Where Can I Get a Covid Test in Cartagena?: Prices and Places to Get a Covid Test in Cartagena, Colombia

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Although Covid cases have declined in Colombia, many countries continue to have testing requirements for entry, most notably the United States. If you’re wondering how to get a Covid test in Cartagena, read on to see a list of Cartagena Covid test locations so you’ll know where to get a Covid test in Cartagena.

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Photo of someone holding a test tube that says covid test in Spanish, like what you might need if you're wondering where can I get a Covid test in Cartagena.
Read on to learn where can you get a Covid test in Cartagena, Colombia.

Where to Get Covid Test in Cartagena

With Coronavirus cases remaining high in many parts of the world, including several strains that are more contagious, many countries are maintaining testing requirements for entry. For that reason, many may be wondering how to get a Covid test in Cartagena, Colombia. This post will look at some places to get a coronavirus test in Cartagena.

First, it will look at the types of Covid tests available in Cartagena, then have a list of places that I found that offers Covid testing in Cartagena. If you already know what Covid test in Cartagena you need, you can scroll towards to the bottom to see the list of Covid testing locations in Cartagena.

Planning your trip to Cartagena? Consult current curfew times in Cartagena here, and learn about Colombia’s vaccine requirements for public places here. Colombia also recently announced new vaccine requirements for entry. Learn if you need to be vaccinated to enter Colombia here.

Mask mandates also remain in order in Colombia as well. Consider picking up some KN95s, FFP2s, or at least some medical grade masks. These type of masks are required on airplanes. It’s also more important than ever to have travel insurance when traveling in Colombia or elsewhere. World Nomads is a leader in international travel insurance. You can get a quote here.

Want to take the hassle out of planning your Colombia trip? Let the experts at our partner BnB Colombia Tours help you! Fill out this form and they will get back to you with a free, initial personalized itinerary based on your interests, then work with you to design a truly unforgettable trip.

Photo of a doctor administering a nasal swab like someone getting a test at a Cartagena Covid testing location.
For travel, you will almost always need to get a nasal swab for an active viral test. It’s not the most pleasant experience but is the most reliable way to test. Image by Hermann Kollinger from Pixabay

This information is intended for people who are in (or will be in) Colombia already and need to get a test for Covid in Cartagena when exiting Colombia to travel to another country.Due to the new Omicron variant, it’s important to double check if the country you are traveling to has new testing requirements as many are reimplementing testing requirements or requiring them closer to your travel date. (Note as of December 6, the USA now requires a PCR or Antigen test within 24 hours for entry, including for fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents).

Of course, if you live in Cartagena, this information may also be useful if you would like to know how to get a Covid test in Cartagena. Note, though, that if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or you have symptoms yourself, you likely can get a Covid test in Cartagena for free via your EPS insurance.

Travelers at an airport check in desk after getting a coronavirus test Cartagena Colombia.
For better or worse, many countries are still requiring and even imposing stricter requirements for Covid testing for international travelers, so you may need to get a Covid test in Cartagena before returning home.

I also know a friend who was able to get one before traveling for free via his EPS, so it is worth checking to see if your EPS will allow you to get a coronavirus test in Cartagena for that as well.

The Covid testing locations in Cartagena below offer private testing, but may come in handy if you want to get a test outside of your insurance, like if you plan to travel or your EPS doesn’t think you need a test but you’d like the peace of mind of having one done.

Photo of a man at a window getting a nose swab similar to the type of test done at Covid testing sites in Cartagena.
The most reliable Covid tests are done via nasal swab. Below you can learn about different types of tests to help you determine what Covid test in Cartagena you should take.

I also really can’t encourage anyone planning to travel to Cartagena (or not for that matter) enough to get vaccinated. The more vaccines in arms, the safer we are all and the quicker we can travel worry free and not even have to think about nasal swabs and Covid testing in Cartagena or anywhere!

*If you’re in the process of planning your trip, you may also want to check out this guide to the best areas to stay, see my list of over 75 great things to do in Cartagena, or check out the top tours on GetYourGuide.

