Currently, the only way US travelers can enter Italy, without a mandatory fourteen-day quarantine, is to take a COVID tested flight to Italy. There is some research and time involved before hand to fully understand the requirements, but I’ve already done all of that for you before my own flight. So, is it worth it to take a COVID tested flight to Italy? Here is everything you need to know about COVID tested flights to Italy.
Update: We’ve received communication directly from The Italian Ministry of Health Ordinance of June 18, 2021 (GU General Series n.145 of 19-06-2021), effective from June 21, 2021, envisages the following updates as regarding entering Italy from the USA:
- Entry from the USA into Italy can therefore take place by presenting, upon embarking, ONE of the three envisaged certificates to the carrier, and subsequently to the competent Italian Authorities:
1) anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, including the completion (at least 14 days) of the prescribed cycle of one of the vaccinations recognized by the EMA. Those vaccinated in the U.S.A. can prove this via the “white card” bearing a CDC logo;
2) recovery from COVID-19 (with a medical certificate outlining any necessary information);
3) negative rapid antigenic or molecular PCR test carried out within 48 hours of departure (proved via certification from the laboratory that performed the test).
- entry from the U.S. via these Certificates exempt travelers from fiduciary isolation (so called “quarantine”) upon arrival in Italy.
- minors accompanied by a parent/caregiver with one of the above certifications must always take the pre-departure Covid test if they are 6 years old and over; minors under 6 years old are, in any case, exempt from the pre-departure Covid test.
- Even with these Certificates, all passengers entering Italy are required, prior to departure, to complete a specific location form in digital format (https://app.euplf.eu/). Alternatively (in the event of technical difficulties), passengers can compile the specific self-certification form in paper format(https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2021/04/modulo_rientro_sintetico_25_aprile.pdf).
When Italy announced they would open up their borders for leisure travel to American tourists, I got on my laptop and booked a flight to Rome. It has been over a year since I visited Italy and I jumped at the opportunity of seeing the country without crowds of tourists. Yes, I had to take some extra steps, but for me it was well worth it!
What are the requirements to get into Italy right now?
The big 3 airlines — United, American & Delta — are offering COVID Tested Flights (sometimes called COVID Free Flights) allowing travelers from the USA to bypass the mandatory fourteen-day quarantine. The airlines made an agreement with the airlines to execute and help enforce the current regulations and requirements. They are flying from major cities in the USA to Milan or Rome.
At first, it was confusing because COVID tested flights (Or Quarantine Free Flights) from the USA were only departing from major airline hubs in the USA. The list of cities has expanded to several major cities in the USA to facilitate those connections.
I booked so early that it was unclear if my American Airlines flight from Dallas would be labeled a COVID tested flight. After some calls to my airline, my flight was officially listed as a COVID tested flight.
So it’s not a matter of booking the flight. The real issue is whether the flight is labeled as a COVID tested flight and meeting the requirements.
What are the requirements to fly on a COVID tested flight?
Passengers must present a negative COVID test (PCR or Antigen) 48 hours before boarding or 72 hours before arrival. The Antigen test option gives many travelers an affordable and less time consuming for testing.
The wording and execution varies by airline. In the case of American Airlines, unlike a COVID test result to return to the USA, the physical paper test needs to be shown at check in. United has an online portal for uploading results.
All passengers must fill out the EU passenger locator. The form is in English and can quickly be filled out before departure. I recommend filling this out a day in advance. The form generates the necessary QR code to enter the country.
There is also an app recommended by American Airlines named VeriFly which walks your through the semi-complicated process step by step to make it easier. Read more about it on American Airlines.
Getting Tested Before Departure
Even though I have traveled extensively during the pandemic, the testing process before my trip was challenging. I flew the day after Memorial Day, which presented limitations to scheduling my test. I was limited to an Antigen test because I departed on Tuesday, after the holiday, and Sunday, many testing centers were closed.
Tests are generally free in my area, so I scheduled two tests just in case I did not receive the results. My rapid Antigen test results were submitted on Sunday, and I received the results of my PCR test well after I arrived in Italy. I recommend the antigen test from experience.
The Day Before Departure
A passenger locator form is a standard form required by all of those traveling within the EU. It took me about ten minutes to fill out. I instantly received the email confirmation and QR code. After saving that email, taking a screenshot of the QR code, and having a paper copy, I moved onto the other requirements.
