Which Countries Require a COVID-19 PCR Test for Entry?
Which Countries Require a COVID-19 PCR Test for Entry?
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there is a chance you may require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination. The Polymerase Chain Reaction Test may be a daunting term but it is simply the process used to detect whether the COVID-19 virus is present in your body. The tests look for the presence of the RNA of the antigen to determine whether or not you may be actively infected.
Updated: 3rd March 2022
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there is a chance you may require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination. The Polymerase Chain Reaction Test may be a daunting term but it is simply the process used to detect whether the COVID-19 virus is present in your body. The tests look for the presence of the RNA of the antigen to determine whether or not you may be actively infected.
The test itself is an unobtrusive swab of the inside of the mouth or nasal passage. It takes only a moment and, depending on where you have it done, can take just 12-24 hours for a result. Despite the advertised turnaround for results of half a day, Health and Fitness Travel, the Wellness Specialists, strongly recommend that you do not leave your testing to the 24 hours before your flight. Postal delays at private clinics could derail your travel so we advise you plan ahead.
For the expressed purpose of travel, the government advises against seeking a PCR test on the NHS as it diverts vital resources that should be used in tackling the crisis. Private medical practitioners offer appointments and walk-in PCR tests with results in 2-3 days. The costs of these tests do vary in price so it is best to shop around for the best deal and availability before booking your test.
As safety is a top priority in the current climate, many countries are requiring negative results on a PCR test before allowing any travellers access. Some countries have gone further by maintaining stricter measures: not allowing anyone entry or requiring 14-day quarantines in government facilities on arrival. To give you a comprehensive oversight of travel in 2022, we’ve compiled the latest travel advice on which countries currently require a negative covid-19 PCR test. If you are after any more advice for travelling safely and hygienically, discover our top hygiene tips whilst travelling.
St Lucia
This beautiful mountainous island in the West Indies is accessible and open for travel as of 4 February 2022! The gorgeous island is known for its stunning turquoise waters, exceptional nightlife, and being a hotspot for some of Hollywood’s hottest stars. With only minor restrictions and the end of a quarantine period for vaccinated travellers, the sunny, sizzling island is ripe for exploring!
Requirements for arrival
All travellers must complete a travel registration form and receive an approval confirmation BEFORE they can board their flights (this can be completed months in advance of travel and just the PCR results need to be loaded within five days of travel). A link to that form and FAQs can be found here https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/covid-19/international-arrivals/ .
A negative PCR test is required to be able to travel to Saint Lucia and MUST be uploaded to their travel registration form within five days of travel (the day of travel is counted as one of those days).
Fully vaccinated travellers are free to explore the island and simply need to provide proof of vaccination (NHS app or letter) which will be checked at the airport in Saint Lucia. Children travelling with fully vaccinated adults need to take a PCR test at their hotels if they want the same access to explore as their parents/guardians https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/fully-vaccinated-arrivals/ .
Non-vaccinated travellers are also very welcome to visit, and they need to follow points 1 and 2 and can still experience covid-certified tours and visit covid-certified restaurants, but they would need to be on the island for 14 days to be able to have the same access as fully vaccinated travellers.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is a Bahaman archipelago of idyllic tropical islands with quiet white beaches and peaceful blue waterways. It is a sanctuary of separation from the modern world and all the safety concerns that come with it. You can relax here, on your private island, safe in the knowledge that the natural tranquillity of this region is unlikely to be disturbed.
Requirements for arrival
Anyone arriving to the Turks and Caicos Islands is required to obtain pre-travel authorisation via the Turks and Caicos Islands Assured Portal. With effect from Wednesday 1 September all travellers to Turks & Caicos aged 16 and above must be fully vaccinated and all travellers aged 2 and above (including those fully vaccinated) will be required to upload on to the TCI Assured Portal.
COVID-19 tests and results need to have been completed within three days of the date of arrival into Turks and Caicos.
Travellers will also be required to provide proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire. From 1 September 2021, all visitors aged 16 and above will also need to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 on arrival to TCI. NHS vaccine cards and/or a letter from your GP or professional body where you were fully vaccinated will be accepted as proof of your vaccination in the UK.
From 1 September 2021, any fully vaccinated tourist testing positive whilst in TCI must self-isolate at their own expense for a period of at least five days (5).
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
The Maldives
The Maldivian Atolls dotting the middle of the Indian Ocean have long maintained a tropical mysticism. The main islands and the surrounding volcanic ridges breathe a vitality of life 1000s of miles from the mainlands of Africa or India: a green oasis in a sea of fluorescent blue. Due to its small population, the island has unique travel requirements.
Requirements for arrival:
Fully-vaccinated travellers who have received a negative PCR test are allowed to travel to islands that are not under monitoring without quarantining.
What makes the situation of the Maldives unique is that each island within the archipelago has different requirements. Here are the quarantining results for fully vaccinated travellers.
If the positivity rate of the island is under 5%, nothing changes and quarantine is not mandatory.
If the positivity rate of the island is 5-10%, a seven day (7) quarantine period is mandatory.
If the positivity rate of the island is over 10%, a fourteen day (14) quarantine period is mandatory.
