pre travel covid testing brisbane

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How, when and where to get tested for COVID-19 in Queensland

Testing for COVID-19 remains an important way to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Knowing if your symptoms are COVID-19 can assist you and others to manage any associated illness appropriately.

You can access two types of tests available in Queensland:

• a rapid antigen test (RAT) which can be done at home or at some private pathology-operated locations
• a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which is performed at private pathology-operated collection sites or GP respiratory clinics.

How and when to get tested

You should use a RAT kit to test yourself for COVID-19 if you have COVID-19 symptoms . If you don’t have a RAT kit and are unable to get one, you can get a PCR test at either a private pathology-operated collection site or a GP respiratory clinic .

You are not required to take a COVID-19 test after arriving in Queensland from overseas. However, we recommend you monitor for COVID-19 symptoms in the first 7 days after arrival. If you develop symptoms after arrival, get tested for COVID-19 . A PCR test is preferred if you have symptoms.

Call Triple Zero (000) if you are very sick, including if you are experiencing breathlessness, chest pain, or severe light-headedness.

Rapid antigen test (RAT)

How to use a rat.

RATs can be performed by yourself at home and will give a result within 30 minutes. Depending on the type of test, you swab your nose and throat or the inside of your cheeks and tongue.

Some RAT kits can be used on children but not all are suitable for young children or babies. Adults should always perform the test for children. Read the instructions that come with the test before using it.

Visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) list of rapid antigen test kits available in Australia and instructions for how to use them .

Where to get a RAT

From 1 September 2022, if you have an eligible Commonwealth concession card or are part of an eligible group, you can access free RAT kits from  Queensland Health RAT distribution points . To protect others from COVID-19, wear a face mask if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Alternatively, you can purchase RAT kits in retail shops and pharmacies. To protect others from COVID-19, only go to a pharmacy or retail shop if you are well.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests

How to get a pcr test.

Most private pathology providers require a GP referral and a Medicare card for Medicare to cover the cost of your PCR test. Contact the provider to check whether you need a referral.

PCR tests involve a doctor, nurse or pathology collector using the swab inside your nose and throat. Your samples are sent to a COVID-19 testing laboratory and your result is sent to you by SMS within a few days.

Where to get a PCR test

PCR tests are offered at private pathology-operated collection sites around Queensland. Remember to check the conditions of bulk billed COVID-19 testing on the private pathology provider’s website before you get tested or you may be charged a fee for pathology services.

Find a private pathology-operated collection site near you that tests for COVID-19:

• 4Cyte Pathology Pty Ltd
• Clinicallabs
• Mater Pathology
• Queensland Medical Laboratories (QML)
• Sullivan and Nicolaides (SNP) .

Testing for international travel (departing Australia)

COVID-19 testing for the purpose of outgoing international travel clearance is  only  available at some private pathology-operated locations and  fees apply . Contact the private pathology provider to make an appointment.

Getting your results

If you've had testing performed at  4Cyte Pathology , Clinicallabs, Histopath, Mater Pathology , QML or  Sullivan & Nicolaides Pathology, you can get your results from your referring GP or directly from the private pathology provider.

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Do you need a COVID test before you travel and are you based in Brisbane? Do you ALSO need a doctor’s letter ? or is it just a COVID PCR Nasal swab test? or do you need a blood test as well  ?? Yes, it can be very confusing. Make sure you get precise instructions from your travel agent or airline.

Some airlines need a COVID nasal swab/PCR test before you can even be let on the plane, or a certain number of hours before you arrive in a country, some countries or airlines require a blood test as well. Sometimes a letter from a doctor is required in addition to a test result (sometimes called a test result certificate) to document that you have no symptoms of COVID at the time of the test  – a ” WELL-TO-GO ” letter.

At Dr Deb The Travel Doctor,  we can help you organise this  COVID  travel paperwork in Brisbane. We can even do it via telehealth in some circumstances.

If you travelling, and need a COVID PCR test and letter before departure (eg 72 hours before departure) this can be organised at this link by a local lab. Costs etc are on that link.

Note – if you have symptoms of COVID and go for a test it is FREE. You only have to pay for a COVID test if you are having it pre-travel. BUT some airlines will only accept test results from private pathology labs not from a hospital

The laboratory will text/email you the result so you will have the necessary paperwork for your departure.

PS you may wish to consider limiting your exposure to the general public for 2 weeks prior to your departure just to limit your chance of being exposed to viruses especially during the winter.

PS the USA state department has a website with some information about what COVID requirements are needed for each country, it is US-focused but a good place to start researching.

2 Responses to “COVID requirements pre travel Brisbane”

I am travelling to Taiwan on the 11/05/21. I require the pcr test for work travel purposes within 72 hours from departure date. When can I take the test?

Hi f you travel on the Tuesday you should have the test on Sunday ( yes do-oable), results back on Monday and fly tuesday. Testing lab is found here. https://www.snp.com.au/our-locations/?P=65 regards Dr Deb

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Dr Deb Mills has a passion for medicine and travel. She is the medical director of Dr Deb THE Travel Doctor, and has been working in travel medicine for over 25 years. She is one of the pioneers of Travel Medicine in Australia. This means she and her team have the expertise necessary to ensure you get the best travel medicine care possible. For more Travel health advice and to obtain your vaccines before you travel, visit our travel clinic in Brisbane.

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• Travel Advice

International travel: How to pay under $100 for Covid PCR test to get overseas

Travel is kicking off again but if you want to avoid being stung hundreds for a Covid test, there’s an easy way to get around it.

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Heading overseas is harder than ever thanks to Covid, and, when you factor in the Covid PCR swabs, rapid antigen tests and mandatory travel insurance, it’s also more expensive than ever.

But there is a way to save at least some money before you jump on a plane – by getting your Covid test done at the airport rather than a lab around the city.

At Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne International Airports, you can book an express Covid PCR test for $79 , with the results guaranteed in under 90 minutes.

Rapid antigen tests are also available for $59, with results coming through in 30 minutes.

Getting tested at private labs across those cities usually cost at least $140 and that price more than doubles to around $300 if you want a guarantee your results will come back in less that 24 hours.

Of course, there are upsides and downsides to both options.

Getting tested at the airport, before your flight, obviously means you need to get there even earlier than you normally would.

And with Qantas recommending passengers on their international flights arrive at the airport a whopping four hours early , this means you could be looking at a six-hour wait time at the airport.

The airport testing clinics in Sydney and Melbourne also don’t open until 6am, which means if you’re flying any earlier than 8am, a PCR test at the airport is probably out of the question.

At Brisbane International Airport, the testing clinic doesn’t open until 8am, pushing your plans further along.

There’s also a risk you test positive to coronavirus at the airport, which means you’d only have a few hours to postpone or cancel your travel plans. This window could be too late for many companies and airlines and you could lose money.

With most airlines requiring a negative Covid test within 72 hours of your flight, getting a test earlier, instead of just a few hours before, gives you plenty of time to make other arrangements if you do test positive.

However getting a test at the airport does have some advantages – particularly if you wanted to save at least $60 on a PCR test and if you don’t have a printer at home.

Histopath Diagnostic Specialists, the lab that runs the testing clinics at the three international airports, will print out your negative PCR proof on the spot, which you can take to show the booking counter.

You can also attend the airport pre-departure clinic and ask to have your negative PCR result test printed if you’ve been tested at a community Histopath lab outside of the airport.

Histopath offering cheaper tests is a new thing, with the lab charging $150 for an express PCR test at the airport back in October.

