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COVID-19

What you need to know about getting a coronavirus test before overseas travel

Travellers to certain countries from Sweden are required to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test in order to enter the country. So how do you go about it?

What you need to know about getting a coronavirus test before overseas travel
Not organising your test before travel to a country requiring it could seriously disrupt your plans and cost a lot of money. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB scanpix/TT

The test you need in this case is called a PCR or diagnostic test. It shows whether or not you have the coronavirus infection right now, and is different from the antibody test (which can be used to show whether or not you have previously had an infection).

Anyone with symptoms should be able to order a PCR test for free if they have symptoms via their regional healthcare service. But this won't provide you with a travel certificate (reseintyg), and you may not be able to take these tests if you don't currently have symptoms.

So for a test in order to travel abroad, you may need to use a private clinic. The Public Health Agency has published a list of clinics offering tests which can provide you with a travel certificate, including information for booking options if you don't have a Swedish personal identity number. See the full list here.

Check the requirements for the country you're travelling to. It's common that the test needs to have been carried out recently, for example within the last 24-72 hours, and that the travel certificate may need to be in English.

Some countries require incoming travellers to be tested for the coronavirus on arrival, which means that bringing proof of a recent test result from Sweden won't be enough. For example, Iceland requires travellers to either quarantine for two weeks or take a test at your own expense; bringing a negative test result from Sweden isn't sufficient to bypass this.

And if you're unable to provide the test results in a country that requires it, you may be refused entry or required to take a test (probably at your own expense) and to quarantine for a set period of time. 

For example, travellers to Austria without a test result must take the test within 48 hours of arrival (they're available at the airport), and quarantine until they receive a negative result.

Make sure that you've checked the current requirements from the country you're travelling to (and any countries you need to travel through in order to get to your final destination) and be aware that these could change at short notice as the coronavirus situation develops. Information about entry requirements for travellers from Sweden can be found from the embassies on Sweden Abroad.

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TRAVEL NEWS

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria is rolling out its free transport passes for young people to promote climate-friendly travel. Here's who's entitled to one and how to get it.

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria’s Climate Ministry announced in a press release that it will roll out its free Klimaticket offer for 18-year-olds on July 1st.

The Klimaticket is a yearly pass that, at €1,095 per year, covers nearly all public transport nationwide. So, for about €3 a day, it’s possible to ride from Vienna to Salzburg and around town without any extra expenses. You just hop on the train and go. It’s very similar to the popular Jahreskarte, or yearly ticket, in the Viennese public transport, which allows for unlimited travel in public transport within the city for €1 a day.

With the Austria-wide Klimaticket, you not only have access to Vienna’s public transport but also to the entire national network. This makes the national pass a valuable option for those who frequently travel across city limits. The subsidised offer is designed to encourage greener travel choices, and the federal government has announced that it will provide one year of Klimaticket for free to every 18-year-old residing in Austria.

Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler described the scheme as a “piece of freedom for young adults” that will start on July 1st. It was previously announced last year, as The Local reported.

READ ALSO: The spectacular Austrian train routes you can take with the Klimaticket

How will it work?

All people who have celebrated their 18th birthday since January 1st, 2024 and are registered with their residence in Austria can have the free KlimaTicket Austria issued. 

The ticket is then valid for one year—the start of validity can be freely chosen by young adults between their 18th and 21st birthdays. 

According to the Climate Ministry, the free KlimaTicket can be easily collected from the official sales and service points.

The government said around 88,000 people are eligible each year, and the authorities are earmarking €120 million for the project. 

“Young adults are being introduced to public transport as a logical, environmentally friendly alternative in everyday life. In this way, we want to inspire as many young people as possible to use public transport in the long term,” the Ministry added.

READ ALSO: Which non-Austrian destinations can you reach with a Klimaticket?

How can I pick up my Klimaticket?

The ticket can be applied for at sales outlets from June 3rd, 2024 and will be valid from July 1st. The KlimaTicket must be applied for in person at any KlimaTicket Ö sales and service points (except Wiener Linien). 

You must bring an official photo ID, a photo and a residence confirmation (not older than six months). You can find the sales and service partners online at klimaticket.at/partner.

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