Photo of a vial of vaccine and syringe, something that will help end Cartagena covid test.
Please get vaccinated before traveling if you can, it will hopefully soon make Coronavirus testing in Cartagena and everywhere a thing of the past.

Types of Coronavirus Tests

Perhaps before asking where to get a Covid test in Cartagena, it is worth asking what type of Covid test you need. All the different types of tests are a bit confusing. I, for example, had just assumed antibody and antigen tests were the same thing (they are not) until someone pointed it out to me. With many countries requiring different types of tests, some interchangeably, and different prices and turn around times, below you’ll find a quick summary of the 4 main types of Coronavirus tests.

NAAT Tests (PCR and LAMP)

This stands for nucleic acid amplification test. For Coronavirus testing, there are two main types of NAAT tests being used, PCR and LAMP.

Photo of a lab analyzing a Covid specimen for a PCR test in Cartagena Colombia.
PCR tests, which have to be analyzed in a lab are the gold standard for determining infection, and are required by some countries. You can see how to get a PCR test in Cartagena in the list below.

PCR is the most common form of this type of test and considered the highest standard test. The acronym stands for polymerase chain reaction. It checks for active virus via a nose swab. Results must be analyzed in a lab with different reactions and passing through several temperature changes. It usually will require at least a 24 hour turn around time to get results. If you’re looking for where to get a PCR Covid test in Cartagena, you’ll see it noted in the list of Cartagena Covid testing locations below.

LAMP stands for loop-mediated isothermal amplification. It also requires a nose swab and looks for active virus, but does not have to go through as many temperature changes as a PCR, does not have to be sent to a special lab, and results can be obtained more quickly. However, it is considered less reliable and more likely to give false positives or false negatives.

There is nowhere in Cartagena I have been able to find offering a LAMP test. If you’re curious, you can read more about the difference between PCR and LAMP tests here.

Photo of nasal swabs, like the ones you will likely get your Covid test in Cartagena done with.
Molecular Covid tests are the most reliable and offered by most places where you can get a Coronavirus test in Cartagena and use a nasal swab to take a sample to be checked for active virus. Image by Vesna Harni from Pixabay

Antigen Tests

Antigen tests also check for active virus are are commonly used for the flu and other respiratory illnesses. They have become more reliable over time during the course of the current pandemic. Results are also generally much quicker than the above molecular tests and many countries are allowing them alongside PCR tests. So if you are looking for a rapid Covid test in Cartagena, this might be a good option, especially since they are usually cheaper.

While not considered quite as sensitive as the above mentioned test, they are considered reliable for determining if someone has a high viral load that would likely make them contagious. Some countries may accept them for entry, while others may want the higher standard tests above. Note that the United States does accept an Antigen test or a PCR test, so this test will work for entering the United States and is the cheaper option for getting a Covid test in Cartagena for traveling to the United States.

If you’re wondering where to get a rapid Covid test in Cartagena, you’ll see it noted in the list of Coronavirus testing locations in Cartagena below.

Photo of a test tube that says Covid-19 test in Cartagena.
Antigen tests are similar in nature and reliability to PCR tests but are processed much quicker.

Antibody Tests

Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies your immune system has made in reaction to a virus. That can take days or even weeks to form and show up in testing. They also do not confirm if there is active virus in your system. These tests, therefore, can be useful to know if you may have had the virus recently, but are not considered reliable for diagnosis. Most countries requiring a test for entry do not accept Antibody tests for entry.

If you’re wondering where to get an antibody Covid test in Cartagena, you’ll see it noted in the list of Coronavirus testing locations in Cartagena below.

Photo of a doctor holding a tube with a sample like what happens when your Cartagena covid test location sends your sample to a lab.
Make sure you plan to do your test at the Cartagena Covid testing locations below with plenty of time to get results back before you travel according to your country’s rules. Image by Shameer Pk from Pixabay

DIY at Home Tests (?)

I recently had someone mention they ordered a do it yourself testing kits to do themselves then have results confirmed with a video call with a lab. I’ve reached out to ask them if they were able to use that successfully when leaving as it seems interesting and would certainly be convenient.