The company’s operations director Greg Granger told news.com.au that Histopath had been able to cut costs because it had streamlined its processes.

“We’ve been doing this since right at the start of the outbreak ... and we’ve cut a lot of fat in between,” he said.

Mr Granger said because of their set-up at the airport - with all of their staff, testing platforms and a lab based in the facility - they’d managed to get end-to-end sample collection, which had helped them cut costs further.

“At the end of the day, we couldn’t figure out why the market has landed where it has, it might be too far to say it’s gouging, but it’s close,” he said.

“Whether we like it or not, pathology are the gatekeepers of travel now and we have an obligation to get costs down.”

Mr Granger said the company continued to increase its efficiency and speed with PCR testing and took aim at companies that were charging hundreds for quick tests.

“Instead of pokceting that, we said ‘let’s put the price down,” he said.

“For the same type of express service it can be $300 - that’s to get it the same day. That’s stupid, they’re not even trying.

“Maybe they don’t have the efficiencies on the ground, but as long as the government is mandating testing, the private labs have an obligation to provide it as cheap as possible.”

The lab has been running at the airport since Covid hit Australia last year and was used by airport workers, those employed in hotel quarantine and frontline workers to get rapid PCR tests.

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However the lab has pivoted since international borders tentatively opened for Australians last month.

NSW and Victoria recently reinstated a 72-hour quarantine for all international arrivals from Saturday after the variant of concern Omicron was identified in southern Africa.

All arrivals into Australia must be tested for coronavirus upon their return and must quarantine for three days while they await their results as the world works to understand what Omicron will do.

A huge $20 billion new airport in an Aussie-favouite Asian destination has revealed plans to become a major global hub.

A major Australian airport has been named the best in the Pacific the same week a huge project kicks off with big changes for Qantas passengers.

Thousands of travellers are expected to move through the nation's busiest airport in the next 24 hours.

Do I need a COVID flight clearance test to fly in Australia or overseas? And do I have to pay?

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Lauren Ball receives funding from Griffith University, the National Health and Medical Research Council, VicHealth, and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She is an Executive Committee member of the Australasian Association of Academic Primary Care.

Mark Morgan receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Bond University and the Australian Department of Health. He is affiliated with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as chair of the Expert Committee for Quality Care. He is a member of the Australasian Association of Academic Primary Care. He is co-chair of an Expert Panel for the National Covid-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.

Griffith University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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As we head towards our first COVID-era Christmas, many Australians will be excited that it is once again possible to travel domestically to be with family and friends.

While international travel isn’t yet routine, some people continue to fly overseas with valid exemptions.

Of course, air travel moving forward is going to look a bit different. Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce recently declared international passengers will need to have had a COVID vaccine , and this statement has attracted some backlash.

But until a vaccine is widely available — and even beyond — testing is going to be a requirement for some travellers.

Do I need to produce a negative test to fly?

For domestic travel in Australia, airlines do not require proof of a negative COVID test. But you will still need to follow the border requirements of each state. For example, Western Australia continues to restrict visitors and require a 14-day isolation period for those who cross into the state from South Australia.

Your airline should have up-to-date information on any quarantine or other requirements, which you should check before flying. You can also check with the state government of your destination.

Read more: A vaccine will be a game-changer for international travel. But it's not everything

For people wanting to travel out of Australia who have a valid exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, some airlines and countries do require a COVID flight clearance. This is paperwork showing you have recently tested negative for the COVID-19 virus.

The clearance requirements differ depending on the airline you’re flying with and the countries through which you’re travelling. This is also something you should be able to check with your airline , as well as the government of your destination country.

For example, Emirates states that Australian tourists flying into Dubai “must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure”.

Where can I get a COVID flight clearance test?

In Australia, anyone can access a free COVID test through a public health facility, mobile testing centre, or GP medical centre that offers bulk billing. You might have to pay for the consultation with your GP if they don’t offer bulk billing, but the test itself is free .

However, the tests are funded through Medicare , our national health insurance program, paid through our taxes. Medicare funds are intended to support the health and safety of Australians, rather than to be used for travel purposes.

For a flight clearance certificate, you can speak to your GP for a referral to a testing clinic, but be prepared that you may be asked to pay for the test.

Certain airlines also list recommended clinics . If you know you need a COVID test to travel, it’s a good idea to check whether your airline has nominated any particular clinics.

Read more: Worried about COVID risk on a flight? Here's what you can do to protect yourself — and how airlines can step up

If you need a COVID flight clearance test, you will need verified evidence, which the provider will send to you once they have the result. You will have to present a printed certificate when you travel — a text message won’t cut it.

And make sure you check the time frame with your airline (for example, if you need the clearance no more than 72 hours before travelling, you can plan accordingly).

The cost of the test and subsequent clearance certificate may vary depending on where you go. One report suggested it would be around A$140.

Testing is an important measure, but it’s not foolproof

A negative test result does not guarantee a person is not infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), particularly if they’ve been exposed very recently. This is why people quarantining after travel or exposure are not immediately released following a negative test result.

It’s also possible for somebody who is truly negative to pick up the virus in transit.

Even with a COVID vaccine, clearance certificates may still be required to protect other passengers on a flight. The intent of a vaccine is to protect a person from becoming very sick with COVID-19. But we don’t know yet whether a vaccine will render people completely immune to SARS-CoV-2, and importantly, whether it will stop the virus spreading.

Read more: Employers, schools, take note. Coronavirus 'clearance certificates' are a waste of everybody's time

Wherever you’re travelling — domestically or internationally — stay informed in the lead-up to your trip by checking the requirements of the state or country you’re travelling to, as well as the airline you’re flying with.

And if you have any questions about your own ability to travel, it’s best to consult your GP.

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Pre-departure COVID test for international travellers to Australia ditched

The federal government is ditching a requirement for overseas travellers to provide a negative COVID-19 test before they fly to Australia.

Key points:

• Greg Hunt says the move is in line with medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer
• People will still need to wear masks when they fly and be double-vaccinated
• The pre-departure tests were introduced at the beginning of last year

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government would no longer make it a condition of entry that people had to show they had tested negative for the virus before they travelled here.

The change will come into effect on April 17.

"Given that the vaccination requirements remain and the masking requirements, the medical advice is that [the test] would no longer be required," Mr Hunt said.

"Particularly as there are some challenges in some jurisdictions in having access to those tests or proving those tests."

Mr Hunt said he spoke to the chief executive officers of both Qantas and Virgin airlines.

"But we also took the medical advice of the Chief Medical Officer," he said.

"That was the view, that we progressively take away those items which are no longer required."

Mr Hunt will not extend orders under the Biosecurity Act which allowed the government to make the test a requirement of entry into Australia.

He confirmed other emergency measures, including restrictions on cruise ships and price-gouging rules on rapid antigen tests, would also lapse on April 17.

The pre-departure tests were introduced at the beginning of last year in an effort to stop as many COVID cases as possible from arriving in Australia.

The government originally required someone to provide a negative PCR test result within three days of travelling, but that changed to a RAT late last year.

Other countries, including many in Europe, have also begun to ditch pre-flight tests.

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COVID-19 and travel

Find out about travel requirements and steps you can take to stay safe.

Domestic travel within Australia

Domestic travel requirements are determined by state and territory governments. Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia .

Travelling overseas

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.

Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. Check the requirements of any:

• countries you are travelling to, or transiting through
• airlines or vessel operators.
• Smartraveller website
• Australian Government – international travel information .

