ll also want to do some research to see if there’s a testing shortage at your destination, which may complicate getting a test in time for travel.
Hospitals or urgent care
(Photo by Westend61 / Getty Images)
When it became clear I wouldn’t be able to get a COVID-19 test for travel at my resort in Mauritius, I needed to come up with another plan quickly.
During the drive to the resort, I noticed a hospital and asked the staff if I could take a COVID-19 test there. The staff warned me that there was a backlog in tests, and supply was scarce, but the hospital was more than happy to take me in after calling about my situation. However, this should be a backup and not your first option.
If you do plan to get tested at a local hospital, you should make a reservation a couple of days in advance to avoid any undue stress. You’ll also need to bring identification documents such as your passport and travel itinerary. Lastly, you’ll want to double (and triple-check) the cost of your test before arriving and see if your travel insurance covers it. Otherwise, you may get an unwelcome surprise when it’s time to pay your bill.
Pack an at-home COVID-19 test
(Photo by Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
If your destination has a shortage of COVID-19 tests, you may want to pick up a couple of at-home test kits before your trip. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control now allows proctored tests to be used to fly back into the U.S. However, non-proctored tests can also be helpful to determine your test status.
There are several at-home testing options, varying in price, that will qualify for travel to the U.S. Just be sure to order in advance so you can pack your test with you before you leave home:
- Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test: This test is CDC-approved for travel to the U.S. (There’s a second Abbott rapid test you can buy at the drugstore, but it isn’t proctored and can’t be used for travel.) Cost: $150 for a six-pack of tests from eMed or $69.99 for a pack of two from Optum.
- Amazon’s COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC: This test has received emergency use authorization from the FDA. Cost: $39.99
- Ellume COVID-19 Home Test: This test is currently only sold in-store at local pharmacies. (Note that Ellume voluntarily recalled more than 2 million tests in October, citing “higher-than-acceptable false-positive test results,” so make sure your test isn’t impacted.) Cost: $38.99 plus a $20 fee for an online video observation to take a proctored test virtually.
- Cue Health: This membership option says it offers test results in 20 minutes and can detect the new variant. Cue Health offers two options for travelers: the Cue+ Essential membership, which starts at $49.99 (a more expensive option costs $89.99 per month,) or a one-time purchase with a pack of three or 10 tests starting at $225.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.