To enter some open countries, a negative PCR test in English will be required. This applies not only to tourists but also to those categories of citizens who are allowed to enter a specific country. We tell you where to get such a certificate and how much it costs. 

Where English certificates are required

Currently, these are Thailand, UAE, Maldives, Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada), and when the Seychelles finally open, there too. Also to Greece, Spain, Japan, but tourists are not yet allowed into Japan. Sometimes a country does not require a certificate in English, but an airline does. For example, if you fly somewhere with Emirates, you will not be allowed on board without a certificate. 

Certificate for Egypt and UAE

Here, things are a bit different. For example, to enter the Maldives, the certificate can be sent online; for Thailand, a printed one is sufficient. For Egypt, from December 1st, all arrivals in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada need an original certificate with a live stamp and the signature of the laboratory director – and everything in English, of course. This means printing the certificate you received from the laboratory is not enough.  

All data in the certificate must be correct, namely: Full Name, departure and arrival dates, passport number, place of residence, arrival and departure flight numbers. If something is wrong, you will have to take a test at the arrival airport for $30.

To enter Dubai, the certificate must be in English or Arabic and only in printed form, meaning you cannot show the certificate from a phone screen. 

You can only take a test for travel to the UAE in these laboratories 96 hours before departure. 

How to get a certificate in English

Almost all authorized laboratories that issue certificates can do so in a foreign language. Some do it for free, while others charge a fee. 

«Invitro» issues certificates in Russian and English if you submit a corresponding application on their website. Cost 2,950 rubles. 

However, «MEDSI» charges an additional 600 rubles for an English copy of the certificate; the test itself costs 2,300 rubles. 

There is also an interesting clinic CMD, which issues certificates in English provided you order an express home test. The cost of the service is 3,400 rubles for the test + 650 rubles for a doctor's visit. 

A live stamp is readily provided everywhere for free; you just need to ask. 

Can you get one at Moscow airports?

Yes, if you are flying abroad from the regions, you can take a test and get a certificate in Moscow or directly at the airport; an express test is also available. At Domodedovo, a standard international PCR test will cost 3,500 rubles and will be ready in 3 hours. At Vnukovo, express testing is ready in an hour; you receive a paper certificate in Russian and English, and it can also be provided electronically. The necessary stamps and doctor's signature are placed on the certificate free of charge; just specify in advance that you need them. 

In which other airports in Russia you can get a test and how much it costs, read here>>>