While researching information on the Italian government website, I came across a link to book a COVID test upon arrival. Since this is mandatory for entry, I looked into this more. Delt books and covers the cost of the test upon arrival. American and United do not cover the cost of the test. These airlines also do not cover the 20 EUR cost. Booking an appointment would be a huge time saver when I arrived in Rome (FCO).
Here is What You Need in Hand
It’s advisable to have paper copies of all of the documents needed:
- A copy of a negative COVID test result
- EU passenger locator from American Airlines typically uses the Verifly app for passengers returning home from the USA to upload their negative COVID test results. Unfortunately, this is not the case for COVID-tested flights to Italy. Therefore, checking in online the day before is not possible on American Airlines. That meant budgeting more time at the airport the morning of departure.
The Day of my COVID Tested Flight to Italy
I arrived much earlier than usual for my flight since check-in was not possible the night before. Also, monitoring for documents is compulsory. So even though I was connecting to Dallas from Los Angeles (then onward to Rome), all documents were checked in LA by the check-in counter.
Other than the check-in counter, the flight to Dallas from LA was routine.
My final flight from Dallas to Rome (FCO) was slightly unusual. They announced at the gate for passengers to have our QR codes ready to show at boarding.
Due to airline staff’s lack of training and confusion, it’s best to have proof of all documents ready. They are not responsible for your entry into Italy. You are!
During my COVID Tested Flight
During the flight, the crew did not mention the mandatory COVID test upon arrival. The flight operated as if it was any other international flight. The lack of arrival information about COVID tested flight requirements upon arrival was noticeable to me. We cannot rely on the airlines, even though they hold the operational keys to the kingdom.
Arrival in Rome (FCO)
Immediately upon deplaning, all passengers made their way through the queue to the first gatekeepers. These airport officials were looking for the QR code from the EU passenger locator form. The passengers who did not have it ready, available or completed, could not leave that area and were asked to step aside.
What else do I need to know about COVID tested flights to Italy?
Regardless of vaccine status, testing again upon arrival is mandatory for all passengers. The administration of rapid tests at entry points (Milan or Rome) is a new procedure for passengers arriving from the USA. The cost of the test is 20 EUR, payable by credit card. I recommend booking an appointment for this test to save time. Booking ahead helped me immediately walk into the testing interview section. Those who didn’t book a test had to wait in a long queue and fill out another form.
For those visiting Rome you can book an appointment here.
What to do upon Arrival in Rome (FCO)
Some basic questions were asked of me while sitting in front of a testing official behind a plexiglass cubicle. After a brief 5 minute interview and signing some documents, I followed the marked signs to the testing room.
As soon as I walked into the testing room at FCO, I was directed to a numbered cubicle and given a number. Even though COVID swabs are never pleasant, the test itself was not unpleasant. My passport was requested while awaiting the results of my test. Surrendering my passport is something that always makes me nervous.
Getting Tested in Rome (FCO)
The covid testing room is spacious, and there is plenty of space to social distance. The COVID administrators, military, and airport officials, far outnumbered the passengers this early morning. The nervous ten-minute wait to receive my results finally came to an end.
It felt good to have my passport in hand, along with a negative COVID test certificate. That document was checked, stamped, and collected before getting to passport control. I quickly snapped a pic of it just in case.
That whole process added an extra 20-25 mins to my arrival experience. After passport control, I was officially in Italy and ready to live my best dolce vita life.
Is it worth it to take a COVID-tested flight to Italy?
While I don’t believe COVID-tested flights will be around for much longer, they are definitely worth the extra steps. When you book a flight for 2021, you have to assume that you may have to take these extra steps and for me, it was no different than getting a vaccine to go to a Sub-Saharian country for a safari.
Again, as of June 2021, it is currently the only way to get into Italy without a mandatory quarantine. Returning to the land of Michelangelo, incredible Unesco World Heritage sites and one of the world’s greatest cultures is well worth the little time spent taking a COVID test or filling out a form. At the arrival airport, an extra 15-20 mins to take another COVID test is painless.
More links:
From AA:
From Foreign Ministry Italy:
https://infocovid.viaggiaresicuri.it/returningtoitaly.html
From Health Ministry Italy:
From Tourism Board:
http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/covid-19-updates-information-for-tourists.html
Passenger Locator Form:
https://www.euplf.eu/en/home/index.html
Regional Phone Numbers:
Rome Airport COVID Test Booking
Do you know if you can then take a connecting flight after arriving on a COVID tested flight? I am wanting to fly from Rome to Naples.
