Covid-19 test 72 hours before

[federicoP]

I do not understanf exactly if, for coming back to Thailand under a COE, it is the certificate of Covid free conditions (RT-PCR) that has to be issued no more that 72 hours before the departure, or if it is the samplig for the test that has to be made no more that 72 hours before (that would be more logical).

 

The COE site in english (https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/step?language=en) seems to ask "issued no more", but I would not like to have some problems at the airport.

 

And in these days it is very difficult (at least in Italy) to get a covid test in a short time, less than 72 hours.....

[damascase]

I asked today what time/date there would be in a Covid-certificate, sampling time or lab test time. The reply was that there would only be the sampling time. I’m glad I asked, as I had to re-schedule the sampling to get within the 72h.

[HashBrownHarry]

It's from time sample was taken.

[Piscis]

7 hours ago, federicoP said:

I do not understanf exactly if, for coming back to Thailand under a COE, it is the certificate of Covid free conditions (RT-PCR) that has to be issued no more that 72 hours before the departure, or if it is the samplig for the test that has to be made no more that 72 hours before (that would be more logical).

 

The COE site in english (https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/step?language=en) seems to ask "issued no more", but I would not like to have some problems at the airport.

 

And in these days it is very difficult (at least in Italy) to get a covid test in a short time, less than 72 hours.....

federico, as mentioned already, it is the sample time, which is written on the result certificate.

 

Checkout the website of the intl. airport you are flying. They for sure have med facilities that are specialised (or work together with laboratorys) for quick PCR tests that are accepted by the Thai Immigration. The quicker PCR tests cost a bit more. I paid 190€ for that Test, compared to 120 for a regular one...

 

I received my test result within 6 hours. Regular testing facilties take up to three days in Germany.

 

I received  the result via Email. So make sure you write that information down correctly. On top of the PCR Test you need a "Fit to Fly" certificate. Make sure the testing facility offer that service too. If not you have to find another Med doing so... 

 

Good luck,

 

John

 

[Hmunker]

1 hour ago, HashBrownHarry said:

It's from time sample was taken.

That means time you are swabbed then.If that’s the case everybody very much has to be on their toes and really look at test results return time. A lab about 35 minutes from me says two days so you almost have to travel to the airport and hope results come back ok whilst on way to Airport.

The clock is ticking

[treetops]

2 hours ago, HashBrownHarry said:

It's from time sample was taken.

According to IATA (which is what the airline would use) and the London Embassy (which is what I would use) it's from the time the result is issued.  Where do you see it is from the time the sample was taken?

[HashBrownHarry]

9 minutes ago, Hmunker said:

That means time you are swabbed then.If that’s the case everybody very much has to be on their toes and really look at test results return time. A lab about 35 minutes from me says two days so you almost have to travel to the airport and hope results come back ok whilst on way to Airport.

The clock is ticking

I got my results back an hour before i had to travel to the airport.

 

I thought about hedging my bets and having 2 tests done at different clinics but i never bothered.

[ubonjoe]

33 minutes ago, treetops said:

According to IATA (which is what the airline would use) and the London Embassy (which is what I would use) it's from the time the result is issued.  Where do you see it is from the time the sample was taken?

This from this IATA site after clicking Thailand on the map. https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

London embassy website "4. COVID-19 test result with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected (COVID test must be by RT-PCR method), issued within 72 hours before departure --"

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/application-for-certificate-of-entry-to-thailand-for-non-thai-nationa?page=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072dd&menu=5f4b6eb3f6ae4b236972c562

[HashBrownHarry]

48 minutes ago, treetops said:

According to IATA (which is what the airline would use) and the London Embassy (which is what I would use) it's from the time the result is issued.  Where do you see it is from the time the sample was taken?

Think about it...

 

I could get a sample taken on a Monday ( for example ) and not request results back in a  specified time frame ( much cheaper btw ).

 

Suppose then i get the results back on the following Wednesday ( 10 days ), you think i could travel on the Friday coz the results came back 2 days prior?? don't think so.....

 

It's 72 hours from when the sample was taken.

[treetops]

20 minutes ago, HashBrownHarry said:

Think about it...

Oh I understand the logic in what you say, but the sources I mentioned, and ubonjoe has quoted, are clearly at odds with what would make more sense.

[ronaldo0]

Is there a list of places in London that can do it in quick time and supply a fit to fly letter also ?

Im sure I seen a list before but can’t find it . Thanks in advance 

[federicoP]

I tried to contact the Airport staff (at Milan) of Qatar and Emirates in order to know directly from them which date are they checking on the Covid certificates, but it seems impossible to contact them by phone or email !!!!!!!