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:

• transit destinations
• inclusions for COVID-19
• other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.

Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.

Cruise travel

Check with your cruise provider or travel agent for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination/s. You can also contact the relevant state or territory government to find out if any requirements apply for your destination.

Outbreaks onboard a cruise

Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:

• quarantine on the ship
• disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.

Before you travel, check the  Smartraveller advice on cruises . Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.

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What to do if you test positive to covid-19 when travelling overseas.

Last updated:  11 January 2022

Falling sick while travelling is never ideal but when it’s COVID-19 it can seriously disrupt travel plans.

If you’re thinking of travelling overseas, it’s important you understand the risks of contracting COVID-19 in your destination and what to do if you test positive while travelling. You’ll also need to understand the requirements for  returning to Australia.

Arming yourself with the latest travel advice and information is essential. Read our travel advice for your destination  so you’re aware of the risk of COVID-19 in that location and standards of medical care, in case you get sick. And subscribe for updates so you’re informed if anything changes.

Before you travel, arrange suitable travel insurance and check what the policy covers for COVID-19. And make sure you have sufficient funds to cover an extended stay if you need to quarantine or isolate.

What happens if I test positive to COVID-19 while I’m travelling

If you or someone in your immediate travelling party tests positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately and contact the local health authority for advice on what to do. You should also contact your airline or travel provider to reschedule your travel plans and seek advice from your travel insurer.

For information on managing COVID-19, including what to do in isolation and when to seek medical advice, see Health Direct.

If you need medical care, there’s a list of ‘local emergency contacts’ in our travel advice for your  location . There’s also information on seeking medical assistance overseas as well as mental health and wellbeing resources on our website.

Will I have to quarantine?

If you test positive to COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine or self-isolate depending on what country or city you’re in. Many countries have penalties for breaking isolation rules, so it’s important you check with local authorities what the requirements are.

Some countries have government managed quarantine facilities or you’ll need to find suitable accommodation. You’re responsible for covering any costs involved with quarantine, which can be significant.

Be prepared for the possibility you may be in your destination longer than planned.

What can the Australian Government do for me?

If you have serious concerns about your welfare or that of another Australian overseas, the Australian Government can provide assistance in accordance with the Consular Services Charter .

Will I be able to return to Australia?

If you or a primary close contact of your travelling group tests positive, you won't be allowed to travel to Australia until you have recovered.

If you have isolated and recovered but your test results continue to be positive, you may be eligible for an exemption if you have a certificate from a medical practitioner. It’s important to note, the certificate must meet certain requirements outlined on the Department of Health website.

Local authorities, airlines and transit locations may have more rules in place for departures. We recommend you check these before arriving at the airport. If you're transiting during your trip, check the local requirements at each transit destination. Confirm any specific rules for onward travel with your airline.

See our re-entry and quarantine measures for more detail on returning to Australia.

Will I be able to travel to another country?

If you’re planning to travel to another overseas destination you will need to check the entry requirements for that country. Read our travel advice for your destination.  If you have any queries about entry or exit requirements, check with the relevant embassy or consulate of the destinations you’re transiting and travelling to. You should also confirm rules for departure with your airline, noting these rules may vary between airlines.

I’m a close contact of someone who has tested positive what can I do?

If you’ve been exposed to someone in your travel group who has tested positive to COVID-19, you’ll need to follow the requirements for isolation and testing in the city you are located.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

For information on where to get tested, contact the local health authority in your location. Always use an accredited testing facility. Scammers are taking advantage of travellers by charging for fake tests.

If you’re in a country where COVID-19 testing is not reasonably available, you may be eligible for an extension or exemption when returning to Australia. For the list of countries see the Department of Health website.

Will I be covered by travel insurance?

Some travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19. It will likely only cover medical, quarantine and cancellation costs if you test positive to COVID-19.

See our CHOICE travel insurance buying guide: COVID-19 edition for more information and carefully check the details of your travel insurance policy before you leave.

Want to know more?

See our Global COVID-19 health advisory  and  step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 .

The New Travel Essential

Before catching your flight, there's one last thing to check off the list. Test and travel confidently with Labcorp’s trusted COVID-19 PCR tests.

Preferred Pre-Travel Test

Fast results, tests for your family.

Testing Before You Travel

Pixel by Labcorp customers get their COVID-19 PCR test results quickly, allowing them to travel safely.

Request a test kit online or purchase at a store

Request a test kit online or purchase at a store near you.

Most kits purchased online arrive within 2 days.

Collect your sample at home

Collect your sample at home using a short, painless nasal swab.

Ship back same-day for faster turnaround time.

Ship your sample back to our lab

Most kits arrive within 2 days.

Access your results online

On average, results are received in 1-2 days from when samples arrive at the lab.

Where to Purchase Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Kits

Available at over 6,000 Walgreens stores nationwide. Kits are located in the pharmacy. Check in-store availability at  walgreens.com .

Available at select CVS stores in Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Kits are located in the pharmacy. Check in-store available at  CVS.com .

On-demand Delivery

Available to be delivered by DoorDash® and Instacart® through Walgreens. Check availability at  walgreens.com .

Know the Travel Guidelines for Your Destination Before You Go

*Rules for COVID-19 testing and quarantining can vary greatly among U.S. states. Some destinations may not accept test results from self-collected samples; please check with your destination to confirm. Visit the CDC’s  Travel Planner  to be routed to the relevant health department in order to understand what’s required before traveling to that destination. Labcorp OnDemand services are only available in the US. If you are traveling internationally, you’re unable to ship kits from international locations.

The CDC has different travel guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people—and recommends delaying travel until you’re fully vaccinated. Click  here  for the latest information on domestic travel and  here  for the latest on international travel. The agency’s website notes that even fully vaccinated people are at risk of getting and spreading new COVID-19 variants when traveling.

Labcorp is a leader in the fight against COVID-19

At Labcorp, we’re on a mission to improve health and improve lives. Our network of CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratories has performed over 38 million COVID-19 molecular (PCR) tests, and their effectiveness has been proven for the U.K., South African and Brazilian variants. With the first FDA authorized at-home kit, we are continuing to be a global leader in the fight against COVID-19. Learn how Labcorp is developing new ways to help fight the crisis.

Can I purchase a kit for travel?

The Labcorp OnDemand® COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit is a RT-PCR test that is designed to determine active infection of SARS-CoV-2. Many destinations require negative PCR results within a specific timeframe. We recommend that you reach out to your destination’s government for their specific requirements and timelines before making your purchase. Some destinations may not accept test results from self-collected samples.

How many kits can I purchase at once?

You can purchase up to 5 kits at one time by adjusting the quantity in your cart. Each kit is shipped individually and should be returned in the packaging included in each kit.

Can kids take the Labcorp OnDemand COVID-19 test?

The test is authorized for ages 2 and older.  All people aged 18 years or older can collect their own sample.  Children between the ages for 14-17 can collect their own sample under adult supervision. Children 2-13 can use this test when samples are collected by an adult.  

Can I ship a kit internationally?

Labcorp OnDemand® services are only available in the US.  Unfortunately, we're unable to ship kits internationally.  

How long does it take to get COVID-19 test results back?

Currently the average time to deliver results is 1-2 days from when your sample is received at the lab.  Our labs process samples seven days a week.  

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To fly to certain countries, you’ll need a Fit to Fly certificate to prove you don’t have COVID-19. There are two ways you can get your certificate from us.

