Covid PCR Tests for US and Canadian Travellers

[agd]

The "Musings" thread was getting so long a new one on this specific topic is warranted.

The recent requirements for Covid testing before visitors can return to the US and Canada, means that if Bonaire wants that tourism revenue, it will have to accommodate those edicts.

Where, how and at what cost is testing for travellers available in Bonaire?

AGD

[MelE]

I have a flight from Bonaire to the US on March 1 so I'm going to be investigating how to get a PCR test on Bonaire. I'll post any information I uncover unless someone else figures this out first. Since no country has required people coming from Bonaire to have a test there hasn't been any real need for public testing facilities. I hope I don't have to spend the weekend in Curacao but that is an option if necessary.

[agd]

Mel,

The Curacao option could be workable, as you say. This lab says it can get results in 24 hours at a cost of 159 ANG/$90:

https://www.adcnv.com/en/covid-19-pcr/

For us, we would prefer not to, but if necessary we would make an excursion of it and enjoy a couple of days in Curacao. Inconvenient but easier than when we came in October which required us to do a double Atlantic crossing with 2 weeks in Europe before coming via Amsterdam. That does not work very well for those who want to come for 1 or 2 weeks, even more so if direct flights resume.

The only info I have found about Bonaire is on the crisis website:

https://www.bonairecrisis.com/en/qas/qas-medical/
The Public Health Department will only test you if you have symptoms. If you need a test result for your trip abroad and you are traveling through Curacao, you can have the PCR test done there at a commercial laboratory. You may also have the test done at BonLab on Bonaire. In which case, a family doctor will administer the test. Your family doctor will be able to provide you with information about this.

Once again, not really set up for travellers. As well, Bonlab's website does not offer any details about their covid testing.

So it will be interesting to find out more.

AGD

[MelE]

Bonlabs is the PCR test place on Bonaire. Bring samples from a doctor, pay them $213 and get results in 24 hours. Unfortunately, my March 1 flight is on a Monday and Bonlabs is open Monday- Friday. I don’t know if the test has to be within 72 hours or the results. If the clock starts when the test is taken that won’t work for me.
Fortunately, I had hedged my bets and got my flight out of Curacao so i can make an PCR test appointment at ADC for Saturday and just spend the two days in Curacao before the Monday flight to Miami. I think this is probably the most workable option under the current circumstances. I am grateful not to have to cross the atlantic twice to get back.

[Canuck52]

Thanks agd, I think this thread is a good one. Those of us on Bonaire, and those still wanting to come from the US or Canada, need a way to get back home at some point. We are aware of the Bonlabs option, but we still have about 2+ months to go here so we waiting a while longer to see what we will need to do. The cost in Canada for the 'private' testing was $150 CDN for each of us, we got our results in about 28 hours, they said results in the range of 24 - 48 hours.

[KonaGecko]

I think Aruba still has PCR test at the airport on arrival. 6-8 hour wait though.


Option 2: Molecular PCR testing at the airport in Aruba:

If you're unable to get tested prior to travel to Aruba.

• Test type: Molecular PCR
• When: Upon arrival in Aruba
• Quarantine on arrival: Yes. At your place of stay until test results are received. Typically, between 6 and 8 hours. Read more about quarantine on arrival.
• Test provider: Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital Aruba (special airport facility)
• Your Cost: $75 (USD)
• Test results: Via the Aruba Health App & via email
• How: Prepay for the test as part of the online ED Card process.

Also other places in Aruba for PCR test.


https://covidaruba.com/
https://www.arubahospital.com/covid-19/
https://medcare.aw/en/covid-19-testing/
https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-he...-test-in-aruba

[agd]

Looks like some good info in this thread so far. But it seems the topic is more active on the "Musings" thread. Too bad as this specific discussion will get lost in the hundreds of posts there, but it seems to be the de facto only active thread for the last half year. So the info is not split between both, maybe the mod could consolidate the threads?

[susan]

Here's some information about the new PCR testing service at Health Center Bon Bida: http://www.bonbida.com/covid-19-pcr-testing-on-bonaire/

[Andrey]

$213 for the test plus the doctor's fee seems way too costly especially compared to the options on Curacao and Aruba. I have my ticket booked for March 3rd inbound via Aruba and leaving on the 12th via Curacao. But if Bonaire government does not make the test more accessible and cheaper, we will probably opt to spend the vacation on Curacao instead. $600+ for a family of two is way too much, imo.

[susan]

$213 for the test plus the doctor's fee seems way too costly especially compared to the options on Curacao and Aruba. I have my ticket booked for March 3rd inbound via Aruba and leaving on the 12th via Curacao. But if Bonaire government does not make the test more accessible and cheaper, we will probably opt to spend the vacation on Curacao instead. $600+ for a family of two is way too much, imo.

On the link I provided this morning, you will see that Health Center Bon Bida has just announced that they will begin PCR testing on Monday for $150.00 per person. See http://www.bonbida.com/covid-19-pcr-testing-on-bonaire/