I honestly don’t know, but I would assume domestic is ok. I have heard that if you carry your vaccine card, if you are vaccinated, it goes a long way in Italy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this guide. This will be super helpful for my trip to Rome in July. I have a couple of questions:
– Does AA require you to get the Covid test from certain testing providers?
– Were you able to book your Covid test at a certain time in advance of landing in Rome? Or does simply filling out that form help you skip parts of the line? I was able to fill out the form, but not schedule my test for an exact time.
Hi! We’re trying to do what we can to get things back open.
AA requirements – From what we understand, AA does not require it from certain providers, but it has to be PCR or Antigen. The antigen is cheaper and faster from what we understand.
FCO covid test – Yes, I was able to book in advance which helped. You’ll get a form to fill out after you book. Delta does this for you but AA & United don’t.
Thanks for these notes. Super helpful. Where did you get tested? Did you have to go to one of the places that partners with American Airlines? We are also traveling after a holiday weekend so the mail-in options won’t work for us and the partner locations are not close to where we live.
Working to improve this article as we go. I got tested at a Patient first center and did the Antigen test. They didn’t require an appointment and got my results in 30 minutes.
How do I find out if my flight from JFK to Rome is a Covid-Flight? It is a direct flight and I have called American Airlines many times, and am always on hold forever and have trouble getting through to an agent.
Also, how was your experience returning to the USA? Where did you get your Covid test in Rome to return home?
American Airlines released a statement about the “clean route” to FCO and MXP. I didn’t call the airline first. I just booked the flight and they sent me all the info I needed about testing in a series of confirmation emails. I flew a direct flight to Rome and have a stop in AMS on the way back. I haven’t returned yet and will update the article on the way back.
I just wanted to say thank you for this post. I have been in a panic over the dallas to FCO flight I booked in July through AA and if its considered covid tested since the Italian Health website still doesn’t list it. I’ve also been getting conflicting answers from AA too so that didn’t help either.
We are travelers just like you. Happy to help. Thank you!
How long before the flight was it before you got those emails? I booked through a third party website an American hasn’t been helpful at all about my flight from dfw to fco.
Right away – here is the link they sent me: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/covid-tested-flights.jsp
There two links with steps. Lmk if you have any other questions. I might start a support group!
If we get an antigen test within the 48 hours before check in, will we have to get retested at the airport in the US before the flight? We are flying from JFK to FCO but are worried that we will have to get retested at the airport the day of the flight if they do not accept the antigen test. Thank you so much!
You’d have to contact your airline for exact specifics as each is different, but I did find this article that has a cool app recommended by AA called Verifly which streamlines everything. Also, DL your airline’s app as the AA app has good content.
Any idea how long they will require these COVID Tested flights to avoid quarantine? I have a trip to Italy at the end of July that I booked the COVID Tested Flight just in case. But I have another flight in mid-September and not sure if I need the COVID Tested flight or not.
That’s a safe bet for July. It’s hard to say how long they will last. For September, I would consider re-booking if things don’t change by mid-Aug
I am traveling to Milan in Aug from Dallas via British Air. Do you have any suggestions on how to determine if it is counted as a compliant flight? The British Air operators are unfamiliar with the “COVID-Tested” description. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks you.
This is not a Covid tested flight. Those are only on American, United or Delta from about 10 US cities directly to Rome or Milan. Hope that helps
Thank you for sharing your experience! I have been doing some research on whether I can fly from Rome to Venice once I have arrived on a covid tested flight. Question for you… is the covid testing site in FCO before or after you leave the security check point? My plan would be to schedule my connecting flight 2-3 hours after arrival, trying to find out if I would have to go through TSA again. Thanks!
The testing site is before passport control and pretty much when you get off the plane.
Sono veramente riconoscente per tutte queste utilissime informazioni. Grazie
Thank you for all this info. I’m trying to book a Covid-tested AA flight with airline miles, JFK-Rome non-stop for September. There is nothing on the flight (or any other flights) on their website that says whether it is a Covid-tested flight. I’ve been on hold with AA for almost 4 hours trying to get an answer! Their website has a general statement about JFK-Rome non-stop being a route that could be a Covid-tested flight, but nothing to confirm if this flight is or isn’t. I feel uncomfortable booking unless I’m sure and I can’t quarantine since I’m going on a cruise out of Rome (NCL, 100% vaccinated requirement). Any other way to confirm other than staying on hold for another 4 hours?