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Fit to fly lateral flow test kit: at home, fit to fly pcr test kit: at home, fit to fly pcr test: in-store, before you check in, check out our getaway essentials.

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COVID-19 Testing Locations

A doctor's referral is required. No appointment necessary.  To find your nearest Clinical Labs Collection Centre conducting symptomatic COVID-19 testing, please CLICK HERE . 

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Due to an increase in demand for asymptomatic testing across Australia, Clinical Labs is pleased to offer tailored packages for organisations seeking to test their staff for COVID-19.

Traveling soon? Here’s where you can quickly get a COVID-19 test

If you've tried to get a COVID-19 test for travel or for peace of mind recently, you might have run into significant delays.

The omicron variant has complicated travel plans and, depending on where in the country you're located, made it difficult — if not impossible — to get a test. Some companies are reporting shortages, and in major cities like New York , blocks-long lines have formed of people trying to get tested.

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Unfortunately, COVID-19 testing is still a reality for the times in which we live.

Earlier this year, some countries dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers as more people got COVID-19 vaccines. But depending on where you want to go (and as omicron spreads) a negative COVID-19 test result might be required, particularly if you're not vaccinated or are traveling with unvaccinated children.

If you need a COVID-19 test for travel , you might be wondering where you can get one, what type of test you'll need to take, how long it will take to get an appointment (and wait for results), and what it will cost. To help you prepare, we researched where you can get tested in 25 major metropolitan areas. We found that some tests are entirely free , while others require a copay or are covered with insurance. Some will require full cash payment when requested for travel (instead of due to symptoms or exposure).

Some destinations require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain time , usually 72 hours, before departure. Many facilities can provide results between 48 and 72 hours, but that isn't always true – especially now.

Also, keep in mind that some testing sites deliver results over the phone, which likely won't be suitable for boarding an aircraft or entering a country.

What type of COVID-19 test do you need?

Antigen test. Rapid test. PCR test. RT-PCR test. Antibody test. Take-home test. If you've taken a COVID-19 test during the pandemic , you might have been bewildered by the sheer number of options.

Keeping track of which COVID-19 test you need can seem daunting. Not all COVID-19 tests are created equal, and not all are suitable for international travel.

You'll usually need a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) for travel. These are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the "gold standard" of testing. In this guide, we'll primarily focus on testing sites that provide these more accurate PCR tests, though keep in mind that some destinations, like Hawaii, only accept PCR tests from a specific list of testing providers .

The tests that often won't help you with travel are antibody tests, blood tests that can identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. Some destinations also won't accept rapid antigen tests , which check for proteins on the virus's surface. These tests are popular for quick turnaround times but are less accurate than PCR tests and aren't valid to enter some countries, such as Canada .

Check to see if you can get a rapid PCR test

Though PCR tests generally take around 72 hours for results, some urgent care facilities have introduced "rapid PCR tests," where you can receive your results as fast as 30 minutes. That said, if you're looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it may cost you as these facilities may not accept insurance.

Some rapid PCR testing options include:

• COVIDCheck in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Denver. Results in six hours for RT-PCR tests. Cost: $349
• Complete Health Partners in Nashville, Tennessee. Results in 30 to 45 minutes. Cost: $250, not billed to insurance.
• DMCovid-19 Test offers travel PCR testing by housecall nationwide in all states except Alaska and Hawaii; it also has nine physical locations. Cost: Price varies by location and whether it's in-home or in the office.
• Elite Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Results in 24 hours. Cost: $250
• Frontage Laboratory in Exton, Pennsylvania (35 minutes from Philadelphia). Offers COVID-19 tests for travelers within six hours. Cost: $203 for an RT-PCR test.
• Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, New York. Same-day results. Cost: $175 for the test, which doesn't include doctor consultation.
• Saguaro Bloom in Scottsdale, Arizona. Offers 24-hour and 90-minute turnaround for RT-PCR testing. Cost: $299 for 90-minute turnaround and $149 for 24-hour turnaround.
• Test Well in Reno, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe, California. Offers RT-PCR tests for travel with guaranteed same-day results. The cost is $149 for travel purposes (but you can file a claim with your insurance for reimbursement).
• Urgent Medical Care and MRI in Jersey City, New Jersey. Results in an hour or less only for travelers who need documentation. Cost: $300 out of pocket, not billed to insurance.
• Venistat Mobile Labs in New York, New York. Offers RT-PCR test results in less than 24 hours. Cost: $125 when using insurance, $190 without insurance.
• WeTestU in San Diego, California. Offers mobile RT-PCR testing for travel. Cost: $159 for 24-hour turnaround, $199 for 24-hour turnaround, $259 for same-day (eight hour) turnaround, $329 for one-hour turnaround.
• Worksite Labs offers PCR test results guaranteed within 24 hours near 20 U.S. airports. Cost: $90

COVID-19 testing at drugstores

If you're in a location without many COVID-19 testing sites, you may want to head to your neighborhood drugstore.

You'll notice several major chains on the list of where to get a COVID-19 test, including CVS , Walgreens , and Rite Aid . All of these often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance.

Passport Health also has a network of clinics in over 100 locations nationwide, primarily for people who need a negative PCR test to fly or return to school.

Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line. Many of these locations also offer drive-up testing , where you swab yourself and don't need to leave your vehicle.

Turnaround times can vary by chain and location:

• CVS : Average turnaround time for receiving results from lab tests is one to two days for PCR tests.
• Walgreens : Turnaround time is based on when the sample arrives at the laboratory.
• Rite Aid : Turnaround time varies between 125 minutes to two to five days.

Also, several third-party companies partner with major cities like Houston and San Francisco on widespread testing. These companies, such as Color and Curative , offer results between one to three days.

City-provided COVID-19 testing

As the new variant spreads, more cities are handing out free COVID-19 rapid tests for residents.

New York City said it would distribute 500,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests as well as 1 million higher-grade KN95 masks to New Yorkers through community organizations. Residents in Washington, D.C. can pick up an at-home COVID-19 testing kit at select libraries throughout the city . And the White House has promised to distribute 500 million free rapid tests to Americans.

These tests generally won't be approved for travel but could provide peace of mind before (or during) your trip.

COVID-19 testing for children

Many destinations have dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers . However, vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated kids may, in some instances, have different travel requirements. But many countries (even those with strict vaccination requirements) accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test for children ineligible to be vaccinated.

If you're trying to get a COVID-19 test for a child, many nationwide drugstores serve younger patients. CVS and Walgreens serve patients 3 years of age and older, while Rite Aid offers tests at no cost to anyone 4 and older.

But now, some kids may be able to bypass COVID-19 tests if they can be vaccinated, making it far less stressful to travel. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has officially been approved for kids 5 to 11 by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to people 18 and older at this time.

At-home COVID-19 tests

The CDC expanded the testing program for international travel to the United States earlier this spring, allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that include remote supervision.

That's good news for U.S.-bound travelers who may not have many testing options at their location abroad . Travelers flying to the U.S. can use a self-test (sometimes referred to as a home test if it's a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization EUA from the FDA). The test must also have a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision. Here are several popular options:

• Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test can be ordered from eMed or from Optum and 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.
• Amazon's COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC has received EUA from the FDA and costs $39.99.
• Cue Health claims to offer results in just 20 minutes — and that it can detect the omicron variant . The test is authorized by the FDA for at-home use and can be used for travel purposes. The company 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.

