WHICH COUNTRIES REQUIRE AN OFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF THE PCR TEST?

Travelling in the time of corona can be tricky. Each country has its own set of entry rules and requirements. Many countries requiere PCR test and having a negative PCR test is a prerequisite for arrival. Having this test translated into the official language of your country of destination is important. However, this process is simple with our sworn translators at Traducciones iTrad. Our team of expert translators can ensure your PCR test will be translated quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, as our translators are sworn, you can be certain of the legal status of the document. This article will go into detail on which countries require an official translation of the PCR test.

What is the PCR test?

PCR stands for “polymerise chain reaction”. It differs from other ways of testing, as it detects the presence of an antigen, rather than testing for antibodies. This means that it tests for the presence of the viral RNA rather than for the antibodies that your body creates to fight it off. Thus, it theoretically has a better chance of detecting the virus early on, before symptoms may even be present.

If done correctly, PCR testing can detect early on when people have COVID. Then, everyone the carrier has been in contact with can be located and quarantined. Therefore, the transmission chains can be cut off earlier. 

Where are PCR tests required for entry?

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that the rules vary from country to country. As the situation is always changing, it is advisable that you check the government advice of the destination country. Furthermore, the need for a PCR tests depends what countries requiere PCR test, and often whether you are an EU citizen or not.

At the time of writing, these are the countries that require a PCR test for entry:

• Austria– a mandatory negative PCR test is needed for a selection of countries. See latest Information on Austria here.
• Belgium- a mandatory PCR test is required for a selection of “red zones”, where the corona rates are higher.
• Croatia– if a negative PCR test is presented, then the 14-day quarantine can be avoided.
• France– depending on where you are flying from, a negative PCR test is required upon entry. See the latest France Travel Advice here.
• Germany– testing is available on entry at airports. From certain location, a 14-day quarantine is necessary. See more information from Germany’s Travel Restriction FAQs.
• Greece– PCR tests are needed if you’re travelling from Bulgaria, Romania, UAE, Malta, Belgium, Spain, Albania, North Macedonia and Hungary to Greece. See the official Greek Government Advice here.
• Iceland– tests are provided on entry to the airports.
• Portugal– PCR tests are required from a selection of countries. Furthermore, if you are travelling to the Azores or Madeira Islands, then a PCR test is mandatory. See updated Portugal Travel Advice here. 
• Russia- A negative PCR test must be provided to board with flight, from within 72 hours of the flight departure.
• China- all travellers to China must provide their negative PCR test.
• Seychelles– travel to the Seychelles must have a negative PCR test.
• United Kingdom– those arriving in the UK must quarantine for 14-days. See the Official UK Advice here.
• Antigua and Barbuda– all passengers must provide a PCR test from within 7 days of departure.
• Bahamas– all arrivals must quarantine for 14 days, and then provide a negative PCR test.
• USA– The rules in the USA vary from state to state. PCR tests are required in some states, but not all. Search for your specific state to find out more.

We’re here to help

Our expert sworn translators are here to help ease the process of travelling as much as possible. For any inquiries about an official translation of PCR tests, don’t hesitate to email us on: info@itrad.es , or visit our website at Traducciones iTrad. Furthermore, we can operate fully online, so you don’t even need to come into the office to get you translations finished and back to you. We hope that this article on which countries require an official translation of the PCR test was of use to you.