There’s a new layer of stress for those taking a cruise or an international flight: Travelers must get a rapid COVID test two or three days in advance and show results at check-in.
Many are thrilled to finally travel but worried that test results won’t come back in time. This includes Bonnie Pearce of Boca Raton, who is scheduled to take a Holland America cruise to the Caribbean beginning Dec. 29. The cruise line requires passengers to be tested two days before embarkation.
She has been calling pharmacies and clinics to check how quickly they give back results. Some want her to make an appointment, some are booked for the next few weeks, some won’t guarantee results quickly enough.
“I’m getting skittish,” said Pearce, whose New Year’s cruise includes stops in Aruba and Curacao. “I don’t want to leave it to chance.”
Don’t panic: Airlines and cruise lines are helping travelers get to their destinations. Still, it may cost you.
Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of tests and what you’ll need to take a vacation outside the United States in this time of COVID-19.
Where to get tested and which tests to get
There are two types of permitted tests: the rapid antigen test and the NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). The NAAT includes PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, considered the gold standard for accuracy. The tests must take a specimen from your nose or mouth.
At-home tests are a no-go: International flights and cruises will not accept the home tests you can buy at your local pharmacy that offer immediate results. These tests will be most useful to test family visiting you for the holidays or if you fear you have contracted COVID and want to know right away. The Binax Now home tests are known for their accuracy and cost about $25.
Testing sites: There are numerous testing sites in South Florida that will provide you with the paperwork you need to travel. Holy Cross Urgent Care, which has sites throughout the region, says there is no cost for the test if you have insurance; however, the centers require an appointment with a doctor, which can cost up to $262. Holy Cross says antigen results are available in 15 minutes and PCR results take up to 24 hours.
Many sites send the specimens to Quest Diagnostics to process. A Quest spokeswoman said the turnaround time is currently within one day for most PCR tests, and labs will remain open throughout the coming winter holidays.
“Our labs run 24/7/365,” spokeswoman Kimberly Gorode said. “We will be processing specimens on all holidays.”
AnyLabTestNow! in Davie promises “most results in 48 hours” and charges $89 for a rapid antigen test and $199 for a PCR test with same-day results. The Center for COVID Control, with sites throughout South Florida, charges $100 for expedited PCR results. SynergyDX has locations in Sunrise, Davie and Aventura and charges $200 for expedited PCR results.
There are also public drive-through sites offering testing in South Florida, but they don’t guarantee results in time for your travel.
International travel
Check the rules for the country you’re about to enter. The U.S. State Department website is updated regularly, including information on specific countries. The department has placed many countries in the “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” categories due to COVID-19, including Hungary, Canada, Croatia, Israel and Jamaica.
Those leaving from Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami international airports can get a rapid test at select terminals. Some tests are available only to airport employees and ticketed passengers. Here are the links for the latest information:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: broward.org/Airport/passengers/Flights/advisories
Palm Beach International Airport: pbia.org/guide/covid19/
Miami International Airport: www.miami-airport.com
Airlines, airports, hotels and event venues are aware there’s lots of confusion and have been posting regular updates about new travel mandates.
“You will need to know the entry and exit requirements, vaccine requirements and safety protocols for every country or state you are visiting,” said Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners in Coral Springs. Many hotels have testing capability onsite, particularly the all-inclusive resorts, she said.
If you’re re-entering the United States on a plane, you will have to take a test overseas. Here are the rules about testing for COVID-19:
If you’re vaccinated: You have to show a negative test result taken within three days of boarding your return flight to the United States.
If you’re not vaccinated: The test must be taken just one day before departure.
If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 90 days: You’re required to show proof of a recent positive result and a letter from a health care provider saying you’ve been cleared to travel.
Cruises
Most cruise lines want to see negative test results, taken within the previous two days, at check-in.
Dr. Michael Olympio, an anesthesiologist in Winston-Salem, N.C., said he waited about an hour for rapid PCR results before his week-long Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral earlier this month. He said he scrambled to find a site that offered the gold-standard PCR instead of the less-reliable antigen test, but believed it was worth the search to ensure accuracy. He said the site he picked submitted his bill to his health insurance company.
Olympio said he and his fellow cruisers were glad the ship had strict testing and masking rules.
“I felt very safe knowing everyone was vaccinated and tested negative,” he said. “Nearly everyone wore their mask at the inside venues, except while eating or drinking. All the crew wore their masks all the time, inside or out. It was very easy to find a safe space outside in the breeze to relax with or without your mask.”
Check whether your cruise line requires a rapid MAAT or PCR test or will accept a rapid antigen test, which usually comes back quicker but with a lower rate of reliability.
MSC Cruises accepts the results of either test.
“Rapid antigen testing is an option for anyone 12 and older prior to embarking on a cruise, so there’s no need to worry about missing a cruise over the testing requirements,” spokesman Field Sutton said. “There are numerous places throughout South Florida offering rapid antigen testing with results that arrive within an hour. It’s quick and easy to schedule a test — or just walk in at many locations — during the two days leading up to a sailing. MSC also accepts home testing done under telehealth supervision, along with RT-PCR and NAAT options.”
If your results don’t arrive in time, many cruise lines now perform rapid testing at check-in. Carnival charges $100 for this service, but a spokeswoman pointed out this may not be a long-term solution.
“We started this program across our U.S. homeports in November,” spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews said. “It’s important to note that we have not yet announced our plans for the program in December and beyond.”
She said Carnival’s on-site testing is only for vaccinated guests who have tried unsuccessfully to get their results before they arrived at the port. Passengers have to make an advance reservation for this service.
If you test positive for COVID-19 at the port, you’re not getting on the ship.
“Those who test positive at the terminal will not be allowed to sail, and they and their close contacts will receive a future cruise credit,” Mathews said.