Mail-in COVID-19 testing tests

There are many mail-in or in-home COVID-19 testing providers available. Some are not valid in certain states, and some are not available in all situations.

Most will not bill insurance for you, with Pixel being an exception to that general rule. Some mail-in tests are nasal swabs, while others are saliva samples. Some are only valid for adults, and others require a Zoom appointment. But, these are all the gold-standard PCR tests that are considered highly reliable.

A handful of these companies have partnered with various airlines and the state of Hawaii as approved providers, so this can be a legitimate testing option for travel to the state. If your airline has a mail-in testing partner valid for your travel destination, we recommend going through their system as it may get your sample prioritized in the lab's testing order.

Some mail-in COVID-19 testing programs include:

• Everlywell: Results of the nasal swab available within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. Available to people 18 and older only, and costs $82.
• Pixel by LabCorp : Results of the nasal swab are available one to two days after arriving back in the lab. Available to people 18 and older. There is no upfront cost, or $119 if you're not eligible for insurance or federal funds.
• Vault : Results of the saliva test taken via a Zoom call are available within 24 to 48 hours. The test is available to children and adults and costs $119.
• Azova : Available at Costco.com. The saliva test results, taken via a Zoom call, are available within 12 to 48 hours upon being received by the lab. This test is approved as part of Hawaii's trusted testing partner program and for travel to Bermuda and costs $118.99.
• OnSight Safe : Results of PCR saliva-based tests are available within 48 hours after being received by the lab; expedited processing is also available. Available for children and adults nationally. Physical testing locations are in New York City, Tampa and Van Nuys, California, and tests start at $127.95.

In-home COVID-19 tests

There are at-home COVID-19 tests, but did you know that some facilities offer a concierge service? You can have a testing provider come to your house, apartment or hotel and swab your nose.

In-home testing offers travelers the convenience of not having to wait in a line to get tested. (We're calling it in-home testing, but some facilities also provide testing at your office for large groups.)

Some of the most popular include Welz, which offers same-day in-home rapid testing in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles with a 15-minute turnaround. Even better: It's free with your health insurance or even if you're uninsured.

Generally, in-home tests and concierge services should be approved for travel purposes, as long as they meet the CDC's requirements and you get a physical or digital copy of your results. But you'll want to double-check you're taking an in-home COVID-19 test approved by your destination.

How long will test results take to arrive?

Most states or countries that require negative COVID-19 tests for entry (or entry without quarantine) use a 72-hour timeframe, from the test until either the time of your departure or arrival at the destination. Sometimes, however, the window is even shorter.

While there are exceptions, one to three days for COVID-19 test results seem standard nationwide.

You may need to research PCR testing locations that promise same-day results or provide rapid PCR tests analyzed on-site if the arrival of your test results could make or break your trip. Several facilities on the list below have previously reported delays in test results due to an increase in demand.

COVID-19 testing in airports

Many U.S. airports offer rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers or travelers on specific flights or heading to particular destinations. This could be a great option if you can drive to the airport to get a test a day or two ahead of your trip.

But we don't recommend waiting to get a test until your travel has already started, as isolating for at least two weeks at a connecting city will likely be an expensive hassle.

Some current airport testing centers available within the U.S. include:

• Anchorage International Airport : Testing at ANC is free for residents and nonresidents.
• Bradley International Airport : Open seven days per week. If the passenger's insurer does not cover the test, tests are available for $125 each. Results will most likely be available within 72 hours of testing but can take longer. Testing is only available to passengers traveling through Connecticut's Bradley Airport (BDL) on the day of their flight.
• Burlington International Airport : Testing is open to all at Vermont's BTV airport Monday through Friday, with appointments recommended and results available same-day or 36 to 48 hours. The test may have a fee .
• Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport : Those traveling on American Airlines can get a rapid test at DFW on the day of travel for $139, with results available in about 15 minutes.
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport : Testing is available between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Rapid PCR tests are $179, PCR tests are $106, and rapid antigen tests are $74. Rapid antigen test results are returned in about 30 minutes, rapid PCR tests are returned within 45 minutes, and PCR tests have a 48-hour turnaround.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Tests through the Minnesota Department of Health and Vault Health are done with saliva, return results within 48 hours and are free for Minnesota residents and $94 for others. Tests through Wandertest include Antigen, NAAT and PCR tests and provide rapid results in less than an hour and range from $99 to $199.
• New York-LaGuardia : PCR testing is free with no appointments necessary in LGA's Terminal B parking garage, with results delivered by phone within 48 hours. However, this won't be very useful for travel verification purposes since the results are verbal.
• Oakland International Airport : OAK has two testing centers, one in the airport and a second drive-up location. Only passengers heading to Hawaii are encouraged to use this, though technically, any passenger can book the drive-up location. Appointments are required, and there is a $120 lab fee for expedited processing and a $20 administrative fee for Hawaii's mandated travel documentation.
• San Francisco International Airport : San Francisco-based travelers flying on United Airlines to Hawaii and select destinations in Central and South America and the Caribbean can arrange for a mail-in PCR COVID-19 test. Travelers will receive results in 24 to 48 hours, and the cost is $119.
• XpresCheck has many airport locations across the U.S. PCR tests are available by appointment or potentially via walk-up; costs vary. Rapid molecular NAAT tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $200, insurance not accepted. Standard PCR tests will be delivered 48 to 96 hours for $75, and insurance is accepted for lab fees only. Rapid PCR tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $250.

Hotels offering COVID-19 tests

Many hotels and resorts all over the world now provide on-site testing. If you're staying at a hotel, check to see if they offer on-site COVID-19 testing, as it's an extremely valuable amenity that can save you time searching for a test. In some cases, that test may also be free.

Related: Forget free breakfast: The hottest hotel amenity is a nasal swab

COVID-19 testing is required to enter the US

If you're traveling back to the United States from abroad, you need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding.

However, the White House significantly shrank the time window for testing in response to the omicron variant, which means travelers will need to arrange for COVID-19 tests sooner.

All travelers – vaccinated or not – must get a viral test within one day of departure to the U.S. Even if you've been vaccinated against COVID-19, you'll need to provide a negative test before boarding. There are several exemptions to this rule. Travelers flying back from U.S. territories, travelers arriving via a land border such as Mexico or Canada, and flight crew members do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.

People who aren't vaccinated face extra testing and hurdles

More cities are following Europe's footsteps and testing out proof of vaccination mandates for certain activities. Some spots in Los Angeles, for example, require proof of vaccination to dine indoors, and New York City was the first U.S. city to establish a vaccine mandate.

The order went into effect on Aug. 17 for everyone 5 and older. Unvaccinated New Yorkers can no longer participate in many indoor activities, including indoor dining, indoor fitness and indoor entertainment.

Since then, cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C. , have also implemented vaccine mandates.

Vaccine passports

Travelers may want to use digital health or vaccine passports to enter certain countries or be exempt from strict testing and quarantine requirements. But vaccine passports aren't expected only to hold COVID-19 vaccine records. They can also be used to verify negative COVID-19 results.

For instance, New Yorkers can use the Excelsior Pass if they have had a negative PCR test administered in New York within three days; or took a negative antigen test in New York in the last six hours.

Clear's Health Pass feature is used to verify negative tests required at some sports arenas and approve tourists for quarantine-free travel to Hawaii. CommonPass is an independent app that collects a user's COVID-19 status and verifies their identity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also partners with dozens of airlines worldwide on its Travel Pass app , which hosts verified test and vaccine information.

