Testing before travelling? Take note
With COVID-induced lockdowns as the order of the day, the opening up of borders and sporadic lifting of travel restrictions is often accompanied by various caveats for would-be travellers. Here’s VFS Global addressing a few FAQs that are doing the rounds about travel-related COVID testing.
In the new normal, travellers are made to take special note of government regulations, travel bubbles, special flights, quarantine upon arrival, and chief among all - COVID testing, an outcome of governments being vigilant about tracking people that fly in and out of their countries, even as they are trying to revive travel and business. This public apprehension to travel is further fuelled by false information and myths around how to go about COVID-testing and what rules need to be followed before someone sets out on their first post-lockdown international trip. Understandably, this has also sparked nervousness among travellers regarding all the regulations they need to keep in mind before they travel - and if they will be denied entry to their holiday destination if they don’t meet any of the criteria.
Although it seems like a big, extra step to go through before you get into travel mode, it may just be the most crucial part of your travel journey. Increased testing has been key in being able to trace and control the spread of the pandemic. With these handy tips, you can avoid all the unnecessary stress and misinformation, and make informed choices the next time you choose to travel.
Testing window
The timeframe within which you test yourself is crucial - test too early and you may not be infected or be showing symptoms yet, test too late - and you won’t get your results in time for your flight.
To optimise the efficiency of your testing and minimise the chances of travelling while infected, most governments and airlines require testing yourself 48-72 hours before you’re scheduled to fly. Travellers are still recommended to check government advisories.
Testing at your doorstep
One of the most significant concerns that people have is visiting diagnostic labs. However, that is no longer an issue. Companies such as VFS Global have now introduced services wherein travellers can get themselves tested for COVID right at their doorstep. People can now book their testing appointments online and authorised personnel from certified medical laboratories, associated with VFS Global, will perform the test at a location of the customer’s choice.
Waiting for your results
India currently allows different testing methods of which the most commonly used is the RT-PCR test. While initially testing and result rates were quite sluggish, today, test results are converted in just over 24 hours. Trials are also currently being conducted to develop tests that can detect the virus in under a minute. This could be a game-changer for travellers who will be able to get tested right before they travel. Make sure you get the right one.
Insuring yourself
Given the unprecedented nature of this pandemic, COVID-19 was not a disease included in the roster of insurance companies. Fortunately, not only did insurance providers later rectify this, but also went on to introduce COVID-specific medical insurance solutions. They have also introduced several products customised to evolving requirements. It is crucial that you verify with your insurance provider the type and extent of COVID coverage they offer.