PCR test for travel after Covid

[Belle2210]

Hi everyone

I wanted to ask what people's experiences are with travel PCR tests after having covid?

My husband is meant to be starting work in Saudi later this month where they only accept a PCR test and not an antigen test for entry. We both had covid over New Year time and are aware PCR tests may show up positive still for 90 days.

Has anyone had to have a PCR within that 90 days for travel and if so we're you still showing positive/negative?

Want to get a better idea from other people's experiences.

Thanks 😊

We had positive PCR on 4th Dec for 2 family members. Post travel PCR on 22nd Dec was negative for both

@BasementIdeas

We had positive PCR on 4th Dec for 2 family members. Post travel PCR on 22nd Dec was negative for both

Great thanks. That's hopeful then 🤞

Adult DD returned a positive PCR about 6 weeks after recovering from Covid – it can happen, I'm afraid.

It it were me, I'd have some sort of contingency plan in mind just in case, maybe your DH could start his new job a little later?

@thing47

Adult DD returned a positive PCR about 6 weeks after recovering from Covid – it can happen, I'm afraid.

It it were me, I'd have some sort of contingency plan in mind just in case, maybe your DH could start his new job a little later?

Were they quite bad with symtoms or anything?

It's contract work where he'd be replaceable is the thing so really hoping it works out fine.

No, she was fine, Belle, no new symptoms or anything. It was definitely a 'false positive'. Fortunately she is well equipped to explain the science behind false positives and her explanation was accepted, but I don't have any experience of Saudi and whether they would understand that.

My partner was testing positive for 6 weeks after asymptomatic Covid.

He did 3 in total before getting a negative after the 6th week. Most ppl though test negative much quicker. I think the quickest I have seen on here for PCR is 2 weeks.

It is pretty much luck of the draw. I would do one maybe a couple days before the one you buy that's "Fit to Fly", just to put your minds at ease perhaps leading up to it. Can be nerve wracking when you need to test negative to travel, especially on PCR.

Fingers crossed it works out for you.

Some countries will accept proof of a recent infection and accept it may invalidate a PCR and some will not. It would be a good idea to check with the Saudi authorities what their stance is.

@amicissimma

Some countries will accept proof of a recent infection and accept it may invalidate a PCR and some will not. It would be a good idea to check with the Saudi authorities what their stance is.

Good advice.

I should have said @Belle2210 we got in touch with the embassy before we travelled and asked them what documentation DD would require – that coupled with her own expertise meant we didn't really have any issues.

Thanks so much everyone. Seems it will just be what it is on the day. He has it on his vaccine passport app to say he has had covid but with it being Saudi, again I'm not sure how much they would take that into account. Will look into things more though.

Hello Belle2210. I'm in a very similar situation now, and just wondered what the outcome was for your husband, vif you don't mind me asking.

He has had mutilple tests for travel and all negative 🙌. Think that was on the 20th after testing positive 26th Dec.