The latest news on travel to Italy.
Italy is open for travel from the United States, and I've booked a flight in September for a Board meeting of my High School However...
1) Flight options are limited and prices are high. Airlines that furloughed pilots during the pandemic are encountering delays getting them re-qualified, so the number of flight choices are smaller than they have been in previous years. As a result, prices are on the high side and seats are filling up.
2) Most flights are handled as "COVID free" to facilitate entry. You will need to provide proof of COVID vaccination and a negative COVID test within 72 hours, AND take a rapid test on arrival in Rome, where you will be subject to holding until the negative result comes back. The test must be booked in advance through the Rome Airport website and paid for (€20) CDC vaccination cards are accepted as document of vaccination for travelers from the United States. It is possible that, by September, US citizens will be able to register their vaccination on an EU “Green Certificate” vaccine passport.
3) As part of COVID contact tracing, the Italian Health Ministry is requiring a locator record be created for each inbound passenger. This can be created at online at an EU website once your travel arrangements can be made. When completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email that you print out and present to to your airline and to Italian authorities on arrival.
4) For return to the US, you will need a negative COVID test result done within 72 hours of departure and will need to prepare a self-declaration that you do not have any COVID symptoms. Turnaround for testing does not appear to be as quick as the 5-6 hours you can find here.
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