Are they handing out rapid antigen tests to returning international passengers?

[Lynda2475]

I believe the arrivals testing service provided by Histpath at SYDi (which is different from paid departure testing at SYDi) is still operating. If flying into SYD and you have not procured a RAT beforehand, safest bet would be to just test before you leave SYDi.

 

[mviy]

None Last night in Melbourne. Son used the ones he'd bought in UK this morning - and it was positive

Ouch. Hope it's an asymptomatic case or better yet mild and that he recovers quickly.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if any handing out of tests comes back once the states have plentiful supply of the RAT tests they've ordered. Though I guess that may be unlikely.

 

[Pushka]

Ouch. Hope it's an asymptomatic case or better yet mild and that he recovers quickly.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if any handing out of tests comes back once the states have plentiful supply of the RAT tests they've ordered. Though I guess that may be unlikely.

Unfortunately he tested because he has symptoms. Triple vaccinated too, just three weeks ago.

 

[Lynda2475]

Unfortunately he tested because he has symptoms. Triple vaccinated too, just three weeks ago.

Sorry to hear that Pushka, wishing him a mild case and a speedy recovery.

Out of curiosity what combo were his 3 jabs, and what was gap between dose 2 and 3?

 

[blacksultan]

I think @mviy mentioned he received some coming in to Melbourne. I'll update when family arrives this Friday if that's still the case.

Thanks . Pls do .

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Just in case you missed the post. It seems they are not handing out free RATs at Melbourne International

Thanks . Pls do .

 

[mviy]

I was fortunate to get given a packet on one of the few days they did hand them out, but that was over a week ago now.

Best to bring back RAT tests with you or ask a relative to get some back here (but they can be difficult to find right now - hopefully that will improve soon).

 

[Pushka]

Sorry to hear that Pushka, wishing him a mild case and a speedy recovery.

Out of curiosity what combo were his 3 jabs, and what was gap between dose 2 and 3?

Three Pfizer. Second in August and third in mid December. I haven’t heard yet about his partner and she had two AZ and second in June and third Pfizer in early December.

 

[tm.smile]

I just landed on JAL from HND this morning and no RATs to be found. I’d purchased some before Xmas the prepper that I am and got some more at CDG where they were plentiful.

 

[asterix]

I believe the arrivals testing service provided by Histpath at SYDi (which is different from paid departure testing at SYDi) is still operating. If flying into SYD and you have not procured a RAT beforehand, safest bet would be to just test before you leave SYDi.

The Histopath testing service for arrivals is closed. I contacted them last week and received confirmation that they are closed since on RATs are required now.

 

[Antkleve]

Got my son returning from LA in a few days. He needs to have a RAT in the first 24 hours, but we can’t purchase the tests anywhere (we are in Far South Coast, NSW). Anyone know if the tests are being handed out to returning international passengers? Would make sense, but that doesn’t mean it’s happening! Cheers, Leeanda

They are readily available in the US. You can get a 4-pack at Walgreens for about $25. Just get in to bring one back with him.

 

[hossein_au]

They are readily available in the US. You can get a 4-pack at Walgreens for about $25. Just get in to bring one back with him.

In Germany you can get them at supermarkets, when on special, for around 1 Euro each.

 

[AIRwin]

In Germany you can get them at supermarkets, when on special, for around 1 Euro each.

I'd like to see it in Aldi...

 

[BudgetFly]

Ironically they were being given out in DRW upon arrival of QF9 from MEL and I asked for one even though I was connecting to another domestic flight...

Yes, I was just in Darwin (13th) with my 2 boys and we were handed a total of 9 rapid tests on the way out of the airport (3 tests each).

 

[hossein_au]

I'd like to see it in Aldi...

Indeed it was Aldi that had it on special for 0.99 Euro

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I always have extra rapid antigen tests on hand since I'm in high risk. I'd recommend everyone carry some with you - they're quickly becoming the toilet paper of 2022

The only issue now is acquiring them. I'm lucky in that I bought a few 5 packs before this RAT nonsense occurred. I'm guessing I can pick these up gratis from the local respiratory clinic since I'm high risk (immunosuppressed)?

-RooFlyer88

 

[Lynda2475]

The only issue now is acquiring them. I'm lucky in that I bought a few 5 packs before this RAT nonsense occurred. I'm guessing I can pick these up gratis from the local respiratory clinic since I'm high risk (immunosuppressed)?

AFAIK the Feds are limiting free RATs to 10 every 3 months and only for health card holders.

Otherwise to get a free RAT you have to be symptomatic and the test facility opt to give you a RAT over a PCR.

 

[Prof Henry]

Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!

 

[BudgetFly]

Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!

Queensland has changed its rules for international arrivals. Here's what you need to know

International travel into and out of Queensland has got a lot easier.

www.abc.net.au

 

[BudgetFly]

Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!

It appears the Australian federal requirements still require a PCR test within 72hrs prior: What I need to do before I travel | COVID-19 and the border