As borders reopen and travel restrictions ease gradually, a convenient and reliable pre-departure COVID-19 testing solution may become a catalyst in the recovery process of international travel by providing an assurance to destination countries, airlines and travellers and by becoming a major risk-mitigator. Some countries have already made this a mandatory requirement, while many others are considering implementing the same for all incoming travellers to ease the pressure of on-arrival testing.
To meet the rising demand, VFS Global, the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has launched COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and Antibody testing appointment booking service in the United Kingdom, Austria, France, Switzerland and The Netherlands in partnership with accredited private medical clinics.
While VFS Global provides a seamless appointment booking system online, tests are conducted by trained medical professionals. The results are directly sent by the partnered laboratory to the registered email address of the customer within 24 – 36 hours.
Speaking on the launch of the service, Jiten Vyas, Regional Group Chief Operating Officer – Australasia, China, Africa and Europe & CIS said, “We believe a convenient and reliable pre-departure COVID-19 testing solution can become a catalyst in the recovery process of international travel by providing an assurance to destination countries, airlines and travellers and by becoming a major risk-mitigator. Countries might even consider making this mandatory for all incoming travellers to ease the pressure of testing upon arrival.”
The COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and Antibody testing service is open for all and is not limited to travellers. The tests can be booked by anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms such as dry cough, difficulty in breathing, and high fever, or by even those who do not have any symptom but would like to get tested.
Steps to apply for the COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and/or Antibody testing service:
- Schedule an appointment online by visiting www.vfsglobal.com/covid-test or by calling a call back option on the webform
- You will receive confirmation by email or phone
- Proceed to take the test as per the appointment date, time, and location
- You will receive the test result within 24 -36 hours via the registered email address
A negative COVID-19 test result does not guarantee a positive visa decision. Visa decision-making remains the exclusive prerogative of the concerned government and VFS Global plays no role in the decision-making process. Customers are advised to check for latest travel advisories from local and intended destination’s healthcare authority regarding any international travel.
