As borders reopen and travel restrictions ease gradually, a 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 travelers and by becoming a major risk-mitigator. Some countries have already made this a mandatory requirement, while many others are seriously considering implementing the same for all incoming travelers to ease the pressure on on-arrival testing. To meet the rising demand, VFS Global, the visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has announced the launch of booking for COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and Antibody testing service in the Kingdom. The service is offered in partnership with a Ministry of Health approved and certified testing laboratory.
The test reports are directly sent by the partnered laboratory to the registered email address of the individual, ensuring confidentiality.
Available across Alkhobar, Jeddah and Riyadh, customers can have their test samples collected from a location of choice, be it office or home, using the “At Your Doorstep” testing service for enhanced convenience and safety. Test results will be delivered within 24 hours for customers in Riyadh and between 24 to 48 hours for customers in Alkhobar and Jeddah. The partnered testing laboratory accepts appointments all days of the week between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO — South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Americas, 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 travelers and by becoming a major risk-mitigator. Countries might even consider making this mandatory for all incoming travelers to ease the pressure on testing upon arrival.”
The COVID-19 Diagnostic PCR and Antibody testing service is open for all and is not limited to travelers. The service can be availed 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 themselves tested.
Following the launch in the UAE last month and now in the Kingdom, the company is focusing on rolling out the service next in China, Egypt and India in a phased manner.
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 destinations’ health care authorities regarding any international travel.
