Italy opened up international tourism on May 17th of 2021 and has been steadily making things easier and easier for travelers. You used to have to get a test before arrival and now a vaccine card is all you need. No matter how easy Italy makes things for Americans, to return home you’ll need to present a covid test which has travelers stressed out. The good news is that I have done it and it was super easy so no need to worry. Here is how to get a covid test to return to the USA from Italy.
Update Dec 2nd: Regardless of vaccination status and nationality, the new testing window requirement to return to the USA is one day before departure, which means that you need to get tested the day prior to your departure. i.e. if you leave in the evening on Tuesday, you can get tested as early as Monday morning. Click the button below to reserve your Covid rapid antigen test for the day before your departure from Paris.
Headed to Italy? Great idea, the sites are practically empty and you won’t get a chance to see them like this in the future. Definitely check out our Italy tours for the most memorable experience. We take away the guesswork with getting inside and a guide will elevate your visit to the next level!
Requirements to Return to the United States from Italy and Europe
Here are some common FAQs that I have been receiving on how to get a covid test to return to the USA from Italy.
Do you need to get a covid test to return to the states?
Quick Answer: Yes (Look at the last updated date at the top of the article. If it has been updated within 2 weeks of today, the article is up to date)
As of publishing this article, July 8th, 2021, all passengers need a PCR or Antigen test to return to the United States. This is currently mandatory even if you are vaccinated or not. The good news is that an Antigen test offers rapid results, 20 mins or less, and costs anywhere from free to 100€ depending on where you go in Italy.
When should you get a COVID tested in Italy when returning to the USA?
Quick Answer: Day before your departure before noon.
I recommend a day prior at a red cross-site or a private clinic. The airport works, but you’re definitely adding extra stress on the day of departure. A savvy traveler will take care of it in advance. The Antigen test has to be taken one calendar day before flight departure. So day before is usually the best since Antigen results come within a couple of minutes or hours. I received my Antigen result yesterday just hours after my test at a private clinic in Como.
Do I have to schedule my test in advance?
Quick Answer: Yes, it’s better to plan this due to the time requirements.
There are many places in Italy, especially in Rome or Milan, where you can get your test without an appointment. We will cover those below. I’m flying home from Milan because I’m ending my trip in Lake Como. I had to schedule an appointment because there are only private clinics in Como. There are red cross centers in Rome and Milan that do not require appointments.
Also, the airports do not require appointments for COVID tests either. So if you are testing at a private clinic, you need to schedule in advance. I’ll discuss my process for scheduling my appointment in Como down below in the Milan section.
What is the cost of a COVID test in Italy
Quick Answer: 20€ to 100€. Avg 20€ – 35€.
Antigen tests are inexpensive in Italy. Especially compared to PCR tests. That’s another reason to visit Italy during this time. At a private clinic in Milan, I paid 35 Euros. At the Airport in Rome, Sean paid 30€. For another trip, I took a PCR test at a private clinic in Milan. That cost 100 Euros.
Which train stations in Italy have tests available?
Unfortunately, the Red Cross ended their popular free testing program in the middle of September. For example, at Roma Termini, you might still see the white tent where free tests were previously administered, but COVID tests are no longer given. Each major train station has a pharmacy. Check the pharmacy when you are at the station when and how you can get a COVID test to return to the USA. The Roma Termini station has a pharmacy that administers the test and there is also a pharmacy down the street that I recommend.
How to Get A COVID Test in Italy
After reading the above FAQ, you know that you need a test so here is how to get it!
Where to Get A COVID Test in Italy
You can get a COVID test very easily in any major city in Italy. The Tour Guy has done the work and made booking a COVID test stress-free for major cities in Italy. There are three basic places to get a COVID test in Italy to return to the USA:
- Pharmacies
- Private Clinics
- Major Airports
Each major city has these options and I’ve written about these in detail.
Where to Get a COVID Test in Rome
Where to Get a COVID Test in Milan
Where to Get a COVID Test in Florence
Getting a COVID Test at FCO Airport
The testing center is located in departures terminal 3. If you saw my Instagram stories or pictures from my previous article on taking a COVID-tested flight, it’s in the same place.
