PCR Tests And Their Costs Based On Country (2021)

COVID-19 rules are changing every day, but we’ve tried our best to collate current PCR test costs, so you don’t need to go looking for details before you board that flight (finally!). Refer to this guide on the costs of PCR tests in each country to factor them into your travel budget.

Travelling overseas is gradually becoming possible again with Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangements being set up with more and more countries. 

However, before you book your plane tickets, take note of the requirements that accompany the ‘new normal’. One such major requirement is ensuring you have a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, in order to facilitate entry into another country, and to return to Singapore. Testing arrangements and logistics vary from country to country, resulting in different prices for getting tested. Given that you may have to be tested several times over the course of your holiday, the costs can add up, contributing significantly to your overall expenses.

We lay out the costs involved in travelling to the countries that Singapore has VTL arrangements with. Read on for our price guide to PCR testing overseas.

Last updated on 17 December 2021. Prices of PCR tests stated below are subject to change without prior notice.  

Singapore (departing and returning)

Most VTL countries now require vaccinated travellers to have a negative PCR test result within two to three days before departing. When it comes to taking your test before going on holiday, one of the cheapest prices we’ve found in Singapore is S$107, at SATA CommHealth and PdtSwb. 

Before you return to Singapore, you’ll need a negative result on a PCR test or professionally administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) within two days before departure – that’s where the prices of PCR tests by country figure. When you get back to Singapore, you’ll need to take a PCR test at Changi Airport, which costs S$125. 

Australia

For entry: Negative PCR test result within three days before departure; PCR test upon arrival at Sydney. Self-isolation for at least 72 hours.

PCR test cost: S$145

Brunei Darussalam

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 48 hours before departure; PCR test upon arrival.

PCR test cost: S$350

Canada

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure.

PCR test cost: S$73

Cambodia

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure; ART upon arrival (no extra cost).  

PCR test cost: S$103

Denmark

For entry: Quarantine-free, test-free entry to vaccinated travellers.

PCR test cost: Free of charge

Fiji

For entry: Negative PCR test result within three days before departure.

PCR test cost: S$96

Finland

For entry: Quarantine-free, test-free entry to vaccinated travellers.
PCR test cost: S$143

France

For entry: Negative PCR or ART result within 48 hours before departure.

PCR test cost: S$77

Germany

For entry: Quarantine-free, test-free entry to vaccinated travellers.
PCR test cost: S$185

India

For entry: Passengers aged five and above may be selected to undergo on-arrival PCR test.

PCR test cost: S$63

Indonesia

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure; PCR test on arrival, five-day quarantine, PCR test at end of quarantine.

PCR test cost: S$26

Malaysia

For entry: Negative PCR test result within two days before departure; PCR test upon arrival.

PCR test cost: S$114

Maldives

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 96 hours before departure.

PCR test cost: S$96

The Netherlands

For entry: Negative PCR or ART result 24 hours before departure.
PCR test cost: S$134

The Republic of Korea

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure; PCR test upon arrival. Additional PCR test on day six or seven if the duration of your trip is eight days or more.

PCR test cost: S$156

Spain

For entry: Quarantine-free, test-free entry to vaccinated travellers.

PCR test cost: S$146

Sri Lanka

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure; on-arrival PCR test for children aged 12 to below 18.

PCR test cost: S$51

Switzerland

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure.
PCR test cost: S$163

Thailand

For entry: Negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure.

PCR test cost: S$82

The United Kingdom

For entry: Negative PCR test result within two days before departure. Post-arrival PCR test on Day 2.

PCR test cost: S$109

The United States

For entry: Negative PCR or ART result within one day before departure.

PCR test cost: S$205

Turkey

For entry: Quarantine-free, test-free entry to vaccinated travellers.
PCR test cost: S$16

As part of planning your next vacation, check out the best credit cards for overseas spending. Depending on their benefits, these cards may get you cashback or earn you miles, so you can maximise your savings along with memories made.