Italy makes coronavirus tests mandatory for travellers from the UK
Italy has added the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Belgium to its list of high-risk countries from which travellers must get tested for coronavirus.
The Italian and British governments have confirmed that testing is now a requirement for all travellers from the UK to Italy.
There was widespread confusion about the requirement after Italian government on Wednesday suggested it would make testing compulsory for people arriving in Italy from these countries under an upcoming emergency decree next week, and the rules were not expected to come into force until October 15th.
However, Italian health minister Roberto Speranza on Thursday October 8th signed an ordinance bringing the rules into effect immediately.
The Italian Health Ministry has added British, Dutch, Czech and Belgian arrivals to the list of travellers required to submit to a swab test upon entry to Italy.
The Italian government has subsequently updated its travel advice.
Photo: AFP
The British Foreign Office also issued the following advice on Thursday:
"A negative Covid-19 test result is required when you arrive in Italy from the UK.
"The test needs to have been carried out in the 72 hours prior to your travel and should be a molecular (PCR) or an antigenic test. You’ll be asked to show proof of your test date and result at the border."
"You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test."
"Alternatively, you can take a free Covid-19 test at the airport when you arrive in Italy. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You won’t be allowed to leave the airport until you have your result."
It is not clear how long these rules are expected to remain in place.
Previously only people arriving in Italy from Spain, Greece, Croatia, Malta or one of seven regions of France, including Paris, were obliged to get tested.
Greece, Croatia and Malta have now been removed from the "at risk" list by Thursday's ordinance.
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Which travellers face mandatory Covid-19 testing on arrival in Italy?
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What are the current rules on travelling to Italy?
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Covid-19: What happens if I test positive on arrival in Italy?
The testing rule applies to everyone departing from one of these countries, regardless of nationality or where you're a resident.
Travellers can either get tested before they leave – both molecular (PCR) and rapid antigen tests are accepted, so long as they're carried out no more than 72 hours before your journey – or within 48 hours of arriving.
Most major airports in Italy now offer rapid testing as soon as you land, as do some international ports and train stations. These tests are free as it is classed as an emergency procedure.
Travellers are advised to contact their destinaton airport in Italy to confirm the availability of testing on arrival.
For more information about how to get a coronavirus test when travelling to Italy, see our guide here.
For more details travellers are advised to check the relevant country information on the ViaggiareSicuri website. You may also wish to check the Italian Foreign Ministry's website (in English) as well as the latest advice from the British government.
Please note: The Local is not able to advise on specific cases.
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The Italian and British governments have confirmed that testing is now a requirement for all travellers from the UK to Italy.
There was widespread confusion about the requirement after Italian government on Wednesday suggested it would make testing compulsory for people arriving in Italy from these countries under an upcoming emergency decree next week, and the rules were not expected to come into force until October 15th.
However, Italian health minister Roberto Speranza on Thursday October 8th signed an ordinance bringing the rules into effect immediately.
The Italian Health Ministry has added British, Dutch, Czech and Belgian arrivals to the list of travellers required to submit to a swab test upon entry to Italy.
The Italian government has subsequently updated its travel advice.
Photo: AFP
The British Foreign Office also issued the following advice on Thursday:
"A negative Covid-19 test result is required when you arrive in Italy from the UK.
Previously only people arriving in Italy from Spain, Greece, Croatia, Malta or one of seven regions of France, including Paris, were obliged to get tested.
Greece, Croatia and Malta have now been removed from the "at risk" list by Thursday's ordinance.
- Which travellers face mandatory Covid-19 testing on arrival in Italy?
- What are the current rules on travelling to Italy?
- Covid-19: What happens if I test positive on arrival in Italy?
The testing rule applies to everyone departing from one of these countries, regardless of nationality or where you're a resident.
Travellers can either get tested before they leave – both molecular (PCR) and rapid antigen tests are accepted, so long as they're carried out no more than 72 hours before your journey – or within 48 hours of arriving.
Most major airports in Italy now offer rapid testing as soon as you land, as do some international ports and train stations. These tests are free as it is classed as an emergency procedure.
Travellers are advised to contact their destinaton airport in Italy to confirm the availability of testing on arrival.
For more information about how to get a coronavirus test when travelling to Italy, see our guide here.
For more details travellers are advised to check the relevant country information on the ViaggiareSicuri website. You may also wish to check the Italian Foreign Ministry's website (in English) as well as the latest advice from the British government.
Please note: The Local is not able to advise on specific cases.
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