Since January 26th, 2021, the US government has required all air passengers arriving back to the US from any foreign country to demonstrate they are negative for COVID-19 in order to board their flights. Passengers must show a negative test result taken no more than 3 days before their return flight or present documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 upon departure. Obtaining a negative COVID-19 test is now an important part of foreign travel planning and should be done prior to departure. Below is information on where to get a COVID-19 test in Rio de Janeiro.
International Airport (Rio Galeão Airport – GIG)
Rio de Janeiro’s international airport has a pop-up clinic from Albert Einstein Hospital that carries out RT-PCR tests. The results of the RT-PCR exams are delivered within 48 hours and can be picked up in person or through the clinic’s “Meu Einstein” phone app.
- Location: Terminal 2, disembarkation floor. Between TGI Fridays and Mr. Beak stores.
- Cost R$350 at the airport. (approximately $70USD)
It is worth noting that the Albert Einstein Hospital also opened a laboratory at Guarulhos international Airport Sao Paulo.
Local Clinics
Getting your Covid-19 test at a local clinic in Rio may be more convenient than obtaining one at Rio International because the airport is located about 45 minutes from the tourist area in Rio where most people stay (Copacabana/Ipanema). One local clinic offering the tests is Clinica Galindo Campos. Visitors can schedule appointments online at Clinica Galdino Campos. The clinic specializes in tourists’ health and is a member of the ISTM (International Society of Travel Medicine). We recommend this clinic because they speak English – something that many clinics in Rio de Janeiro locally do NOT do.
It is strongly recommended to schedule appointments in advance as the test result is provided within 24-48 hours.
Test prices:
- COVID-19 RT-PCR test at the clinic: R$400 (appointment required) (approx. $80)
- COVID-19 RT-PCR test at your hotel: R$500 (appointment required) (approx. $100)
Rio de Janeiro Hotels
Most hotels in Rio that are four stars and above will assist you in obtaining a covid-19 test. They will generally recommend a lab or clinic they partner with (such as the one above) or have a special arrangement with a non-English speaking lab and will assist tourists in obtaining these tests. A handful of hotels such as the Hilton Rio de Janeiro will arrange a test to be done at the actual hotel or the guest’s room. Hotel prices for COVID-19 tests range in price between R$390 reais (approx. $80USD) to up to R$900 (about $180) for some very high-end properties. The average price, however, is about $80USD for a PCR test and results are generally available in about 48 hours maximum. Currently, no hotels in Rio offer FREE testing for their guests.
One of the great things about traveling with TGW Travel Group is that we do have local staff in Rio. If you booked a Rio de Janeiro Travel Package with us, you can contact our staff and we’ll be happy to assist you with any questions. We can also set up the appointment at your hotel (before your trip) and make the entire experience completely without Hassles!
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT WE ONLY OFFER ASSISTANCE IN RIO WITH COVID-19 EXAMS IF YOU HAVE BOOKED A TRAVEL PACKAGE WITH US.
Note we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any lab’s testing or whether or not your airline or government will accept one of these tests. This post is for general information purposes only. It is advisable to consult with your country of residence and airline for specific requirements and which testing labs they will and won’t accept. Information on testing and costs are subject to change.