Sean just flew back home, and he walked through the door at 05:00 to get his test. Operating hours are from midnight to 16:00. If you have a flight after four o’clock in the afternoon (16:00), get to the airport well before it closes, or better yet, don’t wait to take the test there. Two people directed him to the test center.
Reserve Ahead
Before arriving at the airport, you must register for your test by using this link to get a COVID test at FCO Airport in Rome.
In the early morning, the whole process took 26 minutes total.
This infographic on getting a COVID test at the airport is noticeable and helpful.
Sign in
You turn left, and there is a small queue to approach a series of desks. You can barely see it, but you must grab a number from the screen pictured below.
The man from Senegal standing in the queue was very lost during the whole process. Sean filled out his paper for him, and they denied him testing because they said he needed a PCR test to enter Senegal.
He didn’t have a credit card, so Sean was prepared to pay for his test. What a mess! The man from Senegal purchased his plane ticket from a travel agency office without being instructed on anything regarding his trip home. We don’t want this to happen to our readers.
So you get a number, and they “sign you in.” These stations are where they take your rsvp number from the online confirmation.
To summarize, you need
- Online RSVP number
- Ticket number from the airport computer
Take a Test
Next is the testing center. They take your passport, hold it, and then take the ticket number from the airport computer.
Once they have that information, you cross from the left side, where the blond woman below is pictured, to the right side of the room. That’s where the test is administered, and there is a party in your nose where everyone is invited.
Results
After the test is administered, you walk away without your passport. The same thing happened when I arrived at the beginning of June, which is always scary. You then have to wait in the area pictured below. The wait time can be anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
The Ticket number from the airport computer appears on the screen when your results are ready. They give you a particular document for your final destination country and put a sticker on your boarding pass.
The escalator to departure is right next to where you come into terminal 3 arrivals.
Where to Get A COVID Test in Milan
Getting a COVID test at Malpensa Airport
Travelers wishing to take an antigen test at Malpensa airport in Milan must register in advance by using this LINK HERE. The website to register for an Antigen Test at Malpensa is a bit tricky. Sometimes the location is listed as Palazzo Della Salute, but you will take the antigen test at Malpensa. The cost is 36 Euros. For more details, please visit the Malpensa Airport site.
The COVID19 rapid antigen test is available every day, 8 am to 16:00 in arrivals. The testing center is located in the arrivals section of Terminal 1 at door number 4 on floor zero. On the map below it is located at D4 in arrivals. Registration beforehand at
A Private Clinic
Getting an Antigen test at a private clinic in the Milan area is also another option. There are various clinics located throughout the city. This is also a good option if you are ending your trip in Lake Como like I just did. I’ve tested at two different private clinics in Lake Como and both processes were very similar. One clinic, Analisi, had a great English-speaking staff. Bianalisi called me to confirm my appointment in English.
The first step to take an antigen test at a private clinic for returning to the USA is to register online. In Lake Como, the clinics and testing centers will be in Como town. If you are staying in Bellagio, Tremezzo, or Lezzeno, you will have to go to Como for your test.
For Analise, I registered using this LINK HERE. For Bianalisi, I registered using this LINK HERE. Both are located in Como.
At Analise clinic, located in the center of Como, all of the registration was done ahead of time. I showed up for my appointment at 10 am. At the front desk, I showed them my confirmation email for my appointment and then paid for my test. The test was a quick swab of the nose. And I was out within 10 minutes. I received an email with my results later that day.
Benefits
There are three clear big benefits to getting the test early at the train station or At a private clinic. The first is the elimination of unnecessary stress by getting it done ahead of time. Second, you will have your test in hand, and if you fly American Airlines as I do, you can use the Verifly app to upload your results making check-in at the airport simple and straightforward.
Third, and probably most importantly, is the códice fiscale, which is kind of like an ID number, is generated by the private clinic. The códice fiscale is often asked for when taking a Covid test in Italy. The private clinics provide a little bit more service and answer more questions for you.
The only extra step I had to take at the check-in this morning was to show my Verifly pass and that was it. I didn’t need to show my Covid test or any sort of printout. I flew American Airlines back to the United States. All of those extra steps, questions, and forms are done directly through the app after the negative Covid tests results are uploaded.
I am traveling to Aviano and flying into Venice. Will I have the Red Cross option there? Where would I go otherwise for a covid test?
