COVID-19 Testing For Travel Requirements
Whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, many airlines and countries may be requiring documentation of a negative COVID-19 test. Below is some information to be aware of and what University Health Services can provide for these travel requirements
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It can be challenging for travelers to get a test - and its result - within the required timeframe.
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Published turnaround times range greatly, from an hour to 5 days, and reality does not always match expectations.
- You will need to know what the requirements are and timing by checking with the airline or your destination. We cannot validate this for you.
- If you are ill or experiencing symptoms, please reconsider any travel plans.
UHS COVID testing documentation requests for students
Please note: UHS does not provide test documentation for travel purposes for faculty and staff, our Occupational Health team is not resourced to provide that service to employees. Please seek this documentation from your health care provider or see below for other testing centers that offer testing for travel purposes.
For students, we can try and assist you with providing documentation for your travels. However, we may not be the best or quickest solution for getting you what you need in a timely manner for your travels. We have listed additional outside resources below that specialize in offering COVID testing for travel purposes.
UHS is also not available to complete Travel Clearance form requests. Also, students should not schedule appointments to discuss travel testing or for forms to be completed.
Getting Tested
- If you are ill or experiencing symptoms, please reconsider any travel plans.
- Testing done at our symptomatic / exposure testing site should not be used for travel documentation.
- Please note: there is a charge for clinical testing that ranges from $60-$150 depending on the test type. Testing for travel is not covered by insurance.
- Testing done at RSF for asymptomatic testing is an option.
Turnaround times on tests
We cannot promise a specific turnaround time on tests:
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Tests can take up to 72 hours to be completed.
How to get a copy of your test results for travel:
New: As of 12/14, in eTang under Lab Results you can now access "View Reports" to show the full COVID-19 lab result, including collection time, type of test (PCR), lab information (including CLIA).
If you have a history of a positive COVID-19 test (and it is too soon to retest) and need clearance to travel:
- Students can send a message through eTang to your Clinical Team (if you don’t know who that is, you can check your eTang profile)
Other things to know:
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We provide mid turbinate COVID testing. If your travel requires a naso pharyngeal COVID test, you will need to get tested elsewhere.
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All of our self swab tests are RT-PCR tests
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It is a student's responsibility to figure out what they need and by when
- We cannot provide this documentation to faculty and staff, please see your health care provider
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We cannot change or alter the name listed in your health record (some countries are strict about it matching the passport name)
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We cannot provide embedded stamps electronically. If this is something you need, you will need to get testing elsewhere for this letter.
Outside COVID Testing for Travel Services
Off-campus options for testing are widely available. Please look for some local options that may be able to meet the travel requirements in the timeframe you need them.
https://carbonhealth.com/covid-testing
https://www.passporthealthusa.com/locations/ca/san-francisco/covid-19-testing/
https://norcalcovid19testing.com/locations/oakland-in-terminal