COVID-19 Testing Guidance

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. 

Travelling to resort

Italy requires a COVID PCR or Antigen test to be completed within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time in Italy.

Our Trusted Advisors will carry out a call with you around 14 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

A number of destinations will allow those who have received both COVID Vaccinations prior to travelling, to be exempt from any pre travel testing requirements. Your trusted advisor will be able to update you on if your destination is allowing this. 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

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 both 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.

Returning to the UK

A passenger locator form (PLF) must be completed by all passengers arriving into the UK aged over 18. This form can be submitted anytime within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival in to the UK and is completed on the following web page https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk.

Arrivals from 24th October 2021:

Pre – Departure Testing

If you are fully vaccinated, the requirement for testing prior to travelling to England has been removed. Adult's aged 18 and over who are not fully vaccinated, must continue to have a PCR or Antigen test completed in resort 72 hours prior to travelling. Children aged between 11-17 will follow the testing requirements of any accompanying adult.

Testing Once Back Home

Depending on your vaccination status, you'll be required to have the following tests completed:

• Fully vaccinated - PCR test on or before day 2 of your return.  If you are arriving in to England - this can be a lateral flow test instead, however must still be booked through a government approved supplier. NHS rapid tests are not permitted.
• Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated - PCR test on or before day 2 & day 8 - with a 10 day self-isolation.
• Children aged 5 and above will follow the same testing requirements of any accompanying adult

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 Arrivals in to Wales from the 31st October 2021 can follow the same rules as Fully Vaccinated Arrivals in to England and opt for an antigen test as their day 2 test.

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.