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Travel During the Pandemic

COVID-19 Testing for Travellers

 Are you looking forward to travelling abroad again? We will help you meet pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements.

Without a nose or throat swab!

For more information, phone us at: 010 900 30 31
CLICK HERE to register for testing

What we offer

We offer two tests to detect the virus that causes COVID-19: the RT-PCR test, and the Rapid Antigen test.

The RT-PCR test is a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), which is a new term for tests that use an amplification procedure to detect the virus. According to the CDC, NAATs are unlikely to return a false-negative result and remain the gold standard in COVID-19 testing.

We offer the Rapid Antigen test in addition to the NAAT test because some destinations or airlines require both tests.

RT-PCR Test

Results in 24-36 hours
R600.00
  • Turn-around times depend on laboratory capacity
  • The RT-PCR test detects the virus’ genetic material
  • Saliva sample – no nose or throat swab needed
  • Only available at our Rosebank, Northcliff, Hout Bay and Durbanville clinics
Click here to register for testing

Rapid Antigen Test

Results +-15 minutes
R280.00
  • The Rapid Antigen test detects proteins on the virus’s surface
  • Nose swab
  • Only available at our Rosebank, Northcliff and Durbanville clinics
Click here to register for testing

If you test negative, we will email you the signed certificate. It will include the type of test, date of test, the result, and your personal details.

Booking your test

Please read this carefully before your book your test:

  1. We only test outbound travellers.
  2. We do not test:
    • non travellers, or
    • persons who have any symptom of COVID-19. For example, fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, muscle or joint pain.
  3. A negative RT-PCR test or Rapid Antigen test does NOT guarantee that:
    • you were infection-free at the time of testing. In the incubation period of the virus, a COVID-19 test may give negative results.
    • you will test negative for COVID-19 when you are tested in the destination country. You may have got infected after we have tested you.
  4. Arranging your RT-PCR test:
    • Decide when you must take the test. Consider your date and time of departure, and the time that is takes to get a result. The RT-PCR test must be taken within the period that your destination country and/or airline requires. Make sure that you have the correct information before scheduling your appointment.
    • Testing is available every weekday. Clinics are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays however home or office tests can be arranged at an additional cost.
      • You must book and pay at least 2 working days before the appointment.
      • To book and pay:
        1. Click on, or scan, the QR code below to register for testing
        2. Once submitted, we will send you an email with appointment and payment options.
        3. Your appointment is confirmed when we receive your booking preference and proof of payment.

Click or Scan the QR Code below to Register for Testing

  1. Arranging your Rapid Antigen test.
    • Decide when you must take the test after you have checked with your travel agent, the airline and the destination country(ies).
    • To book your Antigen appointment, email covidtest@traveldoccorp.com or contact the COVID Testing Team on +27 10 900 3031.

 

Your destination country(ies) and the country(ies) through which you will be transiting have specific COVID-19 testing requirements. These requirements change regularly. It is your responsibility to check the testing requirements that you must meet. It is important that you check, and keep on checking:

  • with your travel agent
  • the map on IATA Travel Centre – you can click on a country to see their latest entry requirements.
  • countries’ official websites, and
  • airline websites. Some airlines have their own requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Will my medical aid pay for the test?

We are not contracted to medical aid. Please check with your health insurer if they will reimburse you for the costs of a COVID-19 test for travel purposes.

Where can I go for a COVID-19 test if I have typical COVID-19 symptoms?

You can contact your GP to arrange a test.

For how long is a negative COVID-19 test result valid?

There is no standard validity period as it varies from one country to the next. Check the rules for validity for your destination country(ies) – remember to include transit time! Plan your appointment so that your certificate is still valid when you arrive at your destination.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive, you will not be allowed to travel. You will have to self-quarantine for ten days from the date of your positive test. Allow at least 14 days before you take another test, because your result may remain positive for several weeks. Phone us to arrange a repeat test as soon as you have a new travel date.

Will you issue a certificate for a negative result from a test taken somewhere else?

No, you will have to take a new test with us. We can only provide confirmation of a negative result for a test that we have carried out ourselves.

When do I need a COVID-19 Antibody test?

An Antibody test is a blood test that determines if you have had COVID-19 in the past. Some countries require the results of an Antibody test in addition to a negative COVID-19 test result(s).

We can arrange a laboratory Antibody test if your destination country(ies) requires it. Please check the requirements of your destination country(ies) and phone us if you need an Antibody test.

Do you test children?

Yes, we test children from the age of six. Please note, children under the age of 16 must be under the supervision of a parent or caregiver when tested.

Most countries have an age limit for their COVID-19 test requirements, but the age limit differs from country to country. Please check the requirements of your destination country(ies).

Pre-Travel Covid-19 Testing Options - Brochure