What are the COVID travel rules for Italy this week, need to know ASAP!

[Echobelly]

13yo DC is being taken to Italy for a long weekend by my in-laws at the end of the week. Now I assumed if I googled something along the lines of 'What are the COVID travel rules for Italy now' would direct me to a government website that would give me a clear answer, but official stuff is all talking about 10-day quarantines which is outdated (IL's checked this was not required before booking!) and no information about whether we need a PCR, an LFT and if DC needs any proof of vaccination (they had theirs two weeks ago) and if so, what. I literally cannnot find a straight answer anywhere but I know I need to book a test ASAP if needed, but I don't want to spend £££ on a PCR if an LFT is what's required (I get some impression it might be only a LFT necessary from tomorrow). I have googled various combinations of questions, but somehow nothing has turned up and answer.

He needs an LFT or PCR within the 48 (maybe 72) hours before he goes, he needs to fill in a Passenger Locator Form which you can find online if you google Passenger Locator Form Italy and if he has not been double vaccinated as I assume he will need to quarantine for 5 days on arrival in Italy and then take a PCR/antigent test to release.

Here is the up to date information:

If you are not vaccinated, or cannot demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated

If you are not vaccinated, to enter Italy from the UK you must:

fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for paper form if you do not have an electronic device
show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy
notify the Prevention Department of the local health authority of your entry into Italy. See COVID-19 Numeri verdi regionali for the contact details of local Italian health authorities
travel to your final destination in Italy by private transport only
remain in self-isolation for 5 days
take another PCR or antigen test at the end of the 5 days’ self-isolation

I dont' think it would really be worth it to go for a long weekend unless he is fully vaccinated because he needs to isolate for 5 days when he gets there and take another test to be allowed to leave isolation. He will also need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to eat inside any restaurant, go to museums or cinemas etc or travel on intercity trains.

I'm in Italy. Tomorrow the govt is said to be reviewing the existing regulations. I haven't heard anything about anything changing.
The 10 day quarantine became 5 days at the beginning of September but that has now been abolished if fully vaccinated.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/holidays/4382568-Travel-restrictions-to-Tenerife-Rome

Check the links on this thread from yesterday for both current UK govt and Italian govt advice.

The main issue I can see is that the gov website says that a non fully vaccinated minor is exempt from quarantine if travelling with a fully vaccinated PARENT. I don't know how that works with a grandparent.

And in Europe, fully vaccinated = two doses of the vaccine.

This is going to hit a lot of people over the next few months.

I'm surprised at the 5-day isolation to be honest. I am looking at another European country and isolation is not required so long as you have a negative test.

Thanks so much @Ontopofthesunset

I think I have found relevant bit and it says: 'Children under 18 do not need to quarantine if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent and (for those over the age of 6) have a negative test.' so it looks like a test is needed, but not clear which now. ILs are both vaccinated.

That text about under-18s from here www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements

Also fully vaccinated adults don't need to isolate:

'If you travel from the UK and can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate if you also:

fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) before you enter Italy to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for paper form if you do not have an electronic device
show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy'

I'll check with ILs they know about the locator form.

Are you travelling as well? Because the gov link says PARENT not grandparents

I noticed that about parents - we are going to send them with a letter saying we have given them permission to take our child out of the country, but TBH, they have the same surname and they're quite young-looking so it may just be assume they're the parents anyway.

@Echobelly

I noticed that about parents - we are going to send them with a letter saying we have given them permission to take our child out of the country, but TBH, they have the same surname and they're quite young-looking so it may just be assume they're the parents anyway.

That's not the same. They obviously need the consent letter anyway. This is Covid regulations imposed by the Italian govt.

Oh that's good about the under 18s and I would assume it would be the same with grandparents if they have a letter from you. I was only travelling with over 18s!

I was thinking it shouldn't matter as to whether they are travelling with their parents or not has no material effect on the likelihood of their being infectious, but of course logic does not necessarily apply for these things, and also, more significantly, I suppose in theory someone else in the household could have had a positive test the next day and sent them regardless. We wouldn't send DC off in that case, but I know others would.

I feel for you op, I had a nightmare trying to work out what to do for Italy recently, it's very confusing. I took an lft test with c19 and filled in a locator form but had to show my vaccine status everywhere I went. However after all the stress there were no checks going in they just waved me through. It was a joke to be honest.

@SapereAude - I know it's not related to COVID regs, was mentioning as an aside, but also in terms of it might be relevant in terms of in loco parentis

I've just filled in the questionnaire on your behalf on an Italian language gov travel website and it gives "parent" again, not "adult".
I'd try and ask the airline maybe.
Good luck!

It's occurred to me that maybe we should provide copies of our NHS pass QR code etc with the permission letter, JIC. Adding in our passport numbers, NHS numbers etc so they can be really sure it is definitely us. DH will be taking them to the airport, but obviously we're not there the other end.

I think that could be an issue. It very definitely says "parent" on both govt sites.
As you said, if the grandparents are both fully vaccinated it shouldn't matter, but it's best to check.
You need photocopies of all your docs to keep with the consent letter anyway.
I've been flying between Italy and the UK for 27 years, 18 with my daughter. I generally get asked for consent leaving Italy and entering UK when it happens. It's nothing to do with surnames really, though obviously they are more likely to check. (I used to work in this field before moving here) it's simply minors travelling without both parents.
The irony is when I bring a group of students over and need consent from dd's dad for my own daughter but not for the others I'm bringing!

@Geamhradh - do you know if they want birth cerificate (which I can provide) and letters to be 'notarised' in some way, or are they happy for one that includes all the contact details/passport details of the child/parents/grandparents and signed by parents to be sufficient?

I've never taken anything notarized, though I know that's recommended (and essential for places like the US and Canada)
I'd photocopy everything you have, better to have bits of paper you don't need and not be missing the one you do!
I take:
Letter signed by dp and photocopy of his Italian ID card, copy of our "stato di famiglia" which is a document showing that the 3 of us form a "family unit".
Half the time (more than half) I was never stopped, but sometimes I definitely was.

Thanks @Geamhradh - that's useful. I got the impression notarising was probably above and beyond. I've found some useful letter templates that give loads of info on us so will do one of those in next few days.

My children are going to Rome with their uncle and grandmother on Thursday. They are having a LFT on Wednesday and we are putting their details onto their uncles passenger form rather than doing their own. They will also need to test every 48hrs when there to get the green pass for access to restaurants etc.

Sorry if this is a thread hijack, but does anyone know whether the French "passe sanitaire" on the Tous anti-covid app can be used as a vaccine pass in Italy?

Is it the EU Covid Pass? @Languagethoughts

@Tatum1234, I think you probably need to check that they don't need to isolate for 5 days as both the Italian govt website and the UK one specify minors travelling with vaccinated parents, not other relatives/adults.

I’ve seen this on the Italian tourist board. I’m hoping it’s correct as they’re only going for 4 nights!

@Tatum1234

I’ve seen this on the Italian tourist board. I’m hoping it’s correct as they’re only going for 4 nights!

That looks ok then! Phew! It's all so confusing, I wish there was just one website (not run by the UK govt!) which had a section constantly updated for each country. Schengen eu visa site (I think it's called) is pretty good but still has some discrepancies. (Odd name as it's not just Schengen countries and nothing to do with visas really!)

I’m am still worried about it but their uncle insists it will be fine!