Can I travel to Italy from the UK? Latest quarantine rules and coronavirus advice

ITALY has been taken off the UK's travel corridor list.

It had remained one of the safe places to travel for holidaying Brits, but as of 4am on Sunday, October 18, going to Italy will mean quarantining for 14 days on your return.

What is the current travel advice for Italy?

The UK government had removed Italy from the quarantine list back in July, but it is now back on the list due to rising infection rates.

Transport Secretary Grant Schapps announced the new quarantine rule on October 15.

Italy's infection rate jumped to 64.4 cases per 100,000 on a 7 day rolling average, with 3.5 per cent of people swabbed testing positive for coronavirus.

Mr Shapps said: "We're also proposing an internationally recognised system, in which Britain would be a trailblazer, where tests and isolation take place prior to travel and after travel and would require no quarantine."

He said the measures would likely "result in significantly more people flying in the months ahead".

The advice states: "From 4 July, Italy is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks."

Will I have to quarantine in Italy?

Rules introduced last week require all British arrivals to have a negative coronavirus test before entering the country.

This must be taken up to 72 hours before travel, and cannot be done on the NHS – private tests can cost between £100 and £200 per person.

Brits who enter Italy without a negative test are able to get a free coronavirus test on arrival at the airport – while some results are within 30 minutes, you will have to quarantine at your hotel while awaiting the results.

If it comes back positive, you will have to quarantine. The Foreign Office states: "The time spent in quarantine can vary greatly from a few days to several weeks. Travellers should be prepared for this eventuality."


Are there any travel restrictions when in Italy?

Italy has recently enforced face masks even in outdoor spaces, one of the strictest measures across Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte explained: "From now on, masks and protective gear have to be brought with us when we leave our house and worn. We have to wear them all the time unless we are in a situation of continuous isolation."

Restaurants, bars and cafes remain open.

It is advised to check the region you are travelling to for any additional travel restrictions – anyone heading to the island of Sardinia, for example, must register before arrival.

However, holidays and flights are still going ahead as normal to Italy, with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways offering cheap deals to the mainland and the islands.

We've rounded up the best islands you can go on holiday to, which includes the islands in Italy.

Sicily is even offering to pay for some of your holiday to encourage holidaymakers to return.

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