How and where to get a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test in Barcelona (2023)

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Latest update:07 October 2022

On this page you’ll find information about the rapid antigen tests in Barcelona. You will learn where to get an antigen test, test prices at different testing centres, delivery period of the antigen test result certificates and opening days and times of different medical centres and laboratories that perform antigen tests. We also provide you with a table where can compare different testing centres and where you can find the links to book your antigen test that meets your needs.

We have important information below the comparison table which we recommend you read before choose the testing centre you will have your test at.

The comparison table for antigen tests in Barcelona will enable you to view:

• Different testing centres in Barcelona
  
• The area of Barcelona where the testing centres for antigen tests are located
  
• The opening days times of the testing centres
  
• The price of the antigen tests
  
• The antigen test travel certificate delivery period
  
• The closest metro station from the antigen testing centre

  The comparison table will also enable you to book your antigen test at the testing centre that meets your needs in terms of area, opening times, price and delivery of your results. Follow the instructions on how to do this using the antigen test table, which you will find just below on this page.

  We have also provided details on antigen saliva tests below the table with a link for you to know more about how to get an antigen saliva test in Barcelona.

  In addition, we have explained the reasons why tourists and travellers should book their antigen test with the test centres listed on this page. We also tell you about the importance of choosing a test centre that is setup to assist you should you test positive for COVID-19 before your flight.

Before we start, you should know that antigen tests are also referred to as rapid antigen tests or quick antigen tests.Antigentests performed by the testing centres we have listed in the table below are lateral flow antigen tests.

The testing centres we have listed in the table on this page perform antigen nasal tests and antigen saliva tests and they all deliver FIT-TO-FLY, FIT-TO-CRUISE, VeriFLY, OR FIT-TO-TRAVEL COVID test certificates valid for travel.

The table on this page compares the different antigen testing centres, their location in the city of Barcelona, their operating hours, test prices, delivery time of your results and the nearest metro.

COVID Travel Certificates: FIT-TO-FLY, FIT-TO-SAIL, VeriFLY, FIT-TO-TRAVEL

All the COVID certificates issued by the testing centre on this page are valid travel certificates known as "FIT-TO-FLY", "FIT-TO-SAIL" / "FIT-TO-CRUISE", "VeriFLY, or "FIT-TO-TRAVEL". These certificates meet the testing requirements that enable you to travel on a plane, cruise ship, train or any other transport and to any destination in the World.

VeriFLY is an app that some cruises and airlines use to verify COVID travel documentation. The certificates issued by the testing centre we recommend are VeriFLY compatible - make sure you inform the testing centre if you want to upload your certificate to VeriFLY on the day of your test to ensure they issue the correct certification.

FIT-TO-FLY (COVID travel certificates airline travel)
For flight travel certificates, you should inform the testing centre of your destination country. For example, if you are flying to Japan, the certificate's requirements are very different from those if you were flying to an EU country.

FIT-TO-SAIL / FIT-TO-CRUISE, or VeriFLY (COVID travel certificates for boarding a cruise ship or ferry)
For cruise ships, it is important to specify the name of the cruise ship you will be boarding because they have different requirements for the travel certificate. Different cruise ships also have different requirements. This testing centre can issue travel certificates for every destination in the World and every means of transport. However, it would be best if you informed the testing centre when you arrive what you need so that they can issue the correct certificate for you.

Table that enables you to compare and book your rapid antigen test, nasal swab, in Barcelona

Note that all the antigen tests listed on the table below are lateral flow antigen tests, which are valid for travel.

The prices shown in the table are the standard prices you would pay at the testing centre however we have secured discounts for you on some testing centres and these are marked in the table below. The exact discount you will get is found on the detailed information page of the testing centre once you click on the "Click to book your antigen test at this clinic" button in the table below.

The test centres listed below are also open on public holidays during the same hours unless otherwise stated on the table below.

We have highlighted in light green the testing centres for which payment is not required upon booking and for which you'll pay for your test at the front desk of the testing centre before getting tested.The testing centres that are not highlighted in light green require payment in advance upon booking.

Also, when an appointment is needed before going to the testing centre, we have indicated (Appointment) next to the opening times of the testing centre.

Appointment: Appointment needed
24/24: Open 24 hours a day
Payment not required upon booking

Table to compare and book your Saliva rapid antigen test in Barcelona

The Saliva test is considerably more comfortable than the nasal test. People in the know opt for the Saliva test over the nasal tests. Offers you the same valid results for a travel certificate as the nasal test but just a more comfortable test. Further information on antigen saliva tests is provided below the table.

