Aruba partners with OK2Roam for automated PCR test verification

Travellers’ negative results are sent to the destination’s entry card system for instant clearance

Aruba has brought in an automated COVID PCR testing technology that will eliminate the need for visitors to wait for their results.

The destination has worked with OK2Roam which allows negative test results from approved labs to be sent directly to the country’s Embarkation-Disembarkation card entry platform.

An ED card registration is mandatory for all travellers, including minors and infants and proof of a negative PCR test, within 72 hours prior to entering the country, is also required for all travellers over the age of 11, including those already vaccinated.

The new service is being provided by VFS Global, which has built an international network of government-approved COVID-19 testing laboratories, and OK2Roam, which provides a secure data connection between the lab network and Aruba’s platform.

Initially, it will be available in Canada and the US, from Stage Zero Life Sciences and from Same Day Health.

Travellers will have the choice of taking a video-supervised saliva test in their own home or going to a test centre in more than 50 locations across the US.

OK2Roam says the system will address delays and challenges associated with having to physically inspect PCR tests prior to allowing entry.

Danguillaume Oduber, Aruba minister of tourism and public health, said: “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.

“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 at VFS Global, said: “We are eager to see our project with OK2Roam and Aruba succeed.

“Once it is successfully 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 more bio-secure.”

David Tarsh, chief executive and co-founder of OK2Roam, added: “Recent research from IATA validates our approach: passengers loath queuing; and 73% of them would willingly share their biometric data to receive a better travel experience.

“With Aruba, we are taking the world one step closer to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s vision of a seamless traveller journey, enabled by the latest technology.”