I could only contact the central airways offices that directed me to the air company links where it is written "issued", but no more than this.

Qatar call center suggested me to go directly to Milan (more than two hours from my town, with complete lockdown in Milan area) to have the possibility to ask then personally !!!!

[Farma]

This is from an email my local embassy sent me.

Quote

g) COVID-19-free Health Certificate (RT-PCR test result) issued no more than 72 hours before departure

- It must be issued by authorized medical institutions, in English, stating the name of the person, and in hard copy like all other documents              

h) Fit-to-Fly Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours before departure

- There is no specific form or template

- It can be issued at any clinic by licensed medical doctor after a physical examination stating that the passenger is fit to fly

 

 

[CANSIAM]

On 11/19/2020 at 8:43 AM, federicoP said:

I do not understanf exactly if, for coming back to Thailand under a COE, it is the certificate of Covid free conditions (RT-PCR) that has to be issued no more that 72 hours before the departure, or if it is the samplig for the test that has to be made no more that 72 hours before (that would be more logical).

 

The COE site in english (https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/step?language=en) seems to ask "issued no more", but I would not like to have some problems at the airport.

 

And in these days it is very difficult (at least in Italy) to get a covid test in a short time, less than 72 hours.....

Test RESULT to be issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. If you have a 48hr - 72hr after TEST wait time for RESULT, you need to book the TEST accordingly, which could be a nail biter for sure....    

[Hmunker]

4 hours ago, federicoP said:

I tried to contact the Airport staff (at Milan) of Qatar and Emirates in order to know directly from them which date are they checking on the Covid certificates, but it seems impossible to contact them by phone or email !!!!!!!

I could only contact the central airways offices that directed me to the air company links where it is written "issued", but no more than this.

Qatar call center suggested me to go directly to Milan (more than two hours from my town, with complete lockdown in Milan area) to have the possibility to ask then personally !!!!

The 72 hours before flight doesn’t make it easy.You have to be quite confident that you will get your results back in time. There are some clinics in my area that offer results back in 48 hours.That probably is too close to call.Ther is a clinic that does next day and same day results back but that would need a 1 hour train journey there and back and obviously a lot more expensive.Here are some of the prices quoted.

 

48 hours £149

next day  £249

same day £ 289

These prices include fit to fly certificate.But not sure if they give you two separate pieces of paper.One for result other for fit to fly certificate. Have you tried to see if airport you fly from..is it Milan? See if they do PCR test at airport.I checked website Heathrow airport (London) and it looks like they don’t do PCR only something called LAMP which is not as sensitive. To board plane has to be PCR test.

 

[federicoP]

31 minutes ago, Hmunker said:

......is it Milan? See if they do PCR test at airport......

No, for the moment they only do antigen test for those arriving from the "dangerous countries", and some parking company is starting offering a fast check, but no PCR.
Hope they will organize something better, I am planning to leave at the end of December

[Gunna]

From the Certificate of Entry

" I acknowledge and accept that my entry into Thailand is conditioned on, inter alia, my presentation to the relevant authorities of a Fit to Fly or Fit to Travel health certificate; a medical certificate with RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, issued no more than 72 hours before travelling;

So the result, not the test time

I am flying from Auckland at 2335 this evening so after being told it would take 24-72 hours to get the result, I had my swab on Wednesday expecting the result on Thursday or Friday, and maybe even Saturday. Unusually the lab test was done the same evening and the result sent at 2300, 35 minutes too early.

So on Thursday morning I paid for another swab & test and the result was emailed to me at 2245 again the same evening. But now the result is within 72 hours of departure.

 

 

[Piscis]

How can you proof legaly at what time the test result was "issued"? You swear to the IO in BKK?

 

On my COVID19 test that was made to board the airplane, only the testing time is documented. When i checked in and was checked many times during my flight, they always checked the time that was written on the COVID19 test result document.  And that is the time they swabbed the stick in my mouth. In Abu Dahbi they checked twice and calculated how many hours elappsed since testing. Then they let me on the plane...

 

I do not think they let you board the airplane when you show a test result that states testing time a week ago, and you start to argue that the result was "issued" today...

 

God luck on doing so!

 

John

[Billpro785]

Faced the same problem in the states, found a lab that will give you same day service, about 150 USD. 

[canuckamuck]

I had to fly to another city to get my connector flight. Got my covid results by email at the second airport found someone to print the results and immediately lined up for check in. Talk about airport stress.

[Piscis]

OK, i just checked again on the airline requirements (Etihad Airways).

 

They say: "Your test can be carried out at any government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time. Timings will differ if you are flying to China and other select destinations. You will only be permitted to fly if you have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result."