In the meantime, I did a little bit of research myself and found this Antigen self test on Amazon. It says it can be used for international travel along with a video session sold separately. Comments are mixed with some saying they got false positives, and it’s not clear how much that video session costs. There are some cheaper self tests on Amazon but no other ones I found mention international travel at all, and some explicitly say they do not count for travel.

Photo of an at home Covid test kit with someone dropping liquid into the hole.
At home tests have become more common and more reliable, although only certain ones that include a consultation with a doctor can be used for international travel and which ones are allowed may vary country to country, so double check before buying one.

I would honestly be pretty hesitant to do this for lots of reasons, probably foremost because it’s not clear if they would be accepted, even if the airline says it’s ok, the gate agent might not understand. It sounds like a potential headache. The price really isn’t all that much better either.

Still, I thought I’d add a note on it as I know some might like or need the convenience or perhaps if you have small children that will struggle with a stranger sticking the swab up their nose, it might be helpful. I will try to update if I am able to verify someone successfully doing this when departing Cartagena (by the way if you have, I would love for you to let us all know in the comments!).

Photo of a covid testing kit.
At home self tests may be an option for some travelers but should be used with caution and confirmed that they are accepted. Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay

Where to Get a Coronavirus Test in Cartagena

Here, I will list Covid testing locations in Cartagena that I have been able to confirm offer testing either online or through word of mouth. This list should not be treated as exhaustive though.

To the extent possible I will try to include information on types of tests offered, prices, and turnaround time. I encourage double checking and verifying prices and turn around times. Over time, testing has become more widely available, cheaper, and quicker.

For example, I had the price of the antigen at the airport listed at $140,000 with an hour turn around from earlier in the year, but when we traveled in late July, it actually cost us $100,000 and was ready in about 20 minutes.

Photo of a nurse with a Covid test in Cartagena.
Read on to see the list of places where you can get a Covid test in Cartagena.

This list, prices, and turn around times are updated as of August 16, 2021. Do note that these are prices either published online or quoted to me when contacting the places, and they are subject to change. I have included operating hours where they were listed. Please note as well that I do not have any commission or any other type of business relationship with any of the places to get a Covid test in Cartagena listed here.

After a decade in Cartagena, I would also suggest taking any listed turn around times with a grain of salt and giving yourself some cushion time. For example, if the lab says 24 hours, I’d suggest getting your test at least 36 hours before you need it. Better safe than sorry!

Photo of a test tube with swabs, gloves, and a form around it, like what you might see at one of the places to get a Covid test in Cartagena.
Here are some places where you can get a Covid test done in Cartagena, Colombia. Image by Elchinator from Pixabay.

Covid Testing Locations in Cartagena

HealthCars (at Cartagena Airport and Cheapest Antigen)

  • Location: At Rafael Nuñez Airport and Barrio España (near Maria Auxiliadora Church)
    • They also offer at home testing
  • Hours: 7 am to 6 pm at airport; 8-12 and 1-4 Mon-Fri in Barrio España, 8-2 on Sat.
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR: $350,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours
    • Antigen: $100,000 pesos at airport; $90,000 at Barrio España location; $110,000 for at home testing. Listed turn around time is 1 hour, however we had this done at the airport in late July and it was ready in about 20 minutes.
      • For groups of 3 or more and 10 or more they offer discounts, so try reaching out to them a couple days before you need your test at their Instagram linked below if you are a group.
    • Antibody: $110,000 pesos, listed turn around time of 1 hour.
  • Contact: Their website doesn’t have info on Covid testing, but their Instagram does (including the prices in this story)
  • Note, if you’re planning to do this before your flight at the airport, give yourself plenty of time. It is first come first served, and each person is checked in one by one, so while the actual test and results are quick, the line can be long. I’d recommend giving yourself at least 3 hours before your flight or preferably do it a day or two before.

Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano (cheapest PCR)

  • Location: Santa Lucia in Multicentro El Amparo (near Bomba el Amparo)
    • Also offer at home testing.
  • Hours: 6 am-7 pm Mon.-Sat; Sundays and Holidays 7 am-4 pm.
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR: $185,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours.
    • Antigen: $70,000, results in 24-36 hours.
    • Antibody: Rapid test: $75,000, results in 24-36 hours; Spike test (to check vaccine response): $70,000, result time not listed.
    • *All of these have a $40,000 peso additional charge for at home/hotel
  • Many thanks to Annie for sharing. Their website does not have info on Covid, but their Instagram does. This is actually the cheapest place to get a Covid test in Cartagena, but it is located pretty far out on the edge of town and the at home charge makes it comparable to most others for antigen. The PCR remains the cheapest even with the extra charge though if you are traveling to a country that needs PCR.

Servicios Integrales de Salud

  • Location: Bocagrande
    • They also offer home/hotel testing
  • Hours: Everyday 7 am to 10 pm
  • Tests offered:
    • PCR: $280,000 pesos (+$40,000 for at home service), turn around times not listed for any of their tests.
    • Antigen: $100,000 pesos (+$25,000 for at home)
    • Post Vaccine Antibody: $90,000 (+$25,000 for at home)
    • Normal Antibody: $75,000 (+$25,000 for at home)
  • Contact: Website at https://www.sisdiagnosticos.com/ (can reserve online on homepage)
    • This Cartagena Covid test location was suggested by Kyle in the comments below, he suggests contacting them by their Whatsapp number and said they spoke English well and delivered results to his email within 24 hours. It is also one of the more competitively priced Cartagena Covid test sites.
Photo of a hand with a vaccine vial and hand with a test tube for Covid testing in Cartagena.
Please considered getting vaccinated before traveling to Colombia. It will not only help save lives but will help put this pandemic and testing requirements behind us.

Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe

  • Location: Centro Comercial Getsmaní Local 2B-01
  • Tests Offered:
    • Antigen: $130,000 pesos
    • Antibody: $100,000 pesos
    • *These prices have not been recently updated but I have emailed them asking for updated prices
  • Many thanks to Nawab for sharing this one with me via email. They can be reached via phone at 664-4546 and are open from 7 am to 3 pm Monday-Friday and 7 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. I’ve had at least one person mention they used this Cartagena Covid test location in the Facebook group and were satisfied. It is also one of the cheaper places to get a Coronavirus test in Cartagena.

Mely Contreras

  • Location: At home/hotel testing
  • Tests offered:
    • PCR: $300,000 pesos, results within 24 hours
    • Antigen: $160,000 pesos, results within 1 hour
    • Antibody: $150,000 pesos, results in half an hour
  • Contact: mcontreras258@misena.edu.co, her Facebook and Whatsapp +57 317 845-4407
  • Mely has been recommended as a great choice for how to get a Covid test in Cartagena by many people in my Facebook Cartagena and Colombia Travel Forum (shameless plug if you’d like to join by they way). A number of people have had very nice things to say about her service. Her prices are on the higher end now as other places for Covid tests in Cartagena have lowered their prices over time. People have also mentioned she quotes $50 USD which is more at the current exchanges than what she quoted me, so maybe it’s best to ask for cost in pesos.

Clinica MediHelp

  • Location: Bocagrande
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR + Viral Panel: $800,000 pesos, results in 3 hours
    • PCR: $400,000 pesos, 24 hour results
    • Antigen: $170,000, 3 hour results
    • Antibody: $140,000, 30 minute results
  • Contact info at their website (from where above info was taken) or via telephone 314 425-1118. This Cartagena Covid testing location has not lowered their prices making it one of the more expensive places in Cartagena to get a Covid test now.
Photo of a test strip with a check mark next to negative on a piece of paper, like what you hope to get at the places that do Covid testing in Cartagena.
No matter which place you choose where to get a Covid test in Cartagena, hopefully it comes back negative!

Synlabs (cheapest antibody)

  • Location: Centro de Salud, Ronda Real (near La Castellana Mall)
    • Also locations in Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellín, Cali and Bogotá (including in the airport)
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR: $280,000 pesos, results in 24-36 hours
    • Antigen: $140,000 pesos, results in 2-24 hours
    • Antibody: $60,000 pesos, results in 2-24 hours
  • Contact info at their website (in English!) (where above information was found) or via telephone at 333 033-3055.