Here are the cities with Red Cross tents near the train station, Venice incluced:
Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Florence Santa Maria Novella, Naples Centrale, Palermo, Reggio Calabria, Turin Porta Nuova and Venice Santa Lucia.
Thanks so very much for the helpful info on getting covid tests prior to departure for U.S.
Do the Red Cross testing locations provide results in English?
All results in Italy are in English and Italian.
Very useful, thanks!
Our pleasure. Thanks for the comment. Feel free to share.
This is AWESOME information. Are the tests the 1in swab in the nose or does it go all the way back? I ask because my youngest son had a horrible experience and I need to know to prep him before our trip.
Hi Kelly! Every test I’ve had done in Italy has been one swab in each nostril. I would prepare your son.
Thank you for this very timely post for our group as we will be finishing our trip in Lake Como. I see that the Analise test is significantly more expensive than the other one, but seems to be easier to navigate given the test run that I have done in registering. Did you find the higher price but greater convenience worth it? Thanks in advance
Thanks! Angel also wrote this article on where to stay in lake como if you are looking for advice!
Make sure you are booking the Antigen test if you are returning to the USA. It should be cheaper than PCR. Analise is a super professional private clinic and I was in/out very quickly within minutes. Also, parking is just a few meters away Via Varese across the street from the bank. Be sure to pay the meter!
Thank you. I will make sure that I make that distinction. We will be in Carate Urio and that looks to be approximately 12-15 km from Como. We have not rented a car and therefore will be going by taxi. Do you see that as an issue?
We will be staying in Carate Urio approximately 10-12 km away from Como. Will not be renting a car. Will taxis be readily available?
Taxis should be available. Uber also works. Both will be somewhat expensive.
Traveling to Rome in August with my 17 year old. Do you have any info about what happens if tested positive before returning to us? Laws? Rules? I purchased travel insurance but don’t want to be separated from a minor daughter. And is it really easy to get tested with Red Cross ? Don’t want additional stress trying to get a test the day of the flight. My return flight is Monday so not sure if things will be as smooth on weekends and August being quite in Rome. Thanks ?
Thank you so much for the info re antigen testing at the train stations in Italy. We hopefully will be staying for four days in Venice prior to our flight home in October, so being able to have the test at the train station the a day or two prior to our flight home instead of at the airport just prior to departure will make life seem much easier and less stressful. Hope travel won’t be halted if the pandemic continues to spread.
Yes that’s the way to go! Let’s stay positive for a happy October trip. See you soon!
Returning to Canada from Italy requires a PCR Test (Canada specifically says that an antigent test does not qualify). Where in Bologna can one get a PCR Test, and how long do the results take to get back? (Canada requires the test to be taken within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your last direct flight to Canada).
Try googling for private clinics in Bologna. You can also ask your hotel. When I had a PCR test in Milan I received the results in less than 24 hours but results vary. Ask when you are booking you appointment.
How do I confirm that they will take the antigen test vs PCR? Airlines websites (e.g., delta) talks about PCR. I am going back to RDU from Genoa, stopping at AMS. Please advice. Thank you
You can confirm before the test is administered. Also, Antigen test is less expensive. Lastly, it should say on your test results the type test that has been given. Happy Travels!
Is the Red Cross test at Termini valid for entry into the US?
Of course. I would not recommend it otherwise.
Hello, I am trying to schedule our Covid test at the Milan airport but the web site is only in Italian(Google will not translate). Do you have any suggestions on how to schedule or know another site from GSD that offers a translated version? Thank you
Any suggestions for the pcr test in or around the town of Amalfi…will need test done on a Saturday or Sunday as we depart for U.S. from Rome on a Tuesday very early. Prefer not to wait until Monday, that’s cutting it too close!
Thanks!
Hi John. Amalfi is quite small so it’s possible your only option may be Sorrento. Definitely ask your hotel. They will be able to provide boots on the ground advice for this specific need. If you take the test in Rome Monday am, it should be no problem. Cheers.
Great info! One question, the test result from the airport that you showed here, does not seem to contain all the info required by the US. (The private clinic ones shows more info). Are you sure the report they gave you at the airport testing facility is good enough to fly back to the US? It costs 20 euro.
This test was redacted to remove personal information. The testing center at the airport is accepted by all the major US airlines.
