Which COVID-19 tests are required for international travel? It depends on where you're going. In an effort to limit the spread of new coronavirus variants, many countries are requiring incoming travelers to show a recent negative test.
The U.S., for example, will accept results from either a test that detects the genetic material of the virus — considered the most sensitive type of test — or a rapid test that looks for viral proteins called antigens.
The tests must have been taken no more than three days before departing for the U.S. Health professionals usually give more sensitive lab tests via a nasal swab that take a day or more to yield results.