Only COVID-19 tests paid for by the individual valid for travel

TALLINN - The Estonian Health Board warned on Wednesday that the use of a  certificate of a negative COVID-19 test generated on the basis of a referral test is not valid for travel and the use of such certificates for travel is punishable as a misdemeanor.

The Health Board said that in recent weeks, about ten percent of the people traveling abroad have produced a certificate generated on the basis of a test taken with a referral from a family doctor. It said that some people also register as close contacts to get a referral to a free COVID-19 test and then use the relevant certificate for travel. 

The Health Board said that the use of a certificate generated on the basis of a test taken with a family doctor's referral for travel is not permitted and is punishable as a misdemeanor. The applicable penalty is detention or a fine or up to 300 fine units.

It is possible to check on the border whether the person has paid for their COVID-19 test themselves or has used a family doctor's referral.

Referral to testing by family doctors is meant exclusively for people with symptoms and is necessary for the rapid identification of diseased persons and directing them to isolation to prevent further transmission of the infection. The same is true for the free testing of close contacts. 

A COVID-19 test for a certificate necessary for travel, which is paid for by the person taking the test, can be taken with any eligible service provider.