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Original poster

Feb Half Term in Italy - are we mad to book???

17 replies

peoniesarejustperfect · 14/01/2022 14:48

We have been longing for a break, especially after cancelling our Christmas holiday in Scotland... So, now wondering if we could do a mini break in Italian city over half term. With two DC aged 13 and 11. Rome, Florence or Venice. Have found some info on the Covid situation, which doesn't sound great, but then i) it's not great here either and ii) it's still a month away. After that our next chance to get away together is beginning of August. Any thoughts anyone?

OP posts:
zafferana · 14/01/2022 15:31

This is the info about Italy published in The Times this week. As long as you can meet all the necessary requirements, I'd say buon viaggio and have a lovely time:

Italy
The land of la dolce vita has been readier than most to put in Covid-related restrictions, but as long as you can travel there without quarantine, you’ll find a country that never fails to enchant even in the most difficult times. Furthest north is snow-capped Alpine peaks and wooden chalets, while in the south Sicily serves dishes that show kinship with not-so-distant North Africa. In between these goalposts, the whole Italian game plays out, where you could find yourself driving a classic car to a villa at the end of a line of cypress trees, taking a motorboat across the lakes, or enjoying aperitivi on a piazza right out of the Renaissance.

Requirements
Fully vaccinated travellers do not currently have to quarantine on arrival in Italy, but everyone must show a negative test result: either a PCR taken 48 hours before entering the country or an antigen test from the 24 hours prior. There is also the EU passenger locator form to fill in. Children aged 6-17 inclusive do not need to quarantine if travelling with a fully vaccinated parent, but still have to test. Children under six are exempt from testing. If you’re using the UK’s proof of Covid vaccination or recovery as a pass for travel in Italy, make sure it dates from after 1 November 2021. Check updates on Italy here. For other details about Italy, see the UK Foreign Office’s Italy travel advice section.

In destination
Having been the first European country to be badly hit by Covid, Italy has been understandably strict in its ongoing requirements to use face masks and show a vaccination pass to access most areas of daily life. In many settings, including flights to and from Italy, face masks must be FFP2/N95 standard, not surgical or cloth masks. Vaccination levels are high.

Ditsy79 · 14/01/2022 15:51

We are booked to go to Italy in Feb Half term, at the moment it's looking okay to go. However I think they are reviewing if some regions will be put into 'orange' or 'red' zones which might change things...fingers crossed all round

Original poster
peoniesarejustperfect · 15/01/2022 08:02

@zafferana Thank you so much for the info and the links - that does sound quite positive!

@Ditsy79 I will keep an eye on that too. Fingers and toes crossed for you. Are you skiing?

We are still on the fence and can't decide...

OP posts:
Geamhradh · 15/01/2022 08:35

Your problem will be the 13 year old and obtaining a super green pass.
You need (from 10/1) a super green pass to eat outside restaurants as well as inside, to access many public buildings, hotels, transport, bars etc.
From 1/2 a Basic Green Pass will also be needed to enter non-essential shops.
The 11 year old won't need it, the 13 year old will.
www.wantedinrome.com/news/covid-italy-tightens-super-green-pass-rules-on-10-january.html

Geamhradh · 15/01/2022 08:41

The Embassy link only shows the regulations for ENTERING Italy, it doesn't seem to have been updated with the updated rules, (changed on 10/1 and will change again on 1/2) regarding the passes.
There are other threads (check the skiing boards) where posters are trying to find out if they can obtain QRs for the basic pass (vaccinated or recovered or negative test) and Super pass (vaccinated or recovered only)
I'd not book for Italy right now. Italy is behind the UK on the Omicron wave and cases are still rising. Obviously with all the new restrictions the wave will probably flatten out quicker than the UK one, but it's not going to happen for a couple of weeks.

Some regions turned yellow last week, (further localised restrictions) and more may still do so.

Geamhradh · 15/01/2022 08:47

www.facebook.com/groups/192439932359902/permalink/446313660305860/
This is a FB travel group link that I often use. Tbh, it seems to be updated more often and with clearer information than a lot of the official ministry websites!

INeedtobealone · 15/01/2022 09:27

We were booked for Italy in half term, not skiing, and have decided to move it mainly has we didn't want to spend the whole time wearing masks, even outside.

Ditsy79 · 15/01/2022 19:56

@peoniesarejustperfect we are hoping to do some skiing while in Italy (if we end up going). Our DD is 9, so I think exempt from vaccine requirements.

Original poster
peoniesarejustperfect · 19/01/2022 17:13

Thank you everyone. We have decided not to go this half term, but to plan for October instead. It all sounds a bit difficult at the mo! Going to London instead for three nights and going to really make the most of that. @Ditsy79 have a brilliant time skiing - fingers crossed for you.

OP posts:
ZZTopGuitarSolo · 19/01/2022 17:29

My parents have just had an absolutely blissful week skiing in Italy. They wore masks and it was fine. They said it was the best skiing holiday they've ever had - between quality of snow, and lack of other tourists.

MissAmbrosia · 19/01/2022 19:31

@ZZTopGuitarSolo

My parents have just had an absolutely blissful week skiing in Italy. They wore masks and it was fine. They said it was the best skiing holiday they've ever had - between quality of snow, and lack of other tourists.
That's nice. The issue is the Super Green Pass and teenagers though.
ZZTopGuitarSolo · 19/01/2022 19:55

That's nice. The issue is the Super Green Pass and teenagers though.

That's an issue for some posters but not all.

lightisnotwhite · 19/01/2022 20:28

@ZZTopGuitarSolo

That's nice. The issue is the Super Green Pass and teenagers though.

That's an issue for some posters but not all.

Er I think the Op’s situation is the issue in question. Start your own thread otherwise.

Or Op you could do a break to Spain? Visit a Spanish city Barcelona, Madrid, Seville? Flights are cheap.

HenryHiggins · 19/01/2022 21:12

You’ve probably made the right decision OP.
I wish I’d asked before booking!
Thanks to @Geamhradh this was news to me 😩😩😩 and having a recently turned 12 year old DS when we travel who will not not be vaccinated.
Have to admit I’m now super confused regarding the guidance as to how we obtain a super green pass for him without vaccinations and whether he needs both green and super green 😱😱😱 looks like we all need both but helllp it’s so confusing re how he obtains one! He’ll be 91 days post covid but looks like the NHS doesn’t offer covid recovery passes for kids

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 19/01/2022 22:32

Er I think the Op’s situation is the issue in question. Start your own thread otherwise.

Eh? I was replying to the posters on the thread who are not in the same situation as the OP, such as Ditsy79.

Sheesh...

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 19/01/2022 22:36

...and INeedtobealone, who had moved their trip because wearing masks sounded like being a pain. I mean, I thought I was reassuring them that it was worth it even though masks did have to be worn. But perhaps that breaks thread rules?

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