The challenges that COVID-19 has caused have affected every area of our lives, from our personal safety and health of our loved ones, to the economy of our countries, to our freedom and ability to travel securely. Many people’s travel plans have changed because of countries’ restrictive entry requirements, which have caused confusion and raised many questions. Due to the current situation, in order to travel to many countries, it is necessary to have a Diagnostic or PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test 48 hours before travelling, in order to see if a person is actively infected with coronavirus. However, in many countries a negative test result is not enough, and a translation of the negative PCR test is needed if it is written in a different language than the official language spoken in the country of destination. These translations are required in many countries, such as Greece and Italy, and must be signed and sealed by a sworn translator recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the case of Spain. This is so that they have the same legal validity and can be fully understood and verified in the country of destination. Sworn Translation of the PCR test into English is necessary to travel to some countries where English is the official language, but some countries, such as Germany or Hungary, also accept the English translation despite the fact that English is not their official language.
This type of translation is becoming increasingly more common for many translation companies and is very simple and quick, as the test result document is normally very short and can be easily scanned, but it is essential in order for people to be allowed entry in their country of destination. Due to the current travel restrictions and complications, it is clear that this sort of translation should be done as quickly as possible to reduce delay and so the sworn translation can be emailed (signed and sealed digitally) urgently when necessary, in less than 24 hours, despite the fact that demand for sworn translation of the PCR test is increasing considerably due to new European policies. Translation of a negative PCR test is also vital as it can save invaluable time because it is needed in order to avoid quarantining in some countries, such as Germany. Furthermore, the translation of the PCR test is not only required by Customs upon entering many countries, but also by many airlines or private companies.
Unfortunately, the reality is that COVID-19 will affect our lives for a long time, with many saying that until a vaccine is found, it will be impossible to return to a true ‘normal’. Furthermore, COVID-19 has brought new translation needs, such as the translation of the PCR test, as people are restricted and face new uncertainties. Until the various travel restrictions are lifted, translations of PCR tests will continue being vital for the free movement of people, for people’s livelihoods and freedom to travel to continue, in order to try and contain the virus and prevent it spreading further across borders.