Hi Debbie. Don’t worry, your flight is a COVID tested flight of its coming from JFK TO FCO on AA. It’s not officially listed as that on their website which is confusing. Hold times right now are absolutely ridiculous so I’m sorry.
Back when I booked in mid-May I was worried my flight from DFW was not one either. In the end it is. It is all the way the airlines are marketing and giving information to their staff. It’s just not consistent and we as travelers suffer. But once you fill out the appointment to book your test in Rome upon arrival you will see your flight number. Hopefully by Sept, these flights will be behind us. Happy travels.
Thank you for your post. It is very helpful. My question is about returning to the US. I am seeing that you need a negative covid test 3 days before departure in order to board the flight from Rome to the US. Where did you get that test and how difficult was it to arrange? Thank you for any information you can provide.
Hi Marissa. Getting a Covid test is pretty easy in Italy now. There are many places including train stations and airports. A quick google search will confirm this. Also, your hotel should be able to help too. Since the USA accepts Antigen results, you will have no problems
Thank you for this helpful post! I am flying Alitalia from JFK to Tirana, Albania with a layover in Rome. I’m having a difficult time finding out testing information if I’m only in transit in Rome and not exiting the airport. Have you come across anything related to layovers in your research? Thank you!
Hi Melanie. You shouldn’t have a problem considering flights from the USA no longer have to test upon arrival. I flew in today and Sean last week. Neither of us had to test. Happy Travels!
Where did you get tested in Italy to get back into the US?
There is no shortage of places to get tested in Italy. For a quick international trip from Italy I got my PCR results the next day.
You can even get tested at train stations.
Remember, for the return into the USA an antigen test is also acceptable.
Thanks for this article. We plan to travel in December, but have Italian friends going to Italy this month.
That’s great! See you in December
What did they accept for your proof on Covid vaccination, a paper copy?
The white vaccine card with the CDC LOGO
Will any rapid test from a local US pharmacy be accepted?
Approved for what please?
Angel, thank you for this great article. Just to confirm does US travelers still require Antigen/ PCR test on Arrival in Rome? We are traveling with our child who is not vaccinated due to age restrictions. Also, we will be visiting other countries like Turkey and Greece, would you happen to know COVID testing rules for either of these countries?
Hi AV. No more testing upon arrival in Rome. I confirmed this 3 days ago myself when I returned to Italy from Africa. Sean confirmed it at the beginning of the week when he arrived from JFK. I hope that helps. Happy Travels!
Hi, does FCO airport offer any antigen test that satisfies the CDC requirements to return to US? Does the test result have to be in English? I am flying Delta between JFK and FCO. Thanks
Hey Paul. Yes. Sean is taking his test at FCO tomorrow. I’m taking mine in a couple of weeks from MXP. We will both upload redacted copies. I’ll likely post an article on getting tested in Italy. The key is to register before hand
Hi, does FCO have any antigen test centers that can meet CDC requirements for returning to US? Does the test result need to be in English?
Yes and yes
Hi Angel, thank you so much for this! I was just wondering whether you knew if the tests at Rome Airport to return to the USA are provided in English?
Thank you!
I was one of the first covid tested flights to Italy (test the day before day or and upon arrival, plus paper work for the ninistry of health) from there we have been in Malta. We return home in a few days abs I’m confused on what are requirements to return home to the United States we will fly Malta to Rome then Rome to NY. Does it have to be a pcr test like we needed before we flew out to Italy? Malta only offers rapid tests that are not pcr. We are both fully vaccinated from the US and originally were told that’s all we needed for return and now are being told we must prove we tested negative with in 3 days from return to the states but are not getting clear answers on what tests count (ie must it be pcr).
I was on one of the first Covid tested flights too!
All you need is an antigen test. If you have enough time, you can even get it at FCO in the arrivals section. But you should be good with the test from Malta.
I flew to Rome from JFK the day after you and we no longer had to take a covid test upon landing. Apparently they changed the requirement while we were mid air and were one of the first flights to land with no test in rome requirement…but do you know about exiting?
Hi Meghan,
Yes we’ve made many updates since it had been a quickly evolving situation. Pls feel free to also see the comments section as they are even more up to date as we reply daily.
