PCR or rapid/antigen tests, which COVID-19 coronavirus test is better for travel?

Which COVID-19 test is better for travel? The PCR or the Antigen rapid test?

You are required to get a negative COVID test within 72 hours your arrival back in the US. Some countries as well as the state of Hawaii and the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico also require a negative test to enter.

But which kind of test should you get? The so-called rapid or antigen test or the PCR test?

COVID-19 testing tent set up in a parking lot at the Puerto Vallarta airport.

The PCR test is more accurate than the Antigen or rapid test but the PCR test is more expensive and takes longer to receive the results. Both false positives and false negative tests are more common with the Antigen or rapid tests than the PCR test.

The US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) says the PCR test is " highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated" but for the Antigen or rapid test "Positive results are usually highly accurate, but false positives can happen, especially in areas where very few people have the virus. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test."

To be extra cautious, you might want to get the Antigen test two or three days before you leave. if you get the test three days before your departure, just remember to to get within 72 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. In other words, if your flight leaves at 3 p.m on Friday, get the test AFTER 3 p.m. on Tuesday. If you do receive a false positive, you would still have time to repeat the test. But if you wanted to be absolutely sure that you are not infected, the PCR test remains the gold standard.

In general, you will pay more for the COVID test at airports but there are notable exceptions. For example, Puerto Vallarta's airport offers COVID rapid tests for about $23 US. You will be at least two or three times that amount for the same test in a laboratory in the city. Also, more and more resorts are offering free tests to guests.

If you have any tips or can relate any expereinces you have had getting the COVID test for travel, please leave you comments below.

Until we achive herd immunity through vaccines, expect that the COVID travel requirements to continue. The most optimistic experts predict that could happen by late spring but it all depends on the speed of vaccine distribution.