2021 Bonaire roll call

[SoccerDad]

Does anyone have experience with the 48 hour prior to departure testing requirement in the context of travel spanning two days, eg, we are scheduled to leave LA on Friday afternoon and arrive in Miami after midnight and then depart for Bonaire in the morning and arrive Saturday afternoon? I'm wondering if the folks at Bonaire customs would be looking for a test within 48 hours of my Saturday Miami departure or within 48 hours of my Friday afternoon LA departure. I've researched this on the Bonaire websites and it doesn't really answer the question directly, although it mentions something about considering a trip continuous if you stay on the plane or don't leave the airport. Has anyone else dealt with this situation? I'd certainly feel more comfortable getting the testing Wednesday afternoon versus late Thursday morning the day before we depart and can do it free locally versus $200 each at either airport.

You can get tested when you land only took an hour from the time we landed to walking out of the airport. I believe we paid $95.00 each

 

[Lorenzoid]

You can get tested when you land only took an hour from the time we landed to walking out of the airport. I believe we paid $95.00 each

The member of our group whose test results did not arrive in time said they charged her $125. This was last month (August).

 

[rmorgan]

But aren’t these (the tests available at BON) rapid antigen tests? My understanding is that those of us from high-risk countries, e.g. the United States, a NAAT(PCR) test is required as of 9/1, regardless of vaccination status. I’d expect the airlines to be checking tests prior to boarding at MIA/ATL so they don’t have to trundle you back home.

 

[Lorenzoid]

But aren’t these (the tests available at BON) rapid antigen tests? My understanding is that those of us from high-risk countries, e.g. the United States, a NAAT(PCR) test is required as of 9/1, regardless of vaccination status. I’d expect the airlines to be checking tests prior to boarding at MIA/ATL so they don’t have to trundle you back home.

The person in our group didn't mention what kind of test it was, and for $125 I would hope it was a rapid molecular test, not antigen. The antigen test we took on Bonaire in preparation for returning to the US was only $35.

 

[SoccerDad]

The person in our group didn't mention what kind of test it was, and for $125 I would hope it was a rapid molecular test, not antigen. The antigen test we took on Bonaire in preparation for returning to the US was only $35.

No, it is PCR(NAAT) test took about 30 mins for the test, and the results took a bit due to slow download because of the slow internet in the mobile unit next to immigration check-in.
If you want you can schedule ahead of time: www.bonairesafetravel.org

 

[Lorenzoid]

No, it is PCR(NAAT) test took about 30 mins for the test, and the results took a bit due to slow download because of the slow internet in the mobile unit next to immigration check-in.
If you want you can schedule ahead of time: www.bonairesafetravel.org

I stand by what I said. A "rapid molecular test," such as Abbott Labs' ID NOW test, is a type of NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) that can be completed in about 30 minutes. NAATs include both RT-PCR (there are apparently other flavors of PCR than RT) and other molecular tests. Bonaire requires an NAAT, but it does not have to be a PCR test. Here is a list compiled by CDC of NAAT technologies: Labs

 

[SoccerDad]

I stand by what I said. A "rapid molecular test," such as Abbott Labs' ID NOW test, is a type of NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) that can be completed in about 30 minutes. NAATs include both RT-PCR (there are apparently other flavors of PCR than RT) and other molecular tests. Bonaire requires an NAAT, but it does not have to be a PCR test. Here is a list compiled by CDC of NAAT technologies: Labs

Agreed , my response should have been to RMprgam who thought it was an antigen test that is being given on Bonaire.

 

[rmorgan]

Mea culpa (and, the price difference point alone was compelling). I think when they started the BON test program in early June, it was antigen only. It’s great that they’re doing both now, although it’s a little tempting not to spend half of Thursday getting tested when we can get it for less on Saturday. What could go wrong?

 

[Hethen57]

I found another post that answered my questions directly from Bonaire's health agency so I will repost here to close the loop on my question...Bonaire will accept a "rapid molecular test," such as Abbott Labs' ID NOW test for entry and I have found places in my town, like others have mentioned, which will do this test and provide results while you wait for about $100 (urgent care clinics, some Walgreens, etc.) and Bonaire starts the 48 hour clock from your first flight in a multi city itinerary, so we just need a negative test 48 hours prior to our LA departure on Friday, not the MIA departure on Saturday. The return test just needs to be an Antigen test and that can either be had on the island for as low as $35 near the Airport or even the Abbott Labs' BINAX at-home/online test will work for that one. Hopefully, third time is a charm for this multi-time rebooked trip!

 

[JaminBrown]

Mea culpa (and, the price difference point alone was compelling). I think when they started the BON test program in early June, it was antigen only. It’s great that they’re doing both now, although it’s a little tempting not to spend half of Thursday getting tested when we can get it for less on Saturday. What could go wrong?

The airline could not let you on the flight to Bonaire because you don't have a negative test, that's what could go wrong.