A pre-departure Covid-19 diagnostic PCR and antibody testing appointment service has been introduced by visa outsourcing firm VFS Global.
The online booking system is being made available in the UK, Austria, France, Switzerland and The Netherlands in partnership with accredited private medical clinics.
Tests are conducted by trained medical professionals with results sent direct by the partnered laboratory to the registered email address of the customer within 24-36 hours.
The firm’s regional group chief operating officer Jiten Vyas 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.”
However, a negative Covid-19 test result does not guarantee a positive visa decision, the company pointed out.