City-by-city guide on where to get a COVID-19 test

Finding a reliable place to get a PCR COVID-19 test for travel with quick results can be challenging, depending on where you're located in the U.S.

Because things change so quickly, you'll need to contact the sites directly to confirm this information is still accurate. But to give you a headstart in your research, these testing facilities may meet your travel needs. If you encounter a location that should be added (or removed) from the list, or if you're a healthcare provider conducting PCR testing, please email [email protected].

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Atlanta, Georgia

Community Organized Relief Effort

• Various locations throughout Georgia, including Atlanta.
• Hours: Varies by location.
• Cost: Free.
• Appointment required: Walk-up and drive-thru testing available, all sites are subject to early closure once the 500-test daily maximum is reached.
• Turnaround time: Typically 72 hours.

Summit Urgent Care

• Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
• Cost: Accepts most insurance, no copay for virtual visits.
• Appointment required: No.
• Turnaround time: Three to five days.

Peachtree Immediate Care

• Hours: Drive-thru locations open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some locations are closed on weekends.
• Cost: For most insurance plans, there is no copay or deductible required; a $175 self-pay option is also available.
• Appointment required: Yes.
• Turnaround time: Typically three days.

Viral Solutions

• Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance.
• Turnaround time: Two days.

ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta-Northeast

• 3635 Savannah Place Drive, Suite 450-B Duluth, Georgia
• Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Cost: $169 for lab-based PCR test, $249 for rapid PCR test; Self-pay option only
• Appointment Required: Yes, but same-day appointments are available.
• Turnaround Time: Less than two hours for a rapid PCR test, 48 hours is typical for lab-based PCR.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area, California

My Doctor Medical Group

• 450 Sutter Street Suite 840, San Francisco, California
• Cost: $240 for visit and swab collection, $125 lab fee for expedited next-day PCR results, $35 for customized additional travel documentation and certificates (in addition to lab report) if needed.
• Turnaround time: By 5 p.m. next day after collection.

McCampbell Analytical

• 1534 Willow Pass Road Pittsburg, California
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., seven days a week.
• Cost: Three-hour results are $699, five-hour results are $450, same-day results are $199 and next-day results are $129.
• Turnaround time: See above.
• Embarcadero site at Piers 30/32, Bryant and Embarcadero.
• Turnaround time: One to three days.

Alameda Health Systems

• Various locations throughout Alameda County.
• Cost: Covered by insurance.
• Turnaround time: Two to three days.

County of Santa Clara

• Various locations throughout Santa Clara County.
• Cost: No upfront cost.
• Turnaround time: Varies by location.

Downtown Medical Group

• 450 Sutter Street, Suite 1723 San Francisco, California
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: $225 for next-day turnaround, $300 for same-day turnaround.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Boston, Massachusetts

Tufts Medical Center

• 276 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Cost: If insurance does not cover a test, the cost is $135.
• Turnaround time: 24 to 72 hours.

CareWell Urgent Care

• Cambridge Inman Square
• 1400 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: Covered by insurance, or $160 if paying out of pocket.
• Turnaround time: Varies.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Charlotte, North Carolina

BetterMed Urgent Care – Charlotte

• Various locations throughout Charlotte.
• Cost: For those with commercial health insurance, the expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.

Carolina Pharmacy

• Various locations throughout Charlotte, North Carolina and Lancaster and Rock Hill, South Carolina
• Hours: Varies by location
• Cost: Rapid antigen is $89 and rapid RT-LAMP (Molecular/NAAT) is $145. RT-PCR (Molecular/NAAT) is $190. The expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay for those with commercial health insurance. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.

StarMed Healthcare

• Cost: Covered at 100% for most insurance carriers, or $199 for self-pay. There's a $195 out-of-pocket fee for the lab rush.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Chicago

WellNow Urgent Care

• Various locations throughout Chicago.
• Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some locations offer extended hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Cost: Most insurance accepted, or patients can self-pay $100 plus the cost of the base visit and any other necessary services.

Howard Brown Health

• Turnaround time: Three to seven days.

Innovative Care

• 1111 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois
• Hours: Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: Covered by insurance, or you can self-pay $250 for the examination and COVID-19 test.
• Turnaround time: Two to four days.

Prime Care Physicians

• 1355 Remington Road, Suite Q, Schaumburg, Illinois
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $125 self-pay, most insurance accepted.
• Turnaround time: 24 to 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio

• Various locations throughout Cleveland.
• Cost: Most insurance accepted, or patients can self-pay $150 plus the cost of the base visit and any other necessary services.
• Turnaround time: Results available same or next day. Check testing times to receive same-day PCR results.

The Centers, Midtown Office

• 4500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Cost: No out-of-pocket costs for most patients. No insurance is required, and Medicaid and other insurance are accepted.
• Appointment required: Appointments are encouraged, with walk-ins available each day.
• Turnaround time: One to two days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Columbus, Ohio

• Various locations throughout Columbus.
• Hours: Open seven days a week, hours vary by location.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Ayass BioScience Drive-thru

• 8501 Wade Blvd Bldg 7 Frisco, Texas
• Hours: Hours are shown upon registration.
• Appointment required: Strongly preferred. Walk-ins are permitted but will require filling in paperwork on site.
• Turnaround time: Same-day results if collected by 2 p.m.

Real Time Laboratories

• 4100 Fairway Ct. Suite 600 Carrollton, Texas
• Hours: Open daily; see website for details.
• Cost: $125 to $250 depending on turnaround time.
• Turnaround time: Six to 48 hours, depending on the test.
• 4100 Fairway Drive, Suite 410, Carrollton, Texas
• Hours: Open Monday to Saturday; see website for details.
• Cost: Covered by insurance, except for travel requests.
• Turnaround time: Same-day or next-day results.

L&H Scientific

• 2801 Osler Drive, Building B, Suite 123, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Prices start at $275 to $425, depending on the turnaround time.
• Appointment required: Strongly encouraged. Same-day results require testing before noon.
• Turnaround time: Same-day to one-day.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Denver, Colorado

American Family Care Urgent Care

• Various locations throughout Denver.
• Cost: Most major insurance covered.

Advanced Urgent Care

• Hours: Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: Covered by most major insurance, PCR rapid test at Broomfield clinic is $125.
• Turnaround time: Same-day for a rapid PCR test, three to seven days for other tests.

Premier Diagnostics

• Hours: See site for details.
• Cost: Covered by insurance, the cost of the RT-PCR test is $125 if not covered.
• Turnaround time: Within 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Detroit, Michigan

CVS Minute Clinic

• 1935 Campbell, Detroit, Michigan
• Hours: Pharmacy open until 8 p.m.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Houston, Texas

• Various locations throughout Houston.
• Hours: See the website for more information.
• Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government.

Any Test Now

• Hours: See website for details.
• Cost: $199.

Memorial Village ER

• 14520 Memorial Dr. Houston, Texas
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.‬ every day.
• Cost: $150 or insurance is accepted.
• Turnaround: Two to three days.

Rapid COVID Clinic

• Cost: $250.
• Appointment required: Appointments preferred, drive-ins accepted.
• Turnaround time: 36 to 48 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Las Vegas, Nevada

• 546 N Eastern Ave Suite 130, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Cost: $120.