Pasteur Laboratorios Clínicos

  • Location: in La Plazuela Mall
    • Also offer at home testing
  • Tests Offered:
    • Antigen: $200,000 pesos (for family groups of 3 or more $140,000), results in 2-4 hours
    • Antibody: $120,000 pesos, in 2-4 hours
    • These prices have not been recently updated but I did reach out to them for current prices and will update when I get a response
  • Contact info at their website, including a form to get a quote on price.

Gidser Salud

  • Location: Santa Lucia (near La Plazuela)
    • Also offer at home testing
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR: $257,000 pesos (+30,000 for at home), results in 24 hours
    • Antigen: $130,000 pesos, results in 15 minutes
    • Antibody: $77,000 pesos, result time not listed
    • Note that surcharges do apply for the other tests at home as well but depend on location.
  • Contact: their website, their Facebook page, or via Whatsapp at 3205823494. This is one of the cheapest places in Cartagena to get a PCR test.
Photo of a test tube, strip, and nasal swab like what you might see at these places to get a Covid test in Cartagena, Colombia.
Expect to get a nose swab at any of these Cartagena Covid testing locations for all tests besides antibody tests.

Laboratorio Clínico Eduardo Fernandez

  • Location: Centro, Bocagrande, and Santa Lucia
    • Offer at home and drive up testing as well
  • Hours: 7 am to 5 pm Mon.-Fri., 8-11:30 am Saturdays
  • Tests Offered:
    • Antigen: $150,000 pesos, results in 1 hour (only done in person in Bocagrande from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm)
    • Antibody: $110,000 pesos; $130,000 for spike protein test, results in the same day
  • Contact at their website. They can also be reached via Whatsapp from Monday to Friday at (+57) 317 369-4783.

Caris (tied for cheapest Antigen)

  • Location: They provide at home testing
    • *They also operate in Medellín, Bogotá, and Barranquilla
  • Tests Offered:
    • PCR: $310,000 pesos, results in 6 hours
    • Antigen: $110,000 pesos, results in 4 hours
    • Antibody: $72,500 pesos, results in 15-20 minutes
  • Contact info on their website (where above info is from) or by telephone at 316 433-6293. If you’d prefer not to do the antigen test at the airport, their price is the same for coming to you.
  • Unfortuantely, this place no longer has a location in Cartagena, but still does testing in Medellín.
Photo of two cotton swabs, similar to the ones used at Cartagena Covid testing sites.
With the exception of the antibody test, which is not considered reliable for determining an active virus case, you will have to get a nasal swab for your Covid test in Cartagena.

That is the list I have been able to put together so far of where to get a Covid test in Cartagena, Colombia. Again, if you know of any other Covid testing sites in Cartagena, if any of the above information is inaccurate, if you had an experience where you got your Cartagena Coronavirus test results back quicker or slower than the times listed by the clinics websites, please do share in the comments as it will help out others looking for where to get a Covid test in Cartagena.

The US embassy also maintains a list of testing sites around Colombia (opens a .pdf), including in most major cities and Cartagena. There are some additional ones listed there that I have not independently verified, and it’s also not clear how often or when the last time that list and the prices and turn around times were updated. It’s a good place to start of if you’re looking for where to get a Covid test elsewhere in Colombia or alternatives to these Cartagena Covid testing sites though.

Cheers and Safe Travels!

Planning a trip to Cartagena?

Be sure to check out the rest of the site to help you plan!

In particular, you might want to check out my complete guide to planning a trip to Cartagena, my guide to the best areas to stay, my list of over 75 things to do, my picks for the best Cartagena tours, the best day trips from Cartagena, my suggested packing list, my guide to the Rosario Islands, and my guide to all the beaches of Cartagena.

