Airlines’ Rules During COVID-19: Will You Need A Coronavirus Test To Fly?

This information is updated as of 17 June 2020. You are encouraged to check new updates regarding the regulations at your local airport, airline and destination of arrival.

By Azra Shuib | June 12 2020

As air travel begins to gradually resume during this outbreak, airlines are taking the steps to ensure fliers are feeling safe in their airline with new regulations. 

In some instances, you may be required to submit a negative result before flying, or get tested on-site before boarding an airplane. A lot of airlines do not require your test results, however other measures such as temperature checks, social distancing and wearing masks are a must.

Here is what we know regarding the latest policies among the airlines:

Malaysia Airlines

For Malaysia Airlines, prior testing is not needed, but you may be tested upon arrival in Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines also requires all passengers to bring and wear their own protective masks. Starting 10th June, all individuals entering Malaysia through International Arrivals will be able to undergo 14-day self-quarantine at their own homes. This is subject to them being cleared from COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health after undergoing health screening upon arrival.

For Malaysians entering Sarawak, samples would be taken at random among arrivals at the state’s main air, sea and land entry points.

ANA Airlines

ANA (All Nippon Airways) Airlines do not require a prior testing before onboarding the flight for domestic travels. As updated on 9th June, travelers may need to wear a mask and if temperature screening shows that you have a fever, you will not be allowed to get onboard the flight.

JAL Airlines

Japan Airlines do not indicate that you need a prior negative testing before onboarding the flight. But starting 1st June, passengers will now be required to wear a face mask when traveling on JAL Group flights, except for infants under 2 years of age and passengers who have medical conditions. You will be refused boarding if you are not wearing a face mask or showing symptoms.

Air Asia

For Air Asia, the following is required for Indonesia (as of 9th June):

· All domestic flight guests are required to present Health certificate in English that proves non-reactive COVID-19 Rapid Test results that is valid for or a maximum of 3 days, or negative RT-PCR result that is valid for a maximum of 7 days on the day of departure after its issuance by health facility in the country of origin, or a health certificate showing no flu-like symptoms issued by a medical doctor from a hospital or public health facility for areas without PCR test/ rapid test facilities.

· Guests arriving from abroad are urged to have a valid health certificate in English with negative COVID-19 PCR Test results issued by a health facility in the country of origin, if not, there would be PCR Test undertaken upon arrival. While waiting for the PCR test results, Guests will be quarantined at government facilities or other accommodation (hotels/inns) authorised by the Ministry of Health.

Other destinations do not require prior testing, but you may be subject to being tested upon arrival at your destination. Hence, it’s highly encouraged to get updated on your destination’s regulations.

Batik Air / Garuda Indonesia

No prior test is required, but those arriving in Indonesia should present a test result as stated above for Air Asia.

Korean Airlines

As updated on 28th April, Korean Airlines do not require prior testing, but will not let those who are experiencing fever to board the flight.

Outside of meal times, it is compulsory to wear your mask permanently at all times on board.

Asiana Airlines

No prior test is needed, but all passengers are required to wear a mask.

Philippine Airlines

Prior testing is not required, but additional screening will be conducted, so passengers would need to arrive at least 4 hours before onboarding for check-in.

Please note that as updated on 11th May, if you are an international passenger arriving in Manila, you will undergo a swab test (RT-PCR Covid-19 testing) to be performed by trained personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) upon arrival.

While awaiting test results, passengers must stay either in a government-designated stringent quarantine facility or in a BOQ approved quarantine hotel. 

Cebu Pacific Air

All international flights are suspended until 1st July, 2020.

Lion Air

For both international and domestic flights, one must present COVID-19 free health certificate / with negative results for a maximum of 7 days after results of the test came out.

Thai Airlines

No prior testing is needed, but in an update as of 26th March, passengers may be required to present a health certificate indicating that you are fit to fly.

Bangkok Airways

No prior testing is needed, but regulations may be subject to the destination of arrival.

Cathay Pacific/Cathay Dragon

Testing is required for (as of 10th June update):

· Swab test in their country of origin in the 14 days prior to arrival to Malaysia (showing a negative result for COVID-19).

· All passengers arriving in Hong Kong will be required to undergo a medical test for COVID-19 upon completion of all health, immigration, customs and quarantine clearance requirements.

Other destinations do not require testing, however it’s best to check on the regulations at the arriving destination.

Singapore Airlines

As updated on 1st June, no prior testing is needed, but tests may be performed upon arrival, such as in Manila.

Malindo Air

No prior testing is needed, but regulations may be subject to destination of arrival.

China Airlines

No prior testing is needed, but for destinations in China and Taiwan, a health declaration form is needed (effective 21st March and 3rd May respectively).

Vietnam Airlines

Effective 19th March, health declaration form should be submitted for all flights, and those who have fever will be denied boarding. It is also a must to wear a mask.

Eva Airways

No prior testing is needed, however effective 21st April, those arriving in Taiwan must submit a health declaration form. In addition, passengers who are detected with fever will be denied onboarding.

Scoot

No prior testing is needed, but it’s important to remind passengers that:

· Flights to China are temporarily suspended entry until further notice

· Flights to India are temporarily suspended entry until 30th June 2020

Other tests may be done upon arrival, subject to regulations at the end destination.

Air India

As updated on 1st June, only those from Italy / Korea must submit a certificate proven tested negative from COVID-19 to enter India. If body temperature exceeds standard or has not passed 14 days of quarantine whichever necessary, passengers can be denied boarding.