Cuur Diagnostics

• 3450 S. Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, Nevada
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Cost: $125.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Los Angeles, California

COVID Clinic

• 124 locations in 15 states, with new locations and states added weekly. Also available at 13 airports including LAX, BUR and ONT.
• Hours: Generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. Location hours may vary.
• Cost: Free one- to two-day PCR available for the insured and uninsured (conditions apply). $299 for rapid one-hour result PCR test.
• Appointment required: Yes. Same-day appointments are available.
• Turnaround time: One to two days for expedited PCR test.

Reliant Urgent Care

• Various locations throughout Los Angeles.
• Cost: $195 for 24- to 36-hour turnaround, $175 for one-hour turnaround (not covered by insurance).
• Turnaround time: Depends on the level of service booked.

OnSite Safe

• 6411 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, California
• Hours: Monday to Saturday; see website for specifics.
• Costs: $164.
• Appointment Required: Yes,
• Turnaround time: Two days, next-day available with expedited processing for an extra cost.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Quality Health Care Concierge

• Drive-up address: 900 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Boca Raton Florida
• Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week.
• Cost: Partial coverage.
• Appointment required: Yes, for drive-up and in-home service.
• Turnaround time: Depends on service booked.
• 1425-A SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cost: $179.
• Turnaround time: Next-day results.

Air Land Sea

• Sheltair FLL, 1100 Lee Wagener Boulevard, Suite 346, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Cost: With insurance, $75 for next-day results, $125 for same-day results. Without insurance, $175 for next-day results, $225 for same-day results. Four- to six-hour expedited results are $450.
• Appointment required: No, but appointments can be scheduled at covidFLL.com.
• Turnaround time: Same-day, next-day and four to six hours. Tests for same-day results must be administered before 11 a.m.

Miami-Dade County testing sites

• Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County.

American Scientific Diagnostics

• 1860 Old Okeechobee Road Suite 508, West Palm Beach, Florida
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $150 for next-day results, $250 for same-day results.
• Turnaround time: Depends on the test booked.
• 1515 NW 167th St Suite 410, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
• Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $129 for home or office visit, or $89 per test when you drive up to the lab. Mention the discount code LABDX10PTSGUY for an exclusive $10 discount from TPG.
• Appointment required: Yes for concierge, walk-ins accepted at drive-up locations.
• Turnaround time: Within 24 to 36 hours.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

• 3655 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Hours: By appointment.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in New York City and Newark, New Jersey

There are hundreds of testing sites across New York City, and you can also find pop-up mobile testing sites at different locations throughout the five boroughs. Not all of these will return COVID-19 test results in a timely enough manner for travel, however. Even the cited turnaround time may no longer be accurate.

• 34 West 36th St, New York, NY 10018
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $299 for an expedited RT-PCR with a three- to four-hour turnaround. Insurance can be used for a standard RT-PCR with 36- to 48-hour turnaround.
• Appointment required: Appointment not required.
• Various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
• Cost: Accepts insurance or costs between $175 and $400.
• Turnaround time: Results in four to six hours.
• Various locations across New York City and the boroughs.
• Cost: CityMD is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits.
• Turnaround time: Five to seven days.
• Location in Chelsea with home or office visits for groups of five people or more.
• Costs: $184.
• Appointment Required: No.
• Turnaround time: Two days, with next-day results available with expedited processing for an extra cost.

In-home COVID-19 testing programs include Zeel, which offers COVID-19 swab PCR testing in homes and offices administered by LPNs and RNs to the New York metro area. Available in New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, North Jersey and Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Cost: $249 for the first person tested in-home plus $50 per additional person. Turnaround time: Results within 24 hours.

There are several free COVID-19 testing options available for Newark residents, with no appointment or insurance needed. Get more information here .

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Orlando, Florida

COVID Testing LLC

• Various locations throughout Orlando.
• Cost: With insurance, $35 for next-day results, $75 for same-day results. Without insurance, $115 for next-day results, $155 for same-day results.
• Turnaround time: Same or the next day. Tests for same-day results must be taken before noon.

Paramount Urgent Care

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free for self-pay and insured patients, excluding Medicaid.
• Turnaround time: Three to four days.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vybe Urgent Care

• More than 10 locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday: 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free PCR test, $75 rapid antigen test (self-pay only) and $100 rapid RT-PCR test (self-pay only).
• Appointment required: Yes, appointments for rapid testing are required. Appointments are not required for other testing options.
• Turnaround time: Rapid test results are available in less than 24 hours. Non-rapid test turnaround time is two to five days.

American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care

• 1444 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cost: No charge for PCR tests with insurance.
• Appointment required: Yes, and telemedicine visit.
• 620 East Welsh Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania
• Hours: Open even days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $165 for RT-PCR.
• Appointment required? Yes.
• Turnaround time: 24 hours for RT-PCR.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Various locations throughout Pittsburgh.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Portland, Oregon

• Various locations throughout Portland.
• Hours: Depends on location.
• Cost: Covered by insurance or lab fee of $100, as well as the cost of a virtual visit.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Sacramento, California

Anyone 18 years of age or older living in Sacramento County can ​get tested for COVID-19 for free after completing an online screening . COVID-19 testing will then be scheduled.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Salt Lake City, Utah

Intermountain Health

• Various locations throughout Salt Lake City.
• Hours: See site for individual location information.
• Cost: May vary if testing for travel versus symptoms or exposure.
• Turnaround time: 90% of tests are returned within 48 hours.
• Cost: Covered by insurance or $125 for RT-PCR test.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in San Antonio, Texas

• 4115 Medical Dr., Suite 210 San Antonio, Texas 78229
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
• Cost: $125 RT-PCR for asymptomatic patients and travelers. Covered by insurance for symptomatic patients and noninsured symptomatic patients but need providers orders.
• Turnaround time: 24 to 48 hours; Same day turnaround if received by 11 a.m. CST.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington

Discovery Health MD

• Two locations: DoubleTree Suites Southcenter and Seattle Airport.
• Cost: $176 for next-day RT-PCR test, $349 for one-hour RT-PCR test.
• Turnaround time: Same or next day, depending on what you booked.

Seattle testing locations

• Various locations throughout Seattle.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in St. Louis, Missouri

ARCpoint Labs

• 11255 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Missouri
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $250 for same-day results.
• Turnaround time: Same day or 48 to 60 hours, depending on what you booked.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Arlington

Farragut Medical & Travel Care

• 815 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C.
• Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $300.
• Turnaround time: Two days for expedited testing, or two to five days.

Preston's Pharmacy

• Various locations in Arlington and Fairfax.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday, check the website for details.
• Cost: $45 for three- to five-day PCR testing, expedited processing available for an additional cost.
• Turnaround time: Three to five days, or faster with expedited processing.

McLean Pharmacy

• 1392 Chain Bridge Road, Mclean, Virginia
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $200 for a 48-hour turnaround and $250 for a 24-hour turnaround.

Bottom line

While it has generally been getting easier to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test for travel purposes in some locations, turnaround times can still vary especially as the omicron variant spreads in the U.S. and demand for testing rises as a result.

That means if you need COVID-19 PCR test results in advance of a tight travel deadline, the safest bet is to use a provider that can guarantee same-day or next-day service. Some providers that initially guaranteed results in 24 or 48 hours have increased their turnaround times, in some cases up to seven days. However, these rapid PCR test options will cost extra and aren't always available.

A few providers have also indicated that several insurance companies won't cover COVID-19 testing for travel purposes, so keep in mind that you may have to pay out of pocket.

Some destinations will allow you to quarantine upon arrival until your test results arrive. Finally, if you do test positive (whether or not you are asymptomatic), you will need to be prepared to quarantine in place wherever you are for at least two weeks.

