Many people have been asking where they can get Covid tests done if they are travelling from Greece to another country.
We’ve put together a list of companies on Zakynthos who are currently do PCR testing. The list is in alphabetical order, and we have been assured by the companies, that they can provide these tests for ALL tourists, and locals.
It is the travellers responsibility to contact a medical centre and book their own tests directly with that Medical as set out in the information below the clinics:
Test centres on Zakynthos:
BioAnalysis
Price: €60 PCR test (see below for Lateral Flow Test information)
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)
Telephone: 2695022133
Website: https://bioanalysislaboratory.gr/
Clinic Galenus
Price: €60 PCR test (see below for Lateral Flow Test information)
Opening Hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 26950 48000
Website: https://clinicgalenus.gr/index-en.html
Iassis Medical
Price: €60 PCR test (see below for Lateral Flow Test information)
Opening Hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 6941553423
Website: https://iassismedical.gr/
Maria Adamidou
Price: €60 PCR test (see below for Lateral Flow Test information)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am too 3pm (closed Saturday and Sunday)
Telephone: 26950 42522
Website: https://goo.gl/maps/5d2EusGV7emKXvPs8
Zante Medcare Gr
Price: €60 PCR test (see below for Lateral Flow Test information)
Opening Hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 6984263172
Website: https://www.zantemedcare.gr/
All PCR tests done on Zakynthos are processed through Clinic Galenus. Therefore your will find ample clinics throughout the islands resorts, including 4 Clinics in Laganas, 2 Clinics in Argassi, 2 Clinics in Kalamaki, 2 Clinics in Alykes/Alykanas, 1 clinic in Vassilikos and 3 Tsilivi
The PCR tests take around 24hrs to be processed for a final result. You should make sure you have plenty of time between taking your PCR test and your flight departure date/time, to ensure the test can be done and result returned to you in time, for you to fly.
When receiving your test result, and before leaving the test centre, ensure your name and all your personal details are correct, and name is spelt as is noted on your passport. Your personal travel documents and the test documents must match each other.
You can make appointments to get your PCR test done with any of the above clinics online via their websites. If you need further assistance please call them.
Lateral Flow tests
Most clinics on the island will be able to provide Lateral Flow tests as well as PCR tests, if you need them. The Lateral Flow tests cost approx **€20/25 per person (depending on the clinic you choose to use) and the results take between 10-30 minutes.**
The clinic will also provide the required certificate for travel. Please book with the clinics as far in advance as you can. They will get busier as summer visitors increase. The clinics need to ensure they can accommodate everyone who requires a test for their return journey. Don’t leave it until the last minute to book. If you need more information contact the clinics directly.
**the information is correct at the time of publishing, we are not responsible for any changes to this information.
Test Rules for travellers from Greece to England
For travellers returning from Greece to England the current rules are:
- You MUST take a Covid test before your leave Greece to return to England
- You must have proof of this test
- A test is required even if you have been vaccinated
- You must take the test in the 3 days before you travel
- If you are travelling on a Friday your test must therefore be done on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
- Proof of a negative Covid test is a printed document from your chosen medical test centre, or a valid email, or text message on your phone from your chosen medical test centre
- If you don’t do a Covid test, you will not be able to travel!
- If your Covid test is positive you will not be able to travel
- Travelling without doing a PCR could lead to a £500 fine upon arrival in the UK
What type of test do I need to take?
In order to travel you can have one of two tests as set out in the Gov.uk site:
- a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
- an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
For ease of reference that is either a PCR or lateral flow test.
The test must meet the flowing criteria of performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
As the traveller you must check this with the test provider and ensure the test they provide meet the requirements requested by the country you’re entering. Please note that most medical clinics on Zakynthos provide the PCR test.
Test information required
Your PCR/Lateral Flow Test result must be supplied in English. (French or Spanish will also be accepted). No other translations will be accepted and it must be the original document with the following information noted:
- your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
- your date of birth or age
- the result of the test
- the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
- the name of the test provider and their contact details
- confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test
Failing to provide a test result with the above information will mean you’re unable to fly and could even be liable to a £500 fine!
What happens if my test of positive?
If you take a test and it’s positive, you must follow local Covid restrictions. Contact your travel operator and follow their instructions.
If your test is inconclusive you must take another test to get either a positive or negative result.
Am I exempt from taking a test?
No, the only people who are exempt when travelling to the UK are:
- Residents of Ireland Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey
- Children under the age of 11years old
- Those having urgent medical treatment or those accompanying someone who’s travelling for urgent medical treatment, and it is not reasonably practical to obtain a negative COVID-19 test in the 3 days before departure
- If you have a specific medical condition which prevents you from taking a test – you must present a note from a medical practitioner at check in and to Border Force staff on arrival in England
Anyone in the following role is also exempt from testing:
- border and customs officials
- channel tunnel system workers
- hauliers
- air, maritime and rail crew
- civil aviation inspectors
- people transporting human cells and blood products
- seamen and masters and inspectors and surveyors of ships
Also, in limited circumstances:
- defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors
- foreign government officials
- UK government officials conducting essential state business, essential government work or essential policing
The requirements vary from country to country may so you MUST check your countries Government travel advice to ensure you have the correct information.
Zakynthos Informer would like to thank all of the Medical Clinics for their help in creating this vital post for visitors and tourists. It has been very much appreciated.
Sources: Direct contact with Zakynthos clinics and Gov UK, Covid 19 testing for travel to England
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england
Updated:- 23/06/2020
Zakynthos Informer has recently updated the post to include our supporter Galenus Clinic who has provided us with the below information:-