As borders re-open and travel restrictions ease gradually, convenient and reliable pre-departure COVID-19 testing solutions are already being made mandatory by some countries, while others are considering implementing them for all incoming travellers to ease the pressure of on-arrival testing.
To meet this demand, VFS Global has launched an online appointment booking service for COVID-19 RT-PCR Sample Collection that is available for customers in Pune, starting today. This service is offered in association with a network of certified medical laboratories approved by the Government of India and having all due accreditations for swab collection for COVID-19.
Customers can book appointments on VFS Global’s website (https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/covid-test.html) and provide samples at designated associate medical laboratories. In addition, ‘At Your Doorstep’ service option is also available to enable sample collection from the safety and comfort of a customer’s home.
This service is also available in 10 more cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kochi
Who can avail this service?
The COVID-19 RT-PCR Sample Collection service is open for all and is not limited to travellers. The service can be availed by those who may or may not be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, strictly as per local regulations of various states.
A dedicated help desk is also provided for VFS Global customers next to select VFS Global Centres to assist with this service.
Steps to apply for the COVID-19 RT-PCR Sample Collection service:
Step 1 – Schedule an appointment online (click here to schedule an appointment)
Step 2 – Provide details and complete payment: Provide your Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card or Passport Number and personal information before making the payment using a debit or credit card
Step 3 – Provide sample and receive the report: Provide sample on the appointed date, time and location.
Key benefits:
· Hassle-free online appointment booking system and convenient sample collection
· ‘At Your Doorstep’ sample collection service for convenience and safety in all cities
· Report delivered confidentially to your registered email address
· Sample collection procedures approved by the ICMR and the Ministry of Health and Welfare
Speaking about the service, Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa, and Americas, said, “We believe a convenient and reliable pre-departure COVID-19 sample collection/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 incoming travellers to ease the pressure of testing upon arrival.”
The COVID-19 sample collection service is not related to the visa application submission process and has no influence on VFS Global’s visa application process or on the visa decision, which remains the sole prerogative of the concerned government. Customers are advised to check the latest travel advisories from the destination country for information on international travel.
The sample collection service itself is provided by independent third-party service providers which is not owned by or related to VFS Global. VFS Global’s role is limited to assisting customers with appointment booking for the test.
