Urgent: High Demand for Pre-Travel COVID Testing

If you are traveling internationally over winter break, you will likely need to meet specific COVID testing requirements to enter another country. We urge you to check International SOS (ISOS) for the latest information on countries' travel restrictions and entrance requirements (enter the Cornell membership number 11BSCA827281).

Need results fast? Seek off-campus testing!

Many countries require a PCR test 72 hours or less before the international (final) leg of your trip. You may need formal documentation of this test and negative results. Cornell testing may not be able to provide you with results this quickly due to very high demand, so you should seek alternate test locations for time-dependent needs.

PCR and antigen tests are available locally at Walgreens, CVS, Ithaca Urgent Care, and Walmart, but call ahead to ensure they have appointments or self-tests in stock. Many airports also have on-site testing. Here are a few examples (click on the airport initials for more information): JFK, LGA, EWR, PHL, IAD, DCA.

Some countries only require antigen tests. Cornell does not provide antigen testing, but the self-administered kits are available at drugstores in Ithaca (call ahead as the supply is limited) or elsewhere. Check the ISOS site to see if an antigen test will suffice and be sure to check with your airline that the test you may use is valid for boarding.

More about Specific Countries

For Japanese Citizens Traveling to Japan

All travelers will be required to complete a health declaration form. Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure. The test result must be in the format prescribed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon arrival all travelers must present proof of medical insurance and a schedule of activities and will be tested for COVID-19 at the port of entry.

For Indian Citizens Traveling to India

All travelers will be required to complete a self-declaration form 72 hours before the scheduled travel and upload a negative COVID-19 test result issued no more than 72 hours before arrival via this website. All travelers will undergo universal health screening at designated health counters at all points of entry. Travelers showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated and transferred to a medical facility as per the state’s health protocol. All travelers must download the Aarogya Setu app, a contact tracing and self-assessment government application, upon arrival in India.

For Citizens of the Republic of Korea Traveling to South Korea

All travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in English or Korean issued no more than 72 hours before departure. All travelers must undergo free COVID-19 testing at the airport within 24 hours after arrival, submit a health condition declaration form and a special quarantine declaration form while in flight, and download the Self-Quarantine Safe Protection mobile application allowing them to log their symptoms for 14 days.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding these international travel requirements, please email International Travel Health and Safety (ITHS). ITHS will not be able to provide test results or documentation, but may be able to assist with travel-specific questions. We know that the requirements for travel are quite onerous, but we hope that you are able to get home as safely and smoothly as possible.