The test centres listed below are also open on public holidays during the same hours unless otherwise stated on the table below.

Appointment: Appointment needed
Payment not required upon booking

Antigen test or lateral flow antigen test - What's the difference?

Some countries mention on their official website for travel requirements that you need a lateral flow antigen test. Therefore you might wonder if the antigen tests listed on this page are lateral flow antigen tests. You might also wonder if the antigen test certificate you'll get is FIT-TO-FLY. We confirmed this with the diagnostic specialists at all labs we have listed on our site. All antigen tests performed by the testing centres listed on our pages are lateral flow antigen tests and the certificates you'll get are FIT-TO-FLY, which means valid for aeroplane flights and for any means of transport from one country to another.

Factors for tourists and travellers to consider when choosing a COVID-19 testing centre

If you're a tourist or traveller, there are 4 main considerations to make before choosing a testing centre for your COVID test, which we have given below. The testing centres we have selected and listed in the tables below meet all four of these criteria for travellers.

1. Communication with the testing centre in your language about your test

The ability to communicate with the testing centre in your languages is essential.

Testing centres we have listed in the tables below enable you to book your COVID test appointment in your own language directly with the testing centre. You will receive your appointment confirmation in your own language, and you can communicate directly with the test centre in your own language. Most general-purpose testing centres only communicate in Catalan or Spanish and often do not speak other languages. Test centres that do not speak your language will make it difficult for you to understand what you're booking or communicate with them if you have any questions or issues. It is important that you communicate specific details with the testing centre, e.g. to get clarifications from the testing centre about details of your test or if you need to modify your test certificate, or even if you need to change your appointment. The testing centres we've listed in the tables below can communicate with you via email in any of the following languages:

English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian and Chinese.

2. COVID certificates that meet specifications for travel e.g. FIT-TO-FLY

If you need to get a COVID test certificate to travel, you must ensure it is valid for travel. Suppose your certificate doesn't meet the requirements of your country of destination. In that case, you will likely have issues with the authorities of your country of destination upon arrival or boarding your flight. The testing centres we listed in the tables below all issue test certificates valid for travel to all World destinations. Click on the blue buttons on the comparison tables. You will be able to see specifically the details indicated on your COVID test certificate to double-check they meet the requirements of your destination country and avoid any unpleasant surprise at the airport.

3. Receiving your COVID Certificates on time is essential when you're on holiday

If you need a COVID test certificate to travel, you'll need to receive it on time for your trip. The testing centres in the tables below understand the importance of delivering your test certificates on time for travellers. They also ensure to inform you of the actual delivery times of your certificate, and not approximate delivery times that may not be met. When you have a flight to catch, you don't want to feel anxious because the testing centre is late sending your COVID test certificate or, worse, missing your flight and rescheduling your entire trip.

4. Test centres that work by appointment will reduce your queuing time

The test centres we've listed in the tables below work by appointment only, meaning your waiting time to get your COVID test is substantially lower than test centres that do not work by appointment. Most general-purpose COVID testing centres do not offer appointments, which can mean that you can be in a long queue for several hours to get tested. Working with appointments also enables the test centre to plan their staff resources according to the number of tests to be performed and to ensure they always have enough test kits and reagents so that you don't find a closed door when you arrive at the test centre. Not waiting for a long time to get tested is important when you're on holiday because you'll want to use your time in Barcelona to enjoy the city. In addition, it feels reassuring to know the medical staff are specifically waiting for you. Test centres that work without appointment mean you will not know for sure that you'll be able to get your test done when you need it to travel. Some test centres that don't work by appointment have been known to turn people away once they reach capacity.

Please note that during peak tourist season (June, July and August) and holiday periods during the year, even test centres that offer appointments will get very busy, and there could also be a queue. However, the queue will be considerably shorter than a test centre that does not work by appointment.

Another important reason for making an appointment for your COVID test is that you can book the test well in advance – even before you visit Barcelona. Advanced reservation of your test will give you peace of mind that you will have your test when you need it. It is not a good idea to rely on a test centre that does not work by appointment when you have a return flight to take and must therefore have your COVID test certificate ready by a specific time and date. The only way to be sure you will be tested on time is by making an appointment with the test centre in advance.

The COVID testing services we list in the tables below understand and have specifically developed their service to meet the needs of travellers and people on holiday, unlike general-purpose testing centres that are more geared up for testing locals.