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Entry Requirements for Colombia
Cartagena’s Beach Re-openings
Current Curfew Time in Cartagena

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Adam McConnaughhay

I signed up to come to Colombia for one year as a volunteer teacher in 2011. I ended up staying in Cartagena over a decade, meeting my wife Susana, and getting the chance to travel much of Colombia. I started Cartagena Explorer in 2018 to share my love for Cartagena and Colombia and help others explore all it has to offer.

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49 thoughts on “Where Can I Get a Covid Test in Cartagena?: Prices and Places to Get a Covid Test in Cartagena, Colombia”

  5. This was soooo helpful! Much more concise and perfectly laid out in a digestible, easy to understand format. Way better than the US Embassy or Ministry of Health. Thank you! Amd we owe you drinks when we get to town (from a distance, of course!)

    Reply

  6. Hi Adam,
    Super helpful!
    When they say they offer “At home testing” do they come to hotels also? And if so, how does it work to receive results/ how quickly?

    Reply

    • Hey Bryan. I would think yes, they woudl come to a hotel. I’m not entirely sure about how results are given, and it may vary by company, whether they send them to you or you have to go pick them up somewhere. The times listed above are what places list either online or when I contacted them, some do say they take a bit longer if it is done at home (I think that has to do with accounting for taking the sample back to the lab).

      Reply

  7. New Follower. Wealth of detailed information. I love Cartagena and plan to be back in a few weeks.

    Just needed to get my timeline established on where I can get tested.

    Thanks

    Reply

  8. Laboratorio Lorena Vejarano Hi, thank you for this post. I am a senior mail looking to get antigen test soon prior to flying back to Miami. Laboratoria Lorena Vejarano is one of your listings, but I can’t seem to find it in Cartegena. There are other sites for it but in other cities in Colombia. Could you help me with this? I don’t speak Spanish, and 90,000 I believe is the cheapest for antigen, and I can afford that. Thanks for replying. Gary

    Reply

    • Hi Gary, so yes I couldn’t find clearly where they were located at first either. If you look them up on Instagram, they have more info and you can ask, but they are located in the Santa Lucia shopping mall, near the edge of the city heading towards Turbaco.

      Reply

  9. Thank you so much for the info Adam. Do you know the hours of the airport testing site? I’m hoping to get a test this Saturday afternoon.

    Reply

    • Hi Alex. No, I can’t find it listed anywhere. I would think it’s normal business hours from 8 or 9 to 5 or 6 so I think you will be fine going Saturday afternoon. I would go around 2 as if they take a break for lunch it should be done by then. Some businesses only do half days on Saturdays here but I wouldn’t think that would be the case for a place offering Covid tests. You may want to try writing them via their instagram or whatsapp number if you are able to just to 100% confirm though.

      Reply

  10. Has anyone used Laboratorio Clinico Genesis del Caribe?

    Are their results legit and accepted by airlines? idk why it comes across as shady being inside of a mall

    Reply

    • Haha, I haven’t used them, but it is probably ok, there are several of the big insurance companies that have clinics in the Castellano mall (that one is in Santa Lucia I think right?). Could just opt for the airport one to be 100% sure though.

      Reply

  11. We are planning to visit Cartagena April 26 to May 2. the recent CDC Level 4 warning has my travel partner a little worried. Can you provide any on the ground assessment of if we should postpone? We are vaccinated, and have gone to the Bahamas without incident.

    Reply

    • There is a 3rd wave right now. ICU occupancy has gone up to around 70%. There are 10 pm curfews on weeknights and 12 pm on weekends declared until the 22nd. Hard to say if those will continue or not. I think cases would have to be extremely high for a full on shut down, so if you feel comfortable traveling and won’t have your trip ruined if curfews are continued, I think you should be ok.

      Reply

  12. Does anyone know the exact location for the airport? I am having a hard time finding it. Additionally, has anyone use Gidser Salud?

    Reply

  13. Hey, Adam. If you want to add another test location to your list, I just got a PCR test done in Boca Grande at a place called “Servicios Integrales de Salud”. https://www.sisdiagnosticos.com/

    The PCR test was $295,000 COP. They speak English well if that’s important to anyone. You can schedule an appointment via their website, but it’s likely better to just use their WhatsApp because I never got my online confirmation. Their turnaround was 24 hours to my email.

