Covid testing before RS Greece tour

We are taking the BINAX Now proctored test for our Sicily tour. That is acceptable. We will do the test the day we arrive in Palermo. The tests may not be necessary for the RS tours after April 30. We are waiting to hear if we need to test before our Southern Italy tour in May.

Thanks, Mary! Our tour starts May 2and while I’m hoping testing will be unnecessary, I like to get my ducks in a row :)
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Claire

You can also your first tour hotel to see if there is a testing site nearby where you can test. The cost will probably be about the same as the BINAX Now.

Mary, its more me trying to get maximum usage if I buy emed’s 6 pack of tests. So, using binax to test before Our tour and then again before returning home.
Then we’d repeat in September for our Village Italy tour.
Claire

We are on a May 1st BOE tour and there was no mention of needing a Covid test prior so I sent an email to the Rick Steves office and was told they didn’t think after April the tests were required. I certainly hope we got the correct information.

I think the one thing we know about Covid testing requirements is that they can, and do, change. Everything about travel during a pandemic is fluid. I think that a prudent person is always prepared for the possibility that testing may be required, and then proceeds on the basis of the current information they have been given.

Does RS require a PCR test, or is the rapid test sufficient? We just emailed our hotel to ask where we can get the test, and they mentioned both options.

From the FAQs on the Rick Steves Site. Note, pre tour testing not required starting in May

Beginning with our May 2022 tours, we're no longer requiring pre-tour testing, but for departures through April 30, 2022, you need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR, antigen, or at home telehealth tests are accepted) taken within 48 hours of the first day of your tour. We may reinstate testing requirements at any time and will notify you by email 30 days prior to your tour departure if you need to provide a negative test. Please note, the countries you're visiting may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry, so please make sure to check entry requirements.

Carol now retired, thank you! I didn’t notice this update but I’m happy to see it! Just one less hoop to jump through.
Claire

I also purchased the Binax now to use before the tour and return home. I have the six pack as well so my travel partner is going to use two of them. She cannot get the NAVICA app to download. I purchased the tests but other people can use them correct? If she can’t get the app to download would she be able to take the test using the app on my phone? We are very much not savvy when it comes to our phones.

Yes, others can use the test