Many people are asking about Covid testing options in Utila. With the USA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announcing negative Covid tests required to enter the USA starting January 26, 2021, you might find this information useful when visiting Utila or Roatan. This link is for the Utila Hyperbaric Chamber Clinic. For an appointment use this useful booking appointment link and their prices and timeframe required are included: Utila Hyperbaric Chamber
Testing can also be made at the Utila Community Clinic located in Sandy Bay near the Utila Methodist Church Annex which is open 8am-noon Monday to Saturday. Refer to our Utila Town Map for locations.
Both clinics say they may need to order tests IN ADVANCE, you may need to pay IN ADVANCE, so check with them as soon as you land. Our advice is – be prepared, know what’s needed & know how quickly you can get your tests & results (usually 30 minutes to a day) prior to your departure.
Please keep in mind the CDC’s requirements for viral testing (from article Jan 21, 2021):
Viral tests are used to look for current infection
A viral test checks specimens from your nose or your mouth (saliva) to find out if you are currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Two types of viral tests can be used:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) detect the virus’s genetic material and are commonly used in laboratories. NAATs are generally more accurate, but sometimes take longer to process than other test types.
- Antigen tests detect viral proteins and are generally not as sensitive as NAATs, particularly if the antigen test is used on someone without COVID-19 symptoms. If you have a positive or negative antigen test, your healthcare provider may need to confirm the test result with a NAAT.
Therefore antibody tests are not sufficient to test for travel purposes. Also, when returning to the USA, all travelers aged 2 years and up need to show their negative covid test results with a CDC attestation form.
Please note that Utila’s public clinic (The Centro De Salud) does not provide testing for travel purposes. Testing is free only if you’re experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone with Covid.
We hope this info helps. Wishing you all a pleasant journey and stay safe.