Non-vaccinated travellers can only travel islands with guesthouses if:
60% of the island population have completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine;
95% of all employees in the tourism sector of the island have completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine
90% of the island population over the age of 60 has completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine
With this being said, non-vaccinated travellers also must take a PCR test seven days after arrival.
Most of the resorts and tourist destinations in the Maldives are within Greater Male, and since this island does not comply with the above requirements, only fully vaccinated travellers can travel to this portion of the Maldives.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Cyprus
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Croatia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
Mountainous islands seem to have fared well when compared to some larger regions in Europe, America and Asia. Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, is a characterful island with year-long enjoyable weather and vibrant culture. For centuries, the mountain communities have developed the mineral-rich springs for natural bathing and holistic spa therapies. A retreat in Cyprus is a chance to loosen the shoulders and cleanse the skin.
Requirements for arrival
The UK entered Cyprus’ Amber category on 29 April, therefore:
All permitted travellers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before their journey.
All travellers aged 6 or above must get a SafePass to enter any establishment, which you can get for being fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated and showing a negative PCR or rapid test.
The Republic of Cyprus authorities have announced that from 1 May 2021 travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed within a specified timeframe before travel will not be required to take a pre-departure PCR test.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Portugal
With restrictions loosening up, it has become relatively straightforward to travel to Portugal out of the United Kingdom. With incredible highlights such as the Algarve, Madeira, and Porto Santo, there are so many decadent retreats to embark on! Here are the most updated requirements on Portugal’s coronavirus requirements.
Before you travel to Portugal you must:
Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine or test
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Turkey
The southwestern region of the Bodrum peninsula is a different world to many European destinations. Asian cultural influences fuse with the Mediterranean lifestyle to create a region perfect for a summer wellness holiday. Spend your mornings in mosaic chambers filled with a cleansing steam and celebrate the afternoon by diving into the refreshing waters of the Aegean. Turkey is an ideal location for a getaway to focus on your wellbeing and expand your cultural horizons.
Requirements for arrival:
All travellers over the age of 6 must fill out a Form for Entry to Turkey within 72 hours of travel.
Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine or test
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Spain
Spain has always been a hit with holiday goers, prior to lockdown it was attracting over 80 million tourists a year. To maintain the travel industry and keep life in the vibrant coastal towns, the Spanish government has allowed visitors to enter without any complex regulations.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Italy
Italy struggled through one of the worst COVID outbreaks in Europe. The Italian crisis has, thankfully, lessened but there is still a risk of travel to the mainland or Sardinia and there are measures in place to curb the spread of any further outbreak. The Italian government will need clarification of a negative result by some means if you plan on staying in the country. There are also specific entry requirements for the Island of Sardinia that do not apply to the mainland. There are still restrictions in Italy despite a general loosening around Europe, here’s what you need to know.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Greece
Fishing villages, painted bright white, climb into the rugged cliff lines of the Aegean Sea, making for spectacular views and a charming wellness holiday. Greece has been quiet this season but it has not lost any of its remarkable beauty. The culture of the mainland, the fun activities of the coast and the wellness retreats of the mountains are still available.
Requirements for arrival
Fill out a PLF which can be accessed here before arriving in Greece
If you are not fully vaccinated, you must present a negative PCR certificate from a testing laboratory, for a Covid-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
If the traveller has completed his/her vaccination (i.e., 14 days have elapsed since the last vaccination, depending on the doses required) and holds a vaccination certificate, then proof of a negative test is not required
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Croatia
With over 4000 miles of picturesque Adriatic shoreline, Croatia has become increasingly popular with tourists from the UK as an alternative to the French and Italian Rivieras. Croatia has not felt the brunt of the global pandemic.
Requirements for arrival
The Croatian government has introduced a new online entry form to expedite the entry of foreign visitors.
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to be isolated or tested upon entry to Croatia.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
France
Vive le France! A nation steeped in culture, history and beautiful landscapes. Rest under the sun, soaking up the surroundings of the French Riviera with wellness activities, therapies and meditation to feel rejuvenated this spring and seasons to come!
Requirements for arrival
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to present any testing upon entry to France.
Fully vaccinated travellers must provide a sworn statement that they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Non-vaccinated travellers need a compelling reason to enter France that does not include tourism. In addition, they must give the same sworn statement as vaccinated travellers, take a negative PCR or rapid test, and are subject to tests on arrival.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Colombia
Colombia is a slice of South American heaven that offers stunning beaches, gorgeous tropical vegetation, and some of the most fabulous resorts in the world! Previously denying travellers entry, Colombia has since opened up its borders and welcomes vaccinated tourists with open arms!
Requirements to enter
All travellers must fill out a “Check Mig” form similar to passenger locator forms in other European countries.
Fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter Colombia without quarantining or testing upon entry.
Unvaccinated individuals without familial or governmental ties to Colombia will not be allowed entry at this time.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Although not entirely back to normal, the world is beginning to open up for travel again. For more information on the ever-changing world situation, please go to our detailed COVID-19 Information Hub.
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect holiday.