I am considering a trip back to Italy. Thanks so much for sharing this information! It was imcredibly helpful.
Hey, thank you for the detailed breakdown, this is very helpful!
Planning ahead, if my flight back to the US from Milan is in the morning and I’m arriving in Milan the day before in the afternoon, can I guarantee a time slot at the red-cross tent or should I book an appointment at a local clinic just to be safe?
I will be travelling from Cinque Terre that day, if that helps with making a different decision
The Italian Red Cross is first come first serve. You have to que up. If you are in a time crunch, it may be worth to pay a bit extra to have a secured time slot.
Do you know what happens if your test comes back positive? Can you self-quarantine or do they make you stay at a certain hotel? And are the test results uploaded anywhere or just a paper result? Thanks for doing this awesome research!
do you know if any testing happens on a weekend? I just got to Como (on a friday evening) with a monday morning return flight out of milan to the US.
It definitely happens on Friday. Please check the website of the testing center for details. I provided links in the article of the various testing centers I visited including the Italian Red Cross. Cheers.
Thank you for this information, it is really helpful. I have read in some places that a Codice Fiscale is required to view your lab results? Is this accurate?
That is true, but for non-Italian citizens, it is taken care of by the test center. No worries there. I’m not an Italian citizen and it all worked out for me.
Hi Angel,
We are hoping to get our antigen test at the S. Lucia Venezia train station on Monday, September 13 and we leave for the U.S. on the morning of September 14. Do you know their days and hours of operation? Thank you so much.
The days of operation and hours of each test center operated by the Italian Red Cross is listed on their website. I provided a link in the article. Happy travels.
We would like to get a rapid antigen test the day before we leave which is on a Monday. Do you know the days and hours of operation for the train station S. Lucia Venezia? Thank you!
Hi Emily. The hours for each Red Cross test centre is located on their website. I provided a link in the article. Thank you.
Hi,
Thanks for the helpful information. We are staying in Orvieto in early October, flying out of Rome. I contacted a pharmacy in Orvieto that confirmed they have rapid antigen test available. Do you know if a pharmacy test is sufficient for travel back to the U.S. ? I am finding vague/conflicting information on this question.
I just flew back with a test from a pharmacy in Rome. It was an antigen test and the negative test results had all of the required info.
can you use the tests given in ITALIAN pharmacies for covid re entry to USA? Bologna? Venice?
Yes of course. As long as it’s an antigen test or PCR.
I have a flight booked from Florence to London City Airport Thursday 21 Oct 21. I am a US citizen who has been full Pfizer vaccinated with booster. What test to I need to get in Florence that is acceptable to British authorities at passport control? Will I also be required to take another COVID-19 test at London City Airport? (That would be two tests, two countries, within 72 hours).
Great info! We will be finishing a tour of Rome in late September and will be renting an apartment near the Spanish steps… do you think there is a testing site near there? Or should we plan on the Red Cross @ train station?
Their might be a private clinic but its hard to be the testing center at Roma Termini Station.
A friend of mine is flying from Palermo tomorrow and wanted to see what is the best possible option to get the test done prior to departure. Can they go the day before and get tested ?? also are Red cross providing those test after working hours (i.e. after 6 pm) ?
Any recommendations?
Thank you
The Red Cross free testing sites have strict hours. As a matter of fact, they stop taking people 30 mins before closing.
I will also want to get my testing in Como City. Is it possible to wait for the result and get it in writing? I will not have access to a printer. Is showing the email on the phone sufficient?
I always had my test results emailed to in Como. But earlier this month the pharmacy in Rome gave me my results in hand with a physical paper. If you don’t have a printer ask whoever is administering the test if they can give you a paper copy. You might have to circle back and pick it up. But you don’t need a paper copy if you are uploading your results to an airline app or an app like Verifly.
