COVID-19 testing locations and guidance

When to get tested

• Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as early as possible regardless of vaccination status.
• Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (within 6 feet of the person for 15 minutes or more), should seek testing 3 or more days after exposure, even if they do not have symptoms. If symptoms develop within 14 days of exposure, isolate and consider retesting. See Isolation & Quarantine for detailed guidance.
• 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.
• For full guidance on domestic and international travel, see Travel page on CDC website. It is not required to get tested before or after you travel if you are fully vaccinated.

Testing options

1. Start with your healthcare provider. If you have health insurance, schedule a test with your doctor. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, your healthcare provider is required by law to get you a test. If you have symptoms, or you’ve been a close contact of someone with confirmed COVID-19, 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 – advanced appointment recommended. These locations are open to anyone and offer free COVID-19 testing regardless of immigration or insurance status.
3. At home testing, also known as home-based rapid tests, are available over the counter and offer results within 15 minutes. See at-home test options here.

Testing for travel

• Testing is not required before or after U.S. travel if fully vaccinated. You should limit travel if you are not fully vaccinated or if you are traveling with unvaccinated children.
• Travel requirements vary by state so it's important to check local guidance before you go.
• If you need a test for travel, 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.
• If you need a rapid test for travel, look for 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 recommendations and requirements on the Travel page on CDC website.