Covid-19 PCR test for entry to Qld explained

Rules around PCR tests and what is required to enter Queensland from a Covid hotspot have been clarified in the past 24 hours. Here’s everything you need to know.

Rules around Covid-19 PCR tests have been clarified in the past 24 hours, with only a text message confirmation required to enter Queensland from a Covid hotspot from mid-December.

The new rule does away with the need for people to pay $145 for a printed certificate.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the clarification on Tuesday night, ending weeks of frustration and stress from those planning to travel over the Christmas period.

“A pathology test will only be charged for a patient when they are required to obtain an official certificate, rather than using the existing text message system that is in operation in every state and territory,” Mr Hunt said.

With the new rules, here is everything you need to know:

PCR TEST EXPLAINED

WILL I NEED TO PAY $145 FOR A PCR TEST TO ENTER QUEENSLAND?

People wanting to enter Queensland from December 17 or 80 per cent fully vaccinated will not need to pay $145 for a PCR test.

It comes after authorities announced travellers would only need a text message confirmation. Previously, they required a printed certificate, which was only possible by paying $145 for a PCR test.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Tuesday the test was free and always had been.

DO I NEED TO SHOW A CERTIFICATE WHEN I ENTER QUEENSLAND?

A free text message issued by Covid-19 testing facilities was all the proof travellers needed to show they had a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours before arrival.

Official certificates from private pathology clinics who charge $145 for a test were accepted, but not required as a text message would suffice.

CAN I GO TO A REGULAR COVID-19 TESTING SITE?

Yes, test results from a regular Covid-19 testing clinic or public health facility that offers PCR tests are acceptable.

People entering Queensland from mid-December must have had a negative PCR Covid test within 72 hours before arriving.

I LIVE IN QUEENSLAND, CAN I GO TO NSW FOR A DAY TRIP?

Queenslanders wanting to travel to a hotspot and return within 72 hours would be able to, but they could not get a Covid-19 test in Queensland before they go and use that result upon arrival.

People would need to get a test at their travel destination outside of Queensland and return a negative result before they come home.

WHAT DO I NEED TO SHOW WHEN CROSSING THE BORDER?

When Queensland reaches 80 per cent fully vaccinated, people crossing the border would need to show proof they were fully vaccinated, a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours and their border pass.

DOES EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY NEED TO HAVE A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST?

It’s understood each person, including children, must return a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours before they arrive in Queensland.

Small children are tested with a specialised swab by a trained healthcare professional.

WILL I NEED A BORDER PASS WHEN QUEENSLAND REACHES 80 PER CENT FULLY VACCINATED?

Yes, Queensland Health states that at all stages, anyone travelling to Queensland from anywhere in Australia, including returning Queensland residents, must complete a Queensland entry pass.

WHY DOES A PCR TEST CERTIFICATE COST $145 AT PRIVATE PATHOLOGY CLINICS?

Covid-19 tests at private testing facilities are not covered by Medicare.

CAN I GET A TEST IN QUEENSLAND BEFORE I LEAVE IF MY TRIP IS LESS THAN 72 HOURS?

No, travellers would need to get a PCR test at their travel destination outside of Queensland before they return.

Originally published as Covid-19 PCR test for entry to Qld explained