VFS Global launches Covid-19 PCR and antibody test appointment service in Europe

Visa specialist agency VFS Global, has launched a Covid-19 PCR and antibody test appointment booking service in the UK, Austria, France, Switzerland and The Netherlands. It is a new service offered in partnership with private medical clinics across Europe. As borders reopen there have been calls in many countries for reliable pre-departure Covid-19 testing solutions as a means of reassuring travellers and those at the destinations they are heading to. Some countries have already made this testing a mandatory requirement. While VFS Global provides the appointment booking system online, the tests are conducted by trained medical professionals, with results sent directly sent by the partnered laboratory to the registered email address of the customer within 36 hours. VFS is offering rates for its customers from £115 (US$148.40)  for the PCR test. Speaking on the launch of the service, Jiten Vyas (pictured), VFS Global regional group COO – 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. VFS Global is a portfolio company of EQT, a leading global private equity firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It runs more than 3,300 visa application application centres in 144 countries.