Thank you, Angel. It was difficult to find out where to be tested in Rome without a Tax ID #, so this is very much appreciated. I will need at test to return to U.S. Sept. 21, 2021. It looks like I can do it at Termini, a pharmacy, or even at the airport (with an appt.). Please correct me if you have a couple of minutes, and I’m wrong on my info! Best, -Diane
Hi Diane! Yeah the whole Tax ID thing is confusing to us Americans but it shouldn’t prevent you from taking a test. I’ve taken several in Italy and have never needed it. Private clinics and pharmacies know how to circumvent that issue for us. There are many options for tests in Rome. I just wrote another article pinpointing the options. Here you go: https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/italy/rome/where-to-get-a-covid-test-in-rome-this-year/
Angel –
Were your test results from the Pharmacy in English and Italian or just English? We received results for test and each line is in English and Italian but the test result itself is “Negativo”. Did you fly with similar for your trip back to the US?
Yes it said “Negativo”. Still accepted by the airline
If you’re reading this blog, then you’re looking for the best testing options to fly back to the U.S. from Milan. Let me save you a day and a lot of aggravation by telling you that the information in this blog was extremely inaccurate and needlessly cost us a lot of time and stress. Here’s the deal:
1. You MUST have an appointment to get into any of the Lago di Como labs and you must make them in advance. You absolutely cannot walk in and you won’t find any open appointments in the next two days. Don’t worry – see my advice below.
2. Most of the transaction is in Italian only. I was able to get translations through Google chrome browser, but otherwise had to use the Google translate on my phone to understand what was required to book the appointment
3. The appointment will need to go back and forth via email with the lab to schedule an appointment. This took about 6 hours and Constantine checking. We had 3 people in our party, so three email exchanges going back and forth with no guarantee that we would get said appointment until the last minute.
4. We were able to get an appointment that was more than an hour away from our hotel and it wasn’t busy but the drive to and from took up a chunk of our last day in Italy. No one there spoke English. It cost 112 euros each to get PCR test results in 24 hours and in english, so 336 euros total
5. The test was one of the most invasive we’ve experienced compared to U.S. based tests. We were relieved when it was over. HOWEVER
6. Our results were not in in time for our flight the next day. So we went to the airport testing center and got our results instantly for 20 euros. There was no line. All we needed was the “rapid” test, not the PCR test. Super easy and super cheap
7. This blog led us to believe that getting a test in Milan or Como would be fast and easy and it was neither, and super expensive to boot, not to mention not getting the results in time.
8. Save yourself the hassle and go to the airport with 3-4 hours before your flight back to the U.S.
Hi Grace. Sorry you had such a terrible time with getting your test sorted out. It’s never fun to end a trip on a down note. Sorry you missed the part about having an appointment. I went ahead and bolded those call outs so its not missed by anyone else. Lake Como is a big place and distances take a long time. So, yes, if you are staying in Bellagio or Tremezzo, it is going to take about an hour to get there. That is how long it took me and I knew that because I google mapped it before driving. Also, keep in mind that travelers returning to the USA don’t need a PCR test. That’s in one of the first paragraphs but I will bold that so people don’t miss that important detail. If you are returning to the USA an antigen test will be accepted by the airlines. Various destinations require different tests. If you do struggle with Italian, in Italy, you can always ask your hotel concierge, hotel front desk, tour guide, driver or friendly barista to help you out. Thanks for your contribution and happy travels.
Regarding Milan’s Train Station; they do open at 7:30 but they close at 1500, not 2000. We found that out yesterday. Also, those of a “certain age” are brought to the front of the line. My wife and I are over 70 and someone took us to the front; I don’t know at what age they start doing that.
Yes they have now updated their hours and eliminated the afternoon session. Thanks for letting me know. I’ve updated the post accordingly. Thanks so much.
Hi, do you know how I can get home antigen kits. I will need to test myself every 48 hours to get into restaurants etc. Any advice, are they easy to find? Expensive? Etc.
You can get them from the supplier on the internet. I know many US based passengers who use them. I don’t know if they ship to Canada.
Thank you so much for posting this information and keeping it up to date! I found your entire website to be very helpful with planning my trip, tours, etc. I’m traveling in October. So excited!
Hi Susan! Thanks so much. We look forward to seeing you in October. Which tours will you be on?
THANK YOU!!! We’ve wasted a lot of time trying to find particulars about getting a test at FCO. This post had everythibg we wanted to know. I’ll be remembering you for the next time I travel and I’ll be telling my friends ….and I’m a flight attendant. ?
Thank you for all the details!
Thank you so much for the comment, kind words and referral.
