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website that would give me a clear answer, but official stuff is all talking about 10-day quarantines which is outdated (IL's checked this was not required before booking!)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.

Thanks @Tatum1234 - that's a bit of relief to see in writing. I've gathered as much evidence as possible of what we need to do and still feel unsure we're doing all the right things! I think the main thing to do, as DC's cousin is coming too, is make sure both kids have the same ducks in a row.

@Tatum1234 - are the family taking them Italian (as in, might they have a better idea of what's expected)?

No they aren’t. They do have the same surname but I doubt that will help!

Well, we're pushing on, have bought a pre-test for Wednesday, they'll probably have to get some more when in Italy. MIL is now stressing everyone out and we're trying to coordinate over WhatsApp so that we know as much as possible is sorted. I have drafted a permission to travel letter for us to sign and will print our our COVID passes should they be needed. Now just need to book 2-day test for return, as I gather they need that booked before flying, although SIL has booked for her son, but booking doesn't appear to say much other than a test of some kind has been booked for her son so we're not sure how anyone is supposed to recognise it as a day-2 test.

NB, they all got there and seem to be having a lovely time.

However this has decided us on probably shelving Christmas travel plans, as it's just too bloody stressful! Might reassess nearer the time, but I can't imagine the situation will be any less fraught by then, in fact probably more so.

Good to hear! (not that you're thinking of shelving obvs, but that the others got there OK- was just reading horror stories on FB about 20 people on a Ryanair flight refused boarding in the UK for Italy- they are still trying to work out why!)

@Geamhradh

Good to hear! (not that you're thinking of shelving obvs, but that the others got there OK- was just reading horror stories on FB about 20 people on a Ryanair flight refused boarding in the UK for Italy- they are still trying to work out why!)

Agh do you have any info as to why @Geamhradh?

I'm supposed to be meeting a relative I haven't been able to see for 2 years in italy next week, getting very stressed about it!

I don't, sorry. It's the Holiday travel Covid 19 group which I follow.

A friend who went to Azores over summer said a lot of people weren't allowed on their flight. I suspect a sizable minority who just assumed everything was fine and managed to ignore all the email reminders to get tests etc, some who probably tried to get away, either knowingly or because they misunderstood, with free NHS PCRs etc

NB, I just found out they had a close shave at the airport - apparently they couldn't find anywhere to get a LFT for a 'green pass' for the kids in town once their LFTs from the UK were over 48 hours old, so they just did outdoor things, which was fine as the weather was nice and there was plenty to do, but they hadn't realised they needed it for flight back. But worth noting that you can't necessarily get an LFT in town if you need one!

Very luckily they were very early for their flight and the airport testing centre (which seemed to be the only place in town doing green-pass LFTs) was still open for another 15 minutes or so when they found out so they sorted it out.