COVID Testing in Málaga

What kind of test to I need to get back into the US?

You can use a rapid antigen test performed at a pharmacy, lab, clinic or government site.  

You can use a qualifying self test.  The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with Telehealth monitoring.

Can I get a COVID test at Málaga airport?

Yes, but only if you’re a departing passenger (you need to show a boarding pass to access the terminal). The testing centre carries out all 3 tests on an appointment basis – Rapid Antigen (cost €30) results are guaranteed in 2 hours.

You book and pay via the website (some parts in English). Note that it’s busy so book well in advance to be sure you get an appointment. 

Website Instructions:

1)  Click link above.

2)  Choose Malaga Airport.

3)  Choose Rapid Antigen Test

4)  Choose July 9th.    

5)  Choose your time.  

     (It's military time...  24h:00m.  

      15:25?  Subtract 12 from the hrs and the time is 3:25pm)

     Does it say 4 restante?  That means 4 appts are remaining for that time slot.

  

Where can I get a Covid test in the city of Málaga?

Airport appts get scooped up quickly!  If there are none left, you can try these places in the city.  You need a Rapid Antigen Test, not a PCR test.  Results are ready in 15 minutes usually.

Bioclon Calle Almería 17. All 3 tests with PCR results available in 24 hours; appointment only.
Centro Médico Mapfre, Avda de Andalucía 24. All 3 tests; appointment only.
Clínicas Muelle Heredia, Muelle Heredia 14. All 3 tests, PCR costs €115 and antigen tests, €45; appointment only.
Democratest, available in 2 clinics in Malaga (Unidolor at Calle Asalto 22 and CM Alborán at Calle Fernando el Católico 38). PCR test, €60. Book online only.
Laboratorios Echevarne, Plaza Arriola 10. All 3 tests, PCR costs €120 (results in 24 to 48 hours) and Antigen €40; appointment only. Home-testing kits available.
Quirón Málaga, Avda Imperio Argentina 1. All 3 tests, walk-in clinic.
Synlab, Calle Compositor Lhemberg Ruiz 10. All 3 tests, from €45; appointment only. Home-testing kits available.
Vithas Malaga, Avda Pintor Sorolla 2. All 3 tests, PCR available within 24-48 hours, cost from €120; appointment only.

Can I bring my own self test?

To meet the CDC requirements, the tests can be self-administered as long as they meet these criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• The testing must include a telehealth video call during which someone authorized by the manufacturer supervises the testing procedure in real time. (Note that some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription, according to the CDC.)
• The telehealth provider must issue a report confirming the patient’s identity, the name of the laboratory or healthcare entity, the type of test, and the specimen collection date.
• Airlines and U.S. officials at ports of entry must be able to review and confirm your identity and paper or digital documents with your test results.

A test result   must be in the form of written documentation (paper or digital copy). The documentation must include:

1. Type of test (indicating it is a NAAT or antigen test)
2. Entity issuing the result (e.g., laboratory, healthcare entity, or telehealth service)
3. Sample collection date
   • A negative test result must show the sample was taken no more than 1 day before the flight.
   • A positive test result for documentation of recovery from COVID-19 must show the sample was taken within the 90 days before the flight.
4. Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number)
5. Test result

Before boarding a flight to the U.S., you will need to show a paper or digital copy of your test result for review by the airline and may be requested to show to public health officials after you arrive in the U.S.

Additional info with links: 

The iHealth rapid tests from the U.S. government don’t meet the requirements for use for travel on their own.  You can purchase supplemental telehealth proctoring service through iHealth for $24.99; the addition of the proctoring service makes the test eligible for use.

A number of other at-home tests can be used for travel when proctored virtually through Azova, including:

• The Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test: Test kit and video observation services cost $89. You can also purchase directly from CVS for $9.99 and get it administered virtually through Azova for $20.
• The On/Go COVID-19 At-Home Antigen Self-Test: Test kit and video observation services cost $55.
• The Azova At-Home RT-PCR Test: Test kit and video observation services costs $114.99 for a nasal swab test or $118.99 for a saliva test.
• The Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit with Video Observation: Test kit and video observation services cost $89.

Azova offers stand-alone proctoring services for the above tests for $20.

Additionally, you could buy the InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test at either Walgreens for $24 or Walmart for $20. The same goes for the Quidel QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, which is also available at a number of retailers, including Amazon, for $24. Both of these tests can be proctored through Azova.

Bottom line

Be sure to order your test kit well before you depart the U.S. to allow for shipping and delays affecting availability.

You’ll need to bring it with you on your trip, so be sure to make room for it in your suitcase and try to carry it on if possible, in case your checked luggage gets lost.

Make sure to double-check any expiration dates and age requirements that might affect the validity of each test.

Several airlines have also partnered with testing providers to provide at-home tests at discounted rates. For example, American Airlines flyers can use promo code AATRAVEL10 when purchasing Qured tests.

Some airlines, including AA and Alaska Airlines, have also begun using third-party apps, such as VeriFly, that allow travelers to upload their negative test results ahead of travel. Other carriers, such as United Airlines, will ask you to upload the test through the airline’s own app during the check-in process.

As of late May, the Biden administration has not wavered on its decision to require all incoming passengers to the U.S. to submit a negative predeparture test to enter.