I’m working on an article that will be published shortly regarding coming home. The short answer is that is should not be a problem and it’s fairly simple to get a test for returning home.
Awesome description of the process. My daughter and I just returned from Rome and your trip report was so super helpful.
We actually sat next to Sean on the way there and he gave us further insight. Keep up the awesome reports. Thanks for your help.
Hey Jenn
Yes he mentioned that. Did you get a mask? If so tag us on IG.
Your positive reinforcement is greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Thank you for all this info. I was trying to do my own research and make sure we had everything ready for our flight from Las Vegas to JFK and then JFK to Rome and Rome to Sofia. I wasn’t sure what a Covid tested flight was. We are getting tested before we go and I was unaware of the test at the airport in Rome, but reading the above comments, it looks like they no longer do this.
Hello. Thank you for this information. I will be traveling to Rome in December. I know things can change. But my question is coming back to the US. How do you get a covid test while in Italy to return to the US?
I’m putting the finishing touches on my article about getting tested. I just got tested today for my trip home on Wednesday. Check back within a day or two.
I’m flying to VEINCE on covid flight, but 10 days later I want to fly to Scilly will I need another test
Hi Ronda. You will be okay and domestic flights within Italy do not require a Covid test. Actually, covid tested flights from the USA are a thing of the past. All you need is your passport and vaccine card.
This is such a helpful article. Thank you! I have one question. I am flying from Atlanta to Naples, Italy but my layover is in Amsterdam for 1 1/2 hours. Can you have a layover in Amsterdam before flying into Naples or do I have to fly straight from Atlanta to another Italian city? We are traveling in September.
Hi Brittany. You may want to check the rules for landing in Amsterdam and transiting there. Landing in Amsterdam may cause you to have to test before your flight. You should check on that. If you were flying direct from the USA to Italy, all you would need is a vaccine card and passport (and fill out the passenger locator form). If you can change your flight to fly into MXP or FCO from the USA, it makes it a whole lot easier without any confusion.
Hi, I guess things have changed a bit since the article was written. For religious reasons, my daughter is unvaccinated. She along with a group of 5 others have a trip planned for 2 weeks, flying into Rome, visiting Rome, Capri and Lucca. With the new guidelines set to come into effect, should she plan to take a Covid test every 48 hours while in Italy? In the event that she tests positive, how does the 7 day quarantine period come into play? Does she stay at her hotel for 7 days? What about her vaccinated travel companions? Thanks for any information that you can provide.
Yes we have updated this article so many times because things change very rapidly. With the recent announcement it’s still unclear how unvaccinated travelers can travel within Italy without having to test so frequently. More info to come.
Thank you so much for your information! Very valuable. Will be flying to Rome on October 3.
Hi how busy was the airport to fly out of FCO airport near Rome?
It’s not been busy when I’ve been there or even when Sean went. But, it does depend on the day and time you are flying. I would budget serious time for this if you are doing it at the airport since you never know.
Bless you! We leave for Rome next week and haven’t found ANYTHING that gives specifics (ie is departure rapid test administered by airport staff, or must we get it before arriving at the airport?). This article and its associated links have answered most questions (even those we didn’t know to ask…!). Thank you!
Thanks so much for the comment and for reading. Don’t forget to check out our tours.
Making changes in the flight reservations is necessary sometimes. Alitalia airlines offer a free change period, in which you can make free changes but after the time expired you will have to pay Alitalia Ticket Change Fee. If flight changes is made due to natural disasters or technical issues then the airlines will not charge any kind of fee but the fare difference is applied.
https://airlinespolicy.com/flight-change-policy/alitalia-change-booking/
Alitalia went bankrupt and is no longer in existence
This article is so so helpful! I have a question tho so my husband and I are traveling to Rome Paris and Barcelona all within 7 days. Do we need to be swabbed everytime we go to a new country? Ouch! thanks again!
Thanks so much for your comment. Each country has different rules. Check out my Paris article https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/france/paris/where-to-get-a-covid-test-in-paris/
We just bought tickets from Chicago to Catania via Istanbul and Turkish Airlines. Because we’re stopping in Istanbul for a one-hour layover, will we need to undergo Italy’s 10-day mandatory quarantine? We have friends in Sicily and really want to visit them, but the quarantine would last the entirety of our vacation, so we may need to reroute to Greece. Ugh. Any help or thoughts you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Yes re-route for sure