    10/10 would recommend.

    Reply

  15. Hi Adam, thank you so much for this info. I am confused regarding the type of test I need to get. On the CDC official US website it says antigen tests are accepted. I am tempted because we are a family of 4 and they are twice cheaper. But just want to be 100% sure they are accepted. Has anyone flown to the US with an antigen test? It’s so confusing because it seems like if it’s accepted, everyone would get it instead of PCR, no? It’s half the price.
    Also do any of the testing sites accept credit cards?

    Reply

    • Hi Elmie. My understanding is the antigen or PCR is fine for the US. I have not flown back though. I would feel confident you would be fine, but maybe someone else can confirm or if you like ask in my facebook group Cartagena and Colombia Travel Forum if there is someone who has flown back recently to confirm. Credit cards, I’m not sure to be honest. I would think at the clinics or airport it may be possible, and it may also be worth asking Mely Contreras, but you would have to ask them to be 100% sure.

      Reply

    • Hi John. To be honest, I’m not sure. My understanding is after about 2 weeks you are unlikely to be contagious but not sure if it could still show on a test. For the US, I believe there’s a way to show you tested positive and then were cleared by a doctor but I don’t know about Canada. You might just have to do the test to see and if it comes back negative, you can head back or if not have to wait a bit more. Sorry, wish I had a clearer answer. Hope you are able to go back soon!

      Reply

  17. Great info here Adam. Really helped us on our trip. I would just add my recommendation that everyone should first check with their hotel to see if they have someone who comes to the hotel to provide testing service. Ours did and the price was just 130,000 COP per person, considerably cheaper than the other options listed above. We had results sent to our phone within one hour and just breezed through the airport departure process two days later.

    Reply

    • Hi Rob. Yes good tip. These prices are from January, and some of them have gone down. I need to add in a couple lines on that and follow up with these places to check their current prices. I guess as the technology has become more common, prices have generally come down. Good advice Rob and glad you enjoyed Cartagena!

      Reply

      • Thanks Adam. Feel free not to post this reply as I don’t really care to call out indvidual vendors, but FYI…Mely’s prices have actually gone up quite a bit from what you quote above. I contacted her first since she got such good reviews on your facebook group but she quoted 50 USD per person for antigen test. Our hotel had a service who could do it for 130,000 COP per person so considerably cheaper for our family of three, saving us almost $60.

        Reply

        • Hi Rob. No by all means, thanks for sharing, it may be useful for someone else, and I’m not earning commissions or have any stakes in any place mentioned here, they were just the places I could fairly easily find info on online or via contacting them. It seems like there are now more places and prices are definitely cheaper at at least some of them. The airport only charged us $100,000 for antigen, considerably cheaper than the price I got back early in the year when I contacted them for this post. I’m currently traveling, but in a couple weeks, I’m just going to have to recontact places and revise these prices. The dollar has also gone way up.

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  18. This is such helpful information Adam! Thank you.
    We are planning to travel to Cartegena the first week of February, can you provide an idea of what the vivid protocols are right now? Are restaurants/sites still open?

    Reply

    • Hi Kimberly. Glad it helped. You do need to have at least one dose of a vaccine to enter Colombia (if fully vaccinated, no test needed, if only 1 dose or 2nd less than 14 days, that plus a PCR 72 hours before). Most everything is open, and being fully vaccinated is a requirement to enter restaurants and most tourist sites, although it’s not always checked strictly. Paper or digital vaccine card should are both fine to use.

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  19. This information is INCREDIBLY helpful; thank you so much for all the details on prices/contact info./hours etc.!! (must more helpful than the Embassy list)

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  20. “I also really can’t encourage anyone planning to travel to Cartagena (or not for that matter) enough to get vaccinated. The more vaccines in arms, the safer we are all and the quicker we can travel worry free and not even have to think about nasal swabs and Covid testing in Cartagena or anywhere!”
    -with an experimental vaccine that is proven not to protect at all?! Okay… :/

    Reply

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