Italy holidays: Major rules Britons need to know before jetting off including quarantine
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Italy is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers, attracting approximately 6.4 million arrivals from the British Isles in 2019 before the pandemic took its hold. However, travel to the holiday hotspots is not as straightforward as it once was.
Although Italy is on the UK amber list for travel, the country is enforcing strict entry rules on tourists.
Anyone travelling from the UK must show proof of a negative Covid test taken within a specific time frame, as well as endure a mandatory quarantine period.
What are the current entry requirements for UK arrivals entering Italy?
Until August 30, all arrivals from the UK, or anyone who has been in the UK within the previous 14 days, must provide evidence of a negative coronavirus test.
This test must have been taken within the 48 hours prior to entering Italy.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advise this test should be either a molecular or antigen test.
Children under the age of six are exempt from the need to test.
However, all arrivals, regardless of age must enter into a period of quarantine upon arrival.
The FCDO explains: “They must self-isolate for five days, at the end of which they must take a rapid antigenic or molecular swab test for COVID-19 and test negative for release.”
Before travel, passengers must download and complete an online digital form.
The FCDO states: “This will generate a QR code, which should be presented to your travel provider and Border Police if requested. A paper form can be completed if you do not have an electronic device.”
The travel authority further warns those who do not provide an adequate negative test or details of where they will self-isolate could be denied entry to Italy.
According to the FCDO, UK nationals should also carry “proof of your residence when entering Italy”.
Upon arrival in Italy, all passengers must call the COVID-19 helpline for the region they are travelling to within 48 hours of arrival.
Can UK arrivals use proof of vaccination to facilitate entry to Italy?
Italy is currently not accepting the UK vaccination certificate.
This rule could be changed after August 30, when quarantine rules for UK arrivals are set to be reviewed.
Until then, self-isolation measures remain in place for all UK passengers, regardless of their vaccination status.
In any instance, the FCDO advises NHS appointment cards from vaccination centres are “not designed to be used as proof of vaccination”.
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What other coronavirus measures are in place in Italy?
The Italian authorities have put in a number of measures in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Britons are advised to always follow the advice of local authorities when in Italy.
Restrictions currently include the mandatory use of masks in all indoor public spaces and in outdoor spaces where social distancing can not be achieved.
Children under the age of six are exempt from the mask rule.
The FCDO advises UK tourists to carry a mask with them “at all times”.
Social distancing of one metre must be observed and gatherings should be avoided.
Cinemas, theatres and concert venues are open but capacity is limited.
Visits to attractions such as museums must be booked one day in advance.
Italy has also put in place “green certificates” which must be used to enter certain public venues including indoor seating in bars and restaurants, museums, exhibitions, sports facilities, spas and large events.
From September 1, these certificates will also be required in order to access transport such as flights, high-speed and inter City trains, boats, ferries and coaches linking more than two regions.
The FCDO states: “An NHS vaccination certificate will be accepted to access transport, leisure and hospitality facilities.”
What are the rules for returning to the UK from Italy?
As Italy is currently on the UK’s amber list for travel, fully-vaccinated passengers do not need to self-isolate.
However, they must have received two doses of a UK, European Union (EU) or US administered and approved vaccine 14 days or more before travel.
Vaccinated passengers must take a pre-departure coronavirus test and a PCR test on day two of their arrival in the UK.
Unvaccinated passengers are subject to 14 days of mandatory self-isolation.
They must also take a pre-departure and day two test, as well as a further PCR test on day eight of their arrival.
All arrivals entering the UK must complete a Passenger Locator Form before travel, including details of pre-booked Covid tests.
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