 

So if we take it by their words, The Test itself has to be "carried out", maximum 96 hours prior "departure time", and according the Thai regulations, the result must be issued not more than 72 hours before "travelling"... whatever "travelling" means... (leave your house, board airplane...?!)

 

WTH....

 

John

 

 

 

[gavlar]

On 11/20/2020 at 10:05 AM, ubonjoe said:

This from this IATA site after clicking Thailand on the map. https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

London embassy website "4. COVID-19 test result with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected (COVID test must be by RT-PCR method), issued within 72 hours before departure --"

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/application-for-certificate-of-entry-to-thailand-for-non-thai-nationa?page=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072dd&menu=5f4b6eb3f6ae4b236972c562

Ubon is correct its test result issued 72 hours before start of journey. However I ensured my sample was taken less than 72 hours before first flight. 

Utter confusion at LHR as staff didn't seem to know which was correct.

As this is the last stage ( along with Ftf certificate) after Visa and COE stages, and arguably the most important, from  a Covid spread risk point of view, it wouldn't be difficult to make it irrevocably clear.

[gavlar]

14 hours ago, ronaldo0 said:

Is there a list of places in London that can do it in quick time and supply a fit to fly letter also ?

Im sure I seen a list before but can’t find it . Thanks in advance 

I used Medicspot....result back in 30 hrs

[gavlar]

9 hours ago, CANSIAM said:

Test RESULT to be issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. If you have a 48hr - 72hr after TEST wait time for RESULT, you need to book the TEST accordingly, which could be a nail biter for sure....    

It was....long and expensive process and your relying completely on the test process to work at the very end...yes it was stressful!

[gavlar]

8 hours ago, federicoP said:

No, for the moment they only do antigen test for those arriving from the "dangerous countries", and some parking company is starting offering a fast check, but no PCR.
Hope they will organize something better, I am planning to leave at the end of December

If your flying from UK it needs to be an RT PCR test and it needs to say the on certificate. Also FTF has to be separate document from Covid test. It's a general FTF certificate....some people have had issues where they were combined on same document.

[gavlar]

Having just arrived in BKK ...if anyone in UK requires some help PM me...also there is a Facebook group called ASQ Hotels, which is primarily for ASQ hotel planning but also members post help to get through the process. Good luck , keep calm, and carry on...

[ronaldo0]

4 hours ago, gavlar said:

I used Medicspot....result back in 30 hrs

Did they give you a fit to fly certificate also and what did the test cost ? I have found a few places doing the test mostly in London , although boots also do the test but I’m not sure about them giving out fit to fly certificate . 
This seems to be the most annoying and frustrating part of doing all this . Would be so much easier if Thailand accepted the test that is done in Heathrow that is required for Hong Kong . It is a lamp test which is not as accurate as far as I know , but the fact you are getting on a plane with untested Thais should make this test valid . That way you get it at the airport and a hour later you get the results !

[treetops]

7 hours ago, Piscis said:

OK, i just checked again on the airline requirements (Etihad Airways).

 

They say: "Your test can be carried out at any government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time. Timings will differ if you are flying to China and other select destinations. You will only be permitted to fly if you have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result."

 

So if we take it by their words, The Test itself has to be "carried out", maximum 96 hours prior "departure time", and according the Thai regulations, the result must be issued not more than 72 hours before "travelling"... whatever "travelling" means... (leave your house, board airplane...?!)

That is a requirement imposed by Etihad to board their aircraft which should not be confused with the Thai requirement which (rightly or wrongly) is to have a result issued within 72 hours.

[gavlar]

3 hours ago, ronaldo0 said:

Did they give you a fit to fly certificate also and what did the test cost ? I have found a few places doing the test mostly in London , although boots also do the test but I’m not sure about them giving out fit to fly certificate . 
This seems to be the most annoying and frustrating part of doing all this . Would be so much easier if Thailand accepted the test that is done in Heathrow that is required for Hong Kong . It is a lamp test which is not as accurate as far as I know , but the fact you are getting on a plane with untested Thais should make this test valid . That way you get it at the airport and a hour later you get the results !

With Medicspot I did the Covid RT PCR test ...got at one of their many pharmacy outlets £149. They dont really advertise on their website for a separate FTF but if you email them you simply book an online doctors appt at one of their pharmacy outlets  (£49) , which have laptop and digital diagnostics for temp , lung capacity stethoscope and oximeter. I emailed the doctor during the appt with example wording reqd and for an additional £49 he sent a general FTF certificate 2 hrs later.

Not cheap but really good service.

[OneEyedJack]

I'm flying Toronto-Doha-BKK.  Is the 72 hrs window from Toronto or Doha departure time?