Qantas Airways

In the latest update on 5th June, travelers do not need to submit a prior negative COVID-19 test result. However, take note that all Qantas and Jetstar scheduled international flights, except for flights between Australia and New Zealand, are suspended until at least the end of July 2020, due to government restrictions. And all Qantas and Jetstar scheduled flights between Australia and New Zealand are suspended until at least the end of June 2020.

Austrian Airlines

Effective 18th March 2020, passengers must present a medical certificate which confirms a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. This is applicable for International and Domestic flights in both outbound and inbound flights. Passengers are also to observe a 14-day self-quarantine.

Air New Zealand

No prior negative COVID-19 result is needed from passengers, but those who want to fly should submit a Passenger Health Declaration Form. Temperature recording will be taken upon departure and those with fever can be denied boarding.

Emirates

No prior negative test result is needed, but as a safety precaution, passengers will need to keep their mask on at all times in the airport, during boarding and on board except when eating or drinking. If you have a connecting flight in Dubai, you will need to keep your mask on through the airport, and a fever detection scanner will be placed at the entrance to the connections area. 

Passengers are highly encouraged to check the specific safety measures in place in their destination.

Qatar Airways

No prior negative test result is needed for Qatar airways. However, if you are boarding this airline, it is highly recommended to get updates on the regulations at your local airport as well in your destinations.

Turkish Airlines

For both domestic and international flights, all passengers departing from Turkey are required to obtain the HES code from relevant authorities. Effective May 29, 2020, Turkish citizens 65 years of age and older must obtain a Travel Permit Document from the relevant authority in order to board the flight. 

It is highly recommended to get updates on the regulations at your local airport as well in your destinations.

For those arriving in Turkey:

· All passengers are required to wear masks at the airport and during the flights.

· All passengers must complete the passenger information form when arriving to Turkey.

· All passengers will undergo a medical examination and those showing symptoms will have tests performed.

Passengers with a positive test result will not be allowed to enter Turkey and will be deported.

Etihad Airways

No prior testing is required. But until 30 June 2020, Etihad is operating limited special flights only, and you are encouraged to get in touch with the airline and check your status. It is highly recommended to get updates on the regulations at your local airport as well in your destinations.

Royal Jordanian

No prior testing is required. However, passengers should check if they are permitted to enter their destinations.

Prior to check-in, medical checks will be performed. Passengers must also wear masks, gloves and shoe covers throughout.

Finnair

Before checking in, passengers should check temperature and symptoms at home. If they are showing any symptoms, passengers can call the Service center to rebook or cancel flight.

Scandinavian Airlines

No prior testing is required. In the latest update on 10th June 2020, the airline strongly recommends passengers to keep updated and read the latest entry requirements of their destination. Do this even if you are a citizen or resident of that destination – or if you’re just transferring and getting a connecting flight.

For inbound flights, passengers are to observe a 14-day quarantine period.

KLM

No prior testing is required. Passengers are encouraged to visit the IATA website for the latest entry requirements. In the latest update on 11th June, passengers in inbound flights should observe a 14-day quarantine period.

Air France

No prior testing is required. However, please be advised that upon arrival in Metropolitan France, even if you are only transiting, you must be able to present a Certificate of International Travel to Metropolitan France. You can download the model certificates on the website of the French Interior Ministry, depending on your country of origin.

Likewise, upon arrival in the French Overseas Territories, you must present a Certificate of International Travel to French Overseas Territories, including any required supporting documents. The certificate, as well as the list of supporting documents, can be downloaded on the website of the French Interior Ministry.

These certificates must be presented before boarding. Upon arrival, travelers are to obey the 2-week quarantine period.

Delta

No prior testing is required, but be reminded that foreign nationals (with specific exceptions) who have been in any of the following countries (China, Iran, European Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil) during the past 14 days may not enter the United States. A 2-week quarantine period must also be observed upon arrival.

United Airlines 

No prior testing is required. A 2-week quarantine / self-isolation period must also be observed upon arrival.

Lufthansa

No prior testing is required, but it is mandatory to wear a face mask during boarding, the flight and while leaving the aircraft.

Air Canada

Although no prior testing is needed, new measures are being implemented at check-in, like health screening questions and pre-flight infrared temperature checks for customers.

Alitalia

No prior testing is needed, but passengers are highly recommended to get updates on the regulations at your local airport as well in your destinations.

Aeromexico

No prior testing is required, however Aeromexico is limiting their international flights. For instance, flight to Tokyo is suspended until 30th June. Hence, passengers are highly recommended to get new updates from the airline regarding their flight status, as well as the regulations at the destinations. 

Croatia Airlines

Passengers should check their temperature and symptoms at home. If showing any symptoms, travelers should call the Service centre to rebook the flight.

South African Airways

No prior testing is needed, but the country’s Department of Health requires all air travellers to declare their state of health when embarking on a commercial flight. Travellers can obtain the questionnaire from the airline's website, and have to print and complete the questionnaire that is applicable (travel within / into / out of South Africa). It is required at the airport as one of the travel documents that need to be presented prior to embarkation. Travellers that do not present a completed health questionnaire to a competent authority would not be permitted to travel.

Egyptair

No prior testing is required for Egyptair. However, the regulations state that passengers must wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose from the time they enter the airport of origin, on-board the aircraft and until leaving the destination airport. As a preventative measure, body temperatures of 38C are not permitted entry.

Brussels Airlines

Effective 15th June, passengers must wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose from the time they enter the airport of origin, on-board the aircraft and until leaving the destination airport. No prior negative testing is required.

This information is updated as of 17 June 2020. You are encouraged to check new updates regarding the regulations at your local airport, airline and destination of arrival.

 

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