It would appear that Keflavik Airport in Iceland isn’t the only airport offering free COVID-19 testing for a limited time.
Luxembourg Airport offers free COVID-19 testing
Luxembourg Airport has reopened to regularly scheduled passenger flights as of this past Friday, May 29, 2020.
Not only that, but as reported by chronicle.lu, the country has a rather impressive testing strategy for arriving passengers:
- This is a pilot project that’s initially expected to be valid for a month
- All passengers arriving in Luxembourg by air will receive a voucher valid for seven days to be tested at a medical lab of their choice
- Alternatively, there will be a COVID-19 testing center set up in the airport, for those who want a test right away
- Test results will be received electronically, and in the event of a positive result, the standard self-quarantining policy will apply
Up until now, Luxembourg has only been open to select European visitors, returning residents, etc. The country is expected to open up to non-European visitors as of June 15.
Luxembourg Airport is the first major airport I know of to offer the choice of free testing at the airport, or free testing at a testing location in the country.
In early May Vienna Airport introduced COVID-19 testing, but at the steep cost of 190EUR.
Easy COVID-19 testing could change our travels
I’m planning to go to Iceland in June once the country reopens, thanks to the country’s plan to test all arriving visitors. As I’ve stated in other posts, I think there’s something to be said for trying to be a responsible tourist, and that involves frequent testing, social distancing, additional precautions, and going to countries that have handled the pandemic well and are welcoming tourists.
When it comes to places I’d consider traveling to, easy testing is one of the things I care about. Furthermore, I think in order for it to be responsible, it needs to be in places where testing is readily available, and where you’re not taking away a test from someone who needs it more (fortunately testing isn’t as limited as it used to be).
My point is that while I’m not sure I want to go to Luxembourg after visiting Iceland, I’d potentially be open to going somewhere else that’s offering easy testing, easy social distancing opportunities, that has handled the current pandemic well, etc.
That’s why I think it’s worth at least keeping tabs on what countries are offering testing opportunities to visitors.
Bottom line
For a period of at least a month, Luxembourg Airport will offer free COVID-19 testing to arriving passengers, either in the airport, or at a variety of testing facilities in the country.
Presumably this is no cheap initiative, but rather it’s an investment in being able to welcome back visitors and prevent an outbreak. Widespread and (at least somewhat) affordable testing sure will make a difference when it comes to tourism.
(Tip of the hat to manu)
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