Kayak partners with Veritas to offer self-collection COVID tests to travelers

COVID-19 testing provider Veritas is now offering self-collection test kits designed for travelers. The launch is being made in tandem with discounted pricing on Kayak.

The kits provide either a saliva collection tube or a nasal swab depending on the location of travel and pre-labeled return boxes so the user can easily ship them to an accredited lab for results.

Veritas says test results, which are sent to the traveler via email, are available in no more than 48 hours and usually 24 hours after the sample arrives at the lab.

The TravelSafe kits are currently offered in the United States and 15 countries across Europe, with expansion to Latin America and Asia expected soon. Veritas is also developing a rapid antigen test.

“It can be difficult to get COVID tested in a timely fashion when you’re overseas,” says Mirza Cifric, Veritas CEO. 

“This uncertainty makes it challenging for people to travel internationally. With uneven access to vaccination across the globe, the need for a COVID test is a requirement to enter many countries and to return to the U.S., and this situation could persist throughout the summer and fall.”

Kayak will display an ad for the Veritas test kits to users searching for flights to destinations that require testing for arrivals or for return to the U.S. Users placing the order directly through Kayak get the discounted pricing. 

“Taking a COVID-19 test is now a requirement for many international travelers - our intent is to make that step in the process a little easier by making discounted kits available on Kayak,” says Steve Sintra, vice president and general manager for North America at Kayak.