We’ve heard from fellow travelers that they have big concerns about traveling abroad because of the COVID testing requirements each country has. Pero don’t worry, si se puede! We were able to travel to the UAE, Italy, and France last month. Let’s discuss three concerns that you might have regarding COVID testing requirements.
La primera concern with COVID testing is price. COVID testing will increase your travel expenses, so budget accordingly. Here was the breakdown of our COVID testing costs for our last trip:
Miami to Dubai – $350 for two (we were able to expense $261.25 from my FSA account)
Dubai to Rome (Pre-Departure) – $136.15 for two
Rome (Pre-Entry) – $47.16 for two
Paris to Milan to New York – $199.98 for two (antigen and PCR tests to meet Italy and USA requirements)
Your best bet to collect rewards from your COVID-testing spend is to use a credit card that earns you more than 1.5% cash back/1.5x miles per dollar spent. Better yet, if you have a FSA account, you can earn your rewards AND not pay out-of-pocket.
La segunda concern with COVID testing is knowing when and which test to take. This is MUY IMPORTANTE! The country you are visiting will not let you in if you have the wrong test and/or took them at the wrong time. For our trip, we had to take the following tests:
Before Reaching Dubai – PCR Test taken no more than 72 hours before departure
Before Reaching Rome – PCR or Antigen taken no more than 48 hours before departure + complete Digital Passenger Locator Form + rapid swab test at Fumicino International Airport
Before Reaching Paris – No test needed since we are vaccinated but had to present CDC Vaccine Card + complete Digital Passenger Locator Form
Before Reaching Milan – PCR or Antigen taken no more than 48 hours before departure + complete Digital Passenger Locator Form
Before Reaching New York – PCR or Antigen taken no more than 48 hours before departure
To find information on when and what type of COVID tests you need to travel, make sure to visit the COVID information pages of the airline(s) you are flying as well as the public health websites of the country(ies) you are visiting.
La tercera concern with COVID testing is keeping track of all the testing requirements. Plan to travel 1-2 countries maximum to ease the stress. Print all the required paperwork before you travel and place them in a travel portfolio. Most importantly, get vaccinated! We have an obligation as travelers to foreign lands to prevent the spread of COVID to others.
We aren’t saying planning a trip in these times is easy. Have patience and give yourself time to plan your trip. Dale que si se puede viajar!
Vamos viajando. The world needs to see us!
Latinos With Passports 
I need a 72 hr prior test..that lands on the weekend! Donde??do I go that can guarantee results?
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Hi there! Well depends on your travel plans. Where are you flying from and to?
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