Britons must now take a Covid test to visit Italy

Britons hoping to visit Italy must now present evidence of a negative Covid test – or agree to take a test on arrival.

Italy’s Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, announced on Twitter yesterday: “The number of infections is growing throughout Europe and, of course, also in Italy.

“From today, masks are also required outdoors and tests [are now required] for those arriving from Belgium, Holland, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.”

Italy’s list of high-risk destinations already includes Spain, Croatia, Greece and Malta and, given that the UK’s seven-day case rate is now 126.2 per 100,000 – significantly higher that Croatia’s, Greece’s and Malta’s, the move had been widely expected.

The Foreign Office (FCDO) confirmed the new rules on Thursday, stating: “A negative Covid test is required when you arrive in Italy from the UK. You’ll be asked to show evidence that you tested negative in a test administered in the 72 hours before your travel. 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 get a free test on arrival at some airports, or at a testing facility in Italy shortly after you arrive. If you test positive within Italy, you will be required to quarantine. The time spent in quarantine can vary greatly from a few days to several weeks. Travellers should be prepared for this eventuality.

“The same testing requirement is in place for all people entering Italy from Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Malta, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Czech Republic.”

Private tests on UK soil cost in the region of £150. However, some clinics have warned that UK labs will not prioritise tests for leisure purposes and that they therefore cannot guarantee results will arrive in less than 72 hours.

However, several of Italy’s airports, including Fiumicino and Ciampino in Rome, Malpensa and Linate in Milan, and Marco Polo in Venice, as well as the ports of Civitavecchia and Livorno, and Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence, have set up rapid testing facilities for passengers.

There are fears that Italy could be added to the UK’s red list on Thursday evening, when the Government carries out its weekly review of the controversial quarantine policy. Italy’s seven-day case rate has risen to 28.5 per 100,000 – above the UK’s threshold of 20, after which it considers travel restrictions. Such a move would mean Britons would need to self-isolate for two weeks when they return home. However, given that Britain’s own rate is far higher, it appears to be showing a little more leniency.