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Ukraine war latest: 'Astonishing' Putin reshuffle points to 'serious instability' in Russian leadership, ex-MI6 officer says

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu is set to be replaced more than two years into the war, in a major shakeup of Vladimir Putin's cabinet.

Sunday 12 May 2024 23:00, UK

• Russian defence minister and long-time Putin ally Sergei Shoigu to be replaced
• Ivor Bennett analysis: More going on here than meets the eye - and Shoigu's replacement speaks volumes
• Reshuffle points to 'serious instability' at heart of Russian leadership, ex-MI6 officer says
• More than 4,000 civilians have fled Kharkiv region after Friday morning's surprise attack by Putin's military  
• Eyewitness: Deborah Haynes reports from town 'flattened' in offensive
• Analysis:  Russia's attack in Kharkiv region not a complete surprise - but the force of it is
• Live updates by Katie Williams

We're ending our live updates on the Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin's surprise reshuffle for this evening.

Scroll through the blog to read the latest updates from today.

As we've been reporting, Vladimir Putin has proposed a reshuffle which will see longstanding defence minister Sergei Shoigu replaced with civilian Andrei Belousov.

It's a name we haven't heard much through the war, but as defence minister he'll become a key figure.

So who is Andrei Belousov? Here's a quick explainer...

The 65-year-old graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981 with distinction.

He was appointed a non-staff adviser to the Russian prime minister in 2000 and joined the economy ministry in 2006. Between 2008 and 2012 he served as director of the economics and finance department under Vladimir Putin.

Mr Belousov was appointed economics minister in 2012, and then served as adviser to the Russian president from 2013 to 2020.

After this he was deputy prime minister - bar a brief period where he served as prime minister when Mikhail Mishustin contracted COVID in 2020.

Unlike previous defence ministers Mr Belousov does not have a military background. He's believed to be close to Mr Putin.

Sergei Shoigu being moved to Russia's Security Council signals that Vladimir Putin sees the institution as a political holding space, according to a Russian political analyst.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said in a piece online that the council was becoming a "reservoir for Putin's 'former' key figures - people who he can't let go, but doesn't have a place for".

In posts to X, Ms Stanovaya also said Andrei Belousov was a "logical choice" as Mr Putin looks to enhance arms production and meet military needs.

But she said despite the "surprising" reshuffles, which she claimed are not at an end, the Russian leadership's "overall policy and decision-making mechanisms will remain unchanged".

By Ivor Bennett , Moscow correspondent

This has come as a huge surprise. Not one, but two key figures in Russia's leadership structure sacked simultaneously.

It suggests there's a lot more going on inside the Kremlin than meets the eye.

Sergei Shoigu is a very close Putin ally and has been for years. So why replace him?

Clearly Putin is unhappy with the direction of the war. This coincides with Russia's attempt to open up a new front in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. New directions and new leadership - Putin's ringing the changes.

Shoigu's successor speaks volumes. Andrei Belousov is an economist. A technocrat. Not an obvious choice to run the military, but this underlines where Putin's concerns are right now ("how much longer can I afford the war?").

Russia's entire economy is geared towards the military right now. He wants to ensure it's operating as efficiently as possible, so his war can continue.

Shoigu moves to the Security Council, where he'll replace Nikolai Patrushev. Technically it's a more important role, but in reality it’s a demotion. More importantly, by replacing Patrushev, it gives Putin more command over a powerful body within Russia's leadership structure. The Security Council was seen by some as a pseudo shadow cabinet. He'll now have an ally in post, albeit a disgruntled one.

Finally, to me, this speaks to Putin's confidence right now. The start of the new presidential term, he's clearly emboldened. But it also screams instability.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told reporters this evening that announcing a new defence minister makes sense as Russia's military spending balloons.

He said Russia was heading towards a situation similar to that of the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s, when 7.4% of Russia's GDP went on the military and law enforcement.

Mr Peskov said this is why Vladimir Putin wanted to hand the position to a civilian with an economic background.

"The one who is more open to innovations is the one who will be victorious on the battlefield," he said.

Vladimir Putin has likely grown frustrated with Russia's overall lack of progress in the war despite its current momentum on the battlefield, a Russian foreign policy analyst has said.

Ivan Klyszcz, from the International Centre for Defence and Security, said the "entire Kremlin" is focused on winning the war and the reshuffle should be "read in that light".

He told Sky News the Kremlin has a tendency to replace senior officials some time after a failure or defeat, or after they haven't performed at a certain level.

"With Shoigu that's part of the story. It has to do with... some of the defeats that Russia has faced in the battlefront in 2022 and lack of progress in the war for them in 2023."

Mr Klyszcz says that Mr Shoigu has been in a "weak position" for some time.

UK defence minister Grant Shapps has reacted to the news of Vladimir Putin's cabinet shakeup.

In a post to X, Mr Shapps says Sergei Shoigu has "overseen over 355,000 casualties" among Russian soldiers and caused mass suffering in Ukraine.

"Russia needs a Defence Minister who would undo that disastrous legacy & end the invasion - but all they’ll get is another of Putin’s puppets," he said.

This is not just a normal reshuffle but "serious instability right in the heart" of Russia's regime, a former MI6 intelligence officer has said.

Speaking to Sky News, Christopher Steele said Nikolai Patrushev being removed from his role as secretary of the Russian Security Council is "astonishing".

"It's important to understand that he's been one of Putin's closest allies, former head of the FSB and so on for many years... and was rated by people to be probably the second most powerful man in Russia after Putin himself. 

"I think what this indicates is not just a reshuffle along normal governmental lines. It's really quite serious instability right in the heart of this regime," he said.

Mr Steele says it has been "clear" to Russia watchers for some time that Mr Patrushev was lining up his son Dmitri, the current agriculture minister, to be Mr Putin's successor.

"I think that this is, as I say, a very significant move by Putin," he added.

'Something much deeper' going on

Asked why Mr Putin would remove Mr Shoigu as defence minister at a time when Russia appears to have the upper hand in the war, Mr Steele says it could point to something "much deeper" happening.

"It's hardly ideal from a military point of view to replace your defence minister right at the time when you're launching a new offensive," he explained.

"This underlines to me that there is something much deeper going on here."

Mr Steele also characterised Mr Shoigu's switch to the Security Council as a "demotion" - but reiterated that Mr Patrushev, a member of the Russian president's inner circle, being moved to an unknown position was "extraordinary".

Sergei Shoigu's removal has "first and foremast come as a surprise", says our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett .

Mr Shoigu has been part of the cabinet, and Vladimir Putin's cohort, for a "very long time", he says.

Bennett says his position came under threat last year as the late Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin.

"But when he was seen off, when that coup was seen off, Prigozhin died.... Sergei Shoigu's position seemed a lot stronger, actually," he says.

"He emerged from that crisis stronger, as did Vladimir Putin."

Bennett explains that Mr Putin has, by law, to dissolve his government as he starts his new presidential term.

"We were expecting a new cabinet, but I don't think we were expecting such a big change at the top. 

"I think that reflects a few different things. First and foremost, I think Vladimir Putin... feels like he needs to do something new, certainly symbolically within the the war context," Bennett says.

Analysts say Vladimir Putin is looking to project an image of stability and satisfaction with his team's progress, with Mikhail Mishustin remaining in post as prime minister on Friday.

As he continues to confirm his top team, Mr Putin has also proposed Sergei Lavrov remain as foreign minister.

Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia's general staff, will remain in his position as well.

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