The negative result of a test which has been taken thanks to a family physician’s referral cannot be used for travelling

As the number of holiday travellers is increasing, situations in which individuals contact their family physicians to obtain referrals for coronavirus testing are becoming more and more frequent. Later it turns out that the negative test result was used for travelling to a tourism destination which is something that is most certainly not permitted.

Within the past few weeks, roughly 10% of travellers have used certificates which have been generated through tests that have been taken on the basis of a family physician’s referral. Registering as a close contact and thereby gaining access to free testing has also been used for the purposes of travelling.

Using certificates which have been generated via a test which has been taken through a family physician’s referral is not permitted and is punishable as a minor infringement of the Penal Code. Offenders may be punished by being detained or by a fine of up to 300 fine units.

It is possible to check at the border whether the traveller in question has paid for their test themselves or used a family physician’s referral. The order type is automatically displayed on the certificate which is required for travelling.

Testing on the basis of a family physician’s referral is only designed for those individuals who exhibit symptoms. This is necessary for the quick identification and isolation of infected individuals in order to prevent the spread of the infection. The same applies to testing close contacts: the purpose is to determine whether or not the individual has been infected in order to prevent the spread of the virus across Estonia. Testing based on a family physician’s referral and the testing of close contacts are services which are provided free of charge, with the costs being covered by the state.

Travellers can contact a service provider which is suitable for them in order to gain the paid testing which is required for travelling. Further details of such service providers are available at the following address: https://koroonatestimine.ee/patsiendile/tasuline-testimine/

Having provided a sample at a SYNLAB test site or having had a sample analysed in a SYNLAB laboratory, the traveller can use the TESTI app (testi.me) to generate the free certificate which is required so that they can travel. Further information can be found here: https://koroonatestimine.ee/patsiendile/sertifikaat/