Thank you for the great info. We just arrived back in the US today, Oct 1. We went to the train station in Palermo, Sicilia, just like you suggested. We arrived at 9am they already had 35 ahead of us. They must have opened earlier. We got tested and got our paper results in 30 min. It was free and easy. The rapid test was accepted to get back into the USA. ?
did you have listed the names of two different services that would come to your hotel in Milan to administer the covid test? I thought I saw but can’t find now.
Also to return to the USA can you get either PCR or antigen – does it matter which?
Thank you!
The transatlantic cruise I’m taking on 11/12 on MSC is requiring a negative test result within 2 days of departure so many thanks for this information! I’m a loyal fan now
Hi there,
Thanks for your very informative blog.
I am visiting Milan in Nov.
14 Nov Sun I will be doing a daytrip to Venice.
15 Nov Mon I am departing to Singapore at noon.
I need to do a PCR before departure either in Venice on 14 Nov or in the morning before 10am on 15 Nov.
All the websites are not being translated successfully to English and I have written to the embassy with no response. Could you advise on how long the PCR results take and also on where I can take PCR in either Venice or Milan early morning?
Thank you in advance!
Hi there. I’m not surprised the embassy didn’t write you back. It’s frustrating. My PCR test from a private lab there gave me my results in 24 hrs.
When I took my PCR test it took 24 hrs to get the results. Thank you.
Departing Florence to USA on Friday Oct 29. Cannot find online info about Red Cross test at the train station, is it still offered?
Hi there! Did you check the link to the Red Cross in this article?
Hello! We are in Rome now and planning testing to return to the US on 10/30.
I’ve seen the question raised but no answer about what happens if we test positive on the rapid antigen test. I wonder if they do a confirming PCR so that any false positive result would be negated?
Hi. Great info.
Two questions:
1. I’m traveling with my 12-year-old who is not vaccinated. Once we get a rapid test, how long is it good for, for him to travel around in Italy and see the sites? 48 hours or 72 hours?
2. I know you didn’t travel with a child, but how strict are they at checking the younger teens for their negative covid test to enter… let’s say…. Colosseum, Pompeii, Train Stations, etc? Unfortunately, he’s a very tall 12-year old, so I don’t feel I could get away with saying that he is 11.
1 – 72 hours is what gov websites say, but you should always double-check that with airline and gov websites. Rules change frequently, but luckily they have been changing to make things easier.
2 – I have been back and forth to Italy this summer and can’t remember a single time that I was asked for a vaccine card or health pass. So, for good or bad it does not appear to be enforced.
1 – if he is vaccinated you should be fine with the vaccine card between sites. That said, I have not been asked for any vaccine cards or tests while traveling around Italy.
2- Again, haven’t been asked for any documents traveling to major sites. This mostly happens crossing borders.
Hi – do you have recommended private testing locations in Rome, that are not the airport or the Red Cross? That are in English. Thank you
Did you see the pharmacy listed in the article? Many readers have had success there.
Hi,
Does anyone know if Red Cross still offer free COVID test near Milano Central Statioin?
If not, what is the best way to get an affordable test?
Thanks!
The Red Cross station or pharmacies are usually the cheapest options. Thanks!
What about driving between countries? We will be flying into Italy and then traveling on to France, Spain, and Portugal via car. Do you need to get tested to enter these countries? Will there be some sort of border patrol checking for test results?
Land borders sometimes have different rules and regulations. Let us know what you find in this comment thread, with some government website links, so others can learn. Thanks
I’m trying to find a Covid test in or around Florence. I need one on 31 December I am not getting lucky I keep emailing places if you have any ideas that would be great
Good News. We’ve now made it easy for you to book your COVID test in Florence. https://thetourguy.com/tours/florence-tuscany/florence-covid-test
Can you make an appointment for testing at the Red Cross at the train station in Milan in advance or is it first come first serve? We are leaving Milan to fly to the US early Monday AM. We plan to go to the Red Cross at the train station on Sunday prior to departing for our airport hotel. We were wondering if we should back this up with an appointment at the Milan airport Sunday afternoon. Appreciate your thoughts.
Pls don’t use the Red Cross station. It is closed and the Red Cross stopped the program. Pls see this article on getting a test in Milan https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/italy/milan/where-to-get-a-covid-test-in-milan-this-year/