Let’s face it, there are still covid restrictions for travel. Although most places have lifted restrictions for the vaccinated, and testing to return to the US is no longer mandated, there is still a market for medically observed covid testing. Over the last year whenever I needed a Covid test to travel, I have turned to Azova. The affordable, online, covid observation testing company. Azova does more than covid testing. Yet, when it comes to rapid Pre Cruise Covid tests, or other rapid tests needed for Travel. I always choose Azova.
Pre-Cruise Covid Tests
Covid restrictions are ever changing. That’s just one reason why travel agents are still necessary. Just last week the CDC dropped Covid restrictions for cruises. Allowing cruises to set forth their own Covid migration strategy. Yet despite this, most cruise lines still require a rapid test within 2 days before departure. As a travel agent, my clients are constantly seeking advice on where to get tested. For example, just this week my parents asked me how to get a covid test for their cruise. My parents are sailing with Holland America on July 30, 2022 and they still must have a rapid test within 2 days of embarkation. Instead of turning to an expensive rapid test at a local pharmacy, they are opting to use Azova.
Azova offers video observation covid tests which are valid for travel for just $20. You must have an Azova approved covid test and schedule one appointment for each person. Each test takes 15 minutes to produce a result. After your observed test is completed, your video observation proctor will validate your result and will send your test results with proof of video observation. AZOVA will dynamically create a COVID Credential™ Simple Health Pass with your results for you. You can share your results with any organization who needs them directly from your COVID Credentials via QR code, Credential ID or PDF.
Azova offers testing in both English and Spanish. Video Overserved calls are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Making flexibility and scheduling easy.
I went on two cruises this year, and for both cruises I opted for the Azova option. I utilized Azova for my pre cruise test on Holland America in October and will utilize them for my Antartica Cruise if testing is still required by Seabourn in Feb.
Covid Cruise Rules
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced that its guests will no longer have to complete pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing unless required by local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises starting August 1, 2022. Remember, most cruises departing the US or Canada still require pre-cruise covid testing.
The adults-only party ships, Virgin Voyages, allow for 10% of passengers to travel unvaccinated. Virgin Voyages also was the first to end pre-departure COVID testing. Making travel easier for all guests.
Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise lines require vaccination of all passengers older than 5 and all passengers to test negative to board. Meanwhile, MSC and Carnival cruise lines do not require vaccination until a child reaches age 12. Testing is still required.
Many other expedition cruise lines and premium and luxury ships are still requiring vaccinations and testing. Lindblad Nat Geo, Seabourn, Holland America, and Hurtigruten all require vaccines and embarkation testing.
Rapid Antigen Test For Travel
Most countries have scrapped testing requirements for the vaccinated. Some countries remain close still. China and Japan just to name a couple. In addition, France, Spain, and Netherlands require those who are unvaccinated to produce a rapid test within 48 hours of departure. Many countries within Southeast Asia have similar restrictions. For the unvaccinated who want to travel, testing is a must. If you’re looking for an inexpensive covid test, I highly recommend Azova.
You must provide your own Covid test, or you can purchase one and Azova will ship it to you. A little hint, if you order a free covid test through the US Government, Azova will accept the brand and allow it to be utilized for testing. Currently there are 8 tests they accept for video observation. These include the following:
- iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
- Quidel QuickVue® At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test
- On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
- Ellume COVID-19 Home Test
- Detect™ COVID-19 Test and Detect™ Hub
- Flowflex™ COVID-19 Rapid Test
- InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Test
- Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit
Azova utilizes an app that you can easily download to any smartphone. Utilze the app for a secure call and within 15 minutes you’ll have the documentation needed for travel. Whether it’s for a cruise, entry requirements to a country, or some other covid travel requirement. Azova is cheap and easy.
Bottom line
If you are looking to go on a cruise or book any trip, consider reaching out to myself or my travel agency. We aren’t out of the woods yet. Covid is still circulating, and travel restrictions are here to stay. Especially for the unvaccinated. If you’re looking for a medically observed rapid covid test for a cruise or travel. Choose Azova. At only $20 it’s more affordable than a test at a local pharmacy, which easy runs $100 or more. Azova has been my go-to for testing, do you know of a cheaper alternative?
