Aruba partnership makes Covid testing more convenient
Aruba has launched a service that eliminates the wait for PCR test results to be manually verified and the need to upload test certificates.
In partnership with OK2Roam, travelers now can authorize an approved lab to send their negative PCR test result directly to Aruba’s embarkation-disembarkation card entry platform, where the result will be instantly accepted.
The current entry process for Aruba includes mandatory embarkation-debarkation card registration for all travelers, including minors and infants. In addition, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required of all travelers over the age of 11, including those already vaccinated.
The new service is being provided by VFS Global, which has an international network of government-approved Covid-19 testing laboratories, and OK2Roam, which offers a secure data connection between the lab network and Aruba’s online ED entry platform. This service will be available in the U.S. and Canada initially from Stage Zero Life Sciences and from Same Day Health.
Travelers also will have the option of taking a video-supervised saliva test in their home or at a test center in more than 50 locations in the U.S.
The biggest challenge up until now regarding the PCR test approval is that the result must be reviewed before a swift response can be sent to travelers. With this new service, PCR test results can be fed directly from a trusted lab to the Aruban Immigration Authority via OK2Roam’s secure technical platform.
“Throughout the pandemic and even before Aruba has been keen to embrace the latest technology to make our destination more welcoming and people’s travel experience more seamless,” said Danguillaume Oduber, minister of tourism and public health. “This excellent idea, which we are delighted to pioneer with OK2Roam and VFS Global, also has the advantage that it will likely save us time, money and administrative complexity too.”
Chris Dix, head of business development for VFS Global, said that his company is eager to see the project with OK2Roam and Aruba succeed.
“Once it has launched and delivers the projected benefits, we are confident of being able to help many of our client governments make their borders more efficient and bio-secure.”
Recent research from IATA validates that passengers loath queuing, and 73% would willingly share their biometric data to receive a better travel experience, according to David Tarsh, CEO and co-founder of OK2Roam.
“With Aruba, we are taking the world one step closer to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s vision of a seamless traveler journey, enabled by the latest technology.” Trash said.
Throughout the pandemic, Aruba has done well at maintaining inbound tourism while mitigating the spread of Covid-19 among locals.
VFS Global is the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.
Travelers can book their test by viewing VFSGlobal.com/Aruba. The new service is not limited to any particular airline or airport. All travelers can use it, provided they can test with a participating lab.
Source: Read Full Article