Special COVID test certificates

• EU Digital COVID Certificates for your negative test result
• ISO 15189 certificates that are needed to fly to specific destinations
• The special Japanese certificate needed to fly to Japan

In the tables below, we have indicated ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate available’, ‘ISO 15189 certificate available’ and ‘Japanese certificate available’ when the test centres can provide these certificates.

You will find more information about getting these certificates from the test centres that can provide them by clicking on the blue buttons in the tables below.

For more information on how to get a EU Digital COVID Test Certificate for an antigen test done in Barcelona we recommend you visit the following page:

EU Digital COVID Certificate: what is it and how to get a EU Digital COVID Certificate for an antigen or a PCR test done in Barcelona

ISO 15189 certificates can be issued for both antigen and PCR tests. Japanese certificates can only be issued with PCR tests. Therefore if you´re flying to Japan, we recommend you to visit our page about PCR tests in Barcelona.

You can learn more about and book the antigen test that best meets your needs by clicking on "Click to book your antigen test at this clinic" button in the table on this page.

Antigen saliva test: the non-invasive, much more comfortable, rapid antigen test

Most common antigen test type performed is through a nasal swab, which, if you've had one before, know that it can be very uncomfortable. However, there is another type of non-invasive and much more comfortable antigen test offered: the antigen saliva test.With an antigen nasal test, a swab is inserted into your nose so this can be a little uncomfortable. With an antigen saliva test you’ll only be requested to provide a saliva sample by spitting into a sample container. If you want to get an antigen saliva test, make sure not to smoke, eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before your test because it could invalidate your test.

The saliva sample container for a antigen saliva test

Why are nasal tests offered more than Saliva tests?

Antigen nasal swabs were the first available antigen tests and are performed by all testing centres in Barcelona. As a result, the antigen nasal swab test is the most common antigen test. In addition, most of the visuals referring to antigen tests show nasal antigen tests so you might think an antigen test is necessarily done with a nasal swab.

If you are in the know about the antigen saliva test, you will most likely choose this option because it is a lot more comfortable than the nasal test.

If you have kids and your kids need to get an antigen test, you will probably prefer they get a saliva test, as long as they are old enough to understand that they need to generate saliva and spit in the sample bottle provided.

As indicated above, if you want to get an antigen saliva test, make sure not to smoke, eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before your test because it could invalidate your test.

The importance of choosing a test centre that is set up to assist you should you test positive for COVID-19 before your flight

If you make your appointment for your COVID test at the test centre located in the Sagrada Familia area or with their testing service at your accommodation, you will be looked after and assisted should you test positive for COVID-19.

The testing centres informed us that approximately 5% of people who get a pre-departure COVID test turn out to have a positive COVID test when they had no symptoms and were only getting tested to get their COVID test certificate for travel. If you test positive, you will not be able to catch your flight or travel. You would be required to quarantine in Barcelona for 7 days before getting a letter of recovery or a negative COVID test, depending on the requirements of your destination country.

If you are travelling with your family, this could mean your entire family might not be able to travel -unless the family member with COVID stays in Barcelona while the rest of the family carries on with the travel plan. Alternatively, if your child has COVID, you will have to stay in Barcelona with your kid until he recovers. If you or another member of your group test positive, the test centre in the Sagrada Familia area that performs testing at your accommodation will assist you as part of their COVID testing service.

This is one of the important reasons we have selected this particular testing centre for COVID testing for travellers. Their service is geared up to deal with tourists' and travellers' needs for COVID testing and provide support if you test positive.

• Recommendations on additional testing that might be needed before you can travel.
• Explanations on the isolation period needed before you can travel.
• Information on how and when you'll be able to fly.
• They provide you with the contact details of the testing centre's English and Spanish speaking doctor should you need medical advice. You will be able to contact the doctor by phone, messaging apps or email for any COVID symptoms or health-related questions.
• Recommendations on how and where to extend your stay if you don't have the financial resources.
• Answering any questions you might have.

If you decide to get your COVID test elsewhere, then there is no assurance that your test centre will support you if you test positive for COVID. Your test centre might inform you of the procedure that locals have to follow (e.g. contacting your primary health care medical centre to get your sick leave), which will add up to your confusion.
General testing centres usually only provide the testing service. They do not understand the specific needs of tourists or travellers if they test positive and do not provide the support you need. With a general test centre, you could feel isolated and wonder what you need to do.

To book your COVID test at the centre located in the Sagrada Familia area or to book your COVID test at your accommodation and get free assistance should you test positive, scroll up to the comparison tables on this page and click on the blue booking buttons to learn more about them and make your appointment for your COVID test.

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