How to avoid denied boarding by getting proper covid-19 testing documentation?
As countries open their borders to foreign travellers and international tourists, more and more governments require those wishing to enter the country to have a negative covid-19 test before even embarking on a trip. Meanwhile, more and more airlines check the related documents before boarding, so if you don’t take care of the proper paperwork, you may not get on a plane – usually, without any fault on the airline’s part.
by Skycop team
- 2021-03-20
- 10:48 PM GMT
So how to avoid such a situation by taking the required test in the right place and at the right time?
While we finally have more freedom to travel internationally, such freedom does not come without certain obligations as more and more nations worldwide require a negative coronavirus test from those entering the country.
All the paperwork should usually be done prior to boarding
The documentation required to validate the result of such a test, as well as which of the test methods currently available on the market is sufficient for travel, varies depending on country-specific regulations.
As does the time required to complete the testing before starting the travel – or entering the destination country. Moreover, it often isn’t clearly defined by local law – and even if it is, more than just a few exceptions are usually provided in a list attached. Therefore at least a bit of confusion here remains inevitable.
However, all of the above questions should be answered in advance when preparing for a trip. That’s because a certificate proving negative coronavirus test results – or, in some cases, a recent recovery from covid-19 disease – or proof of vaccination – usually need to be presented at the boarding gate. So how to avoid a denied boarding situation by taking care of all the covid-19 testing paperwork properly?
Check out the latest government information and travel advice
Some countries still remain with their borders closed and are inaccessible to foreigners, at least those travelling for other than the most essential purposes. That includes even some of the most popular tourist destinations from the past – and by the past we, of course, mean good old pre-pandemic times.
Other countries which were previously allowing leisure travel and essentially all forms of tourism without virtually any restrictions, recently have tightened access for most of the foreigners. This usually means the newly introduced requirement to have a negative coronavirus test result – either by taking such a test before departure – or just after entering the country.
As one of these requirements can turn into another very quickly, it is highly recommended to undergo testing just before you leave.
Better safe than sorry
While for some countries, a rapid antigen test – which is both simpler to take and also usually cheaper – is enough, this requirement can also change even once you’re already on your way to a long-awaited dream vacation destination. It is therefore recommended to undergo a PCR test that is both more accurate and more widely accepted.
Although this test is often more expensive, by performing it in a private laboratory you can be sure that the so-called covid certificate will be taken care of here as well. In any case, before taking a test, find out if such a test is issued by a lab of your choice.
And last but not least: the right timing. Because the required test-taking time, depending on the country, varies from 24 hours before arrival to 72 hours before departure, find out exactly how much time will be needed for the laboratory you have chosen to get your test results and proper documentation ready. And while sometimes you may have to pay more for a faster testing, time is of the utmost importance in this case. Remember that even a seemingly insignificant delay in obtaining either the test results or the paperwork required can cost you the whole holiday – not to mention additional financial losses.
