COVID-19 Testing Guidance

Updated 3rd May 2022

COVID testing has now become the norm in the world of travel and to help you navigate through the requirements, we’ve put together the below guidance for you on what tests you may require when travelling to resort and returning home. 

Entry Requirements for Italy

All guests aged 6 and above must be able to show one of the following in order to enter Italy:

• Proof of been fully vaccinated. Your second vaccination must not be older than 270 days. If more than 270 days have passed - you must be able to show you have received a booster vaccine, which does not carry an expiry date.
• A negative Covid PCR test - completed within the 72 hours prior to arrival in to Italy.
• A negative Covid Antigen/Lateral flow test, with travel certificate - completed within the 48 hours prior to arrival in to Italy.
• Proof of recovery from Covid within the last 6 months prior to arrival in to Italy.

Our Trusted Advisors will carry out a call with you around 10 days before your holiday to discuss the most up to date requirements specific to your holiday destination allowing you and us enough time to carry out the necessary tests. In addition this information will also be clearly highlighted on your departure documents, specifying the time before travel that the test must be conducted and any requirements for children as well as adults. Some destinations may now allow you to enter using a rapid antigen test. Your Trusted Advisor will confirm with you what test you need prior to travelling. 

Your Trusted Advisor will be available to answer any queries on testing requirements on individual destinations up to the time you travel and whilst you are on holiday.

The below are four independent companies who provide pre-travel testing services.  We have provided information about these should you wish to use their services.  Please ensure you verify with your chosen supplier (whether the below or otherwise) that the test will satisfy the requirements for the destination you are travelling to and that the supplier can comply with the strict timescales you will have to adhere to.  Citalia cannot be held responsible for any third party suppliers’ delay or otherwise failure to provide a suitable test result. 

The Government have also an approved private clinic list - here.

Please note that NHS PCR & Antigen tests cannot be used for travel purposes

Further information on how you can demonstrate your vaccine status is available here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad 

Demonstrating your COVID vaccine status for travel

To allow travellers to demonstrate their vaccine status, the government has put a useful page together detailing how travellers can show they have had both vaccines (for countries allowing the vaccinated to be exempt from entry testing). https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad . Please Note - Your name on your vaccine pass must match your passport. If you need to change your name on your vaccination pass, please contact your GP.

For residents of England there are two methods:

1. Download the NHS App (Not the NHS-Covid19) where there is a new section “Check your Vaccination Status”.
2. A letter version for those without a smartphone can be requested by calling 119 (free of charge). This route may take around 7 days for a letter to arrive, and will show the dates all vaccines were administered.

For residents of Wales:

• Please call 0300 303 5667 to request a vaccination certificate. Please note it can take up to 10 working days to receive your certificate. 

For residents of Scotland there are two methods:

1. You can view and print your vaccination status online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status 
2. A letter version can also be requested by calling the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565. Records will be sent via first class post, however do ensure you leave sufficient time for this to arrive pre-travel.

For children aged 12-15: 

• Children aged 12-15 can now receive a COVID Pass for travel, if they have received both vaccinations. Children can now access the NHS app or alternatively request a letter format from the following website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/ or by calling 119.
• At present children must be registered with a GP in England in order to receive their COVID Pass.

Returning to the UK

From 4am - 18th March 2022.

All measures to return the to UK have now been removed. You will not be required to complete a passenger locator form, or have any testing booked; regardless of your vaccination status.

If You're Returning to Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales:

Please visit the below webpages as certain requirements for testing upon your return may differ.

• Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice 
• Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/red-amber-and-green-list-countries 
• Wales: https://gov.wales/how-self-isolate-when-you-travel-wales-coronavirus-covid-19 

The testing partners below do offer preferential rates to Citalia customers. Further information can be found on each of the suppliers websites. The full list of government approved suppliers is available here: https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type/amber. We strongly recommend booking all of your required tests prior to returning back to the UK to avoid any delays.