COVID-19 testing locations and guidance

When to get tested

• If you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested as early as possible regardless of vaccination status.
• If you are exposed to someone who has COVID-19 (within 6 feet of the person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) seek testing 5 days after exposure regardless of vaccination status. If symptoms develop get tested immediately and consider retesting if you have already been tested. See the Isolation & Quarantine page for detailed guidance.
• If you are referred to get tested by your school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, or local health department.
• After travel if you are unvaccinated: Those who are unvaccinated must get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after domestic travel and seek repeat testing if symptoms develop within 14 days of travel.

Testing options

1. Start with your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider should provide a test if you have symptoms or a known exposure or refer you to get tested at another facility. There should be no cost to you for testing, whether you have insurance or not. Verify costs with your provider before you go.
2. Free testing sites in King County are open to anyone regardless of immigration or insurance status. Priority testing is given to those with symptoms or immediate risk for COVID-19. Advance appointment recommended. Test results may take up to 72 hours and are not guaranteed.
3. Rapid (antigen) at-home test kits can be purchased at a pharmacy, retailer or online. Results are ready within 15 minutes and are a good option if you need a test right away for family and community gatherings, sports events, travel or other non-urgent testing need.
4. Free rapid test kits are available through the federal government. Order tests now so you have them when you need them (four per household).

Testing for travel

• Testing is not required before or after U.S. travel if fully vaccinated. Limit travel if you are not fully vaccinated or if traveling with unvaccinated children.
• Travel requirements vary by state. Check local guidance before you go.
• It is not guaranteed that you will receive a result within 72 hours of departure at any of King County's free testing sites. It's also not guaranteed that the results will meet the specific requirements for all countries.
• Priority testing will be given to those with symptoms or who have been exposed to COVID-19. King County-operated sites are intended to serve communities disproportionately affected by COVID 19 or who cannot access a COVID-19 test through their regular healthcare provider.
• If you need a test for travel, look for rapid testing options that specialize in travel testing.
• See frequently asked questions on testing and travel for more information.
• For full guidance on domestic (travel within U.S) and international travel, see the CDC website.