Brits who are planning to visit Italy in the near future should take note that the UK has been added to the list of countries that must present a negative COVID test on arrival in Italy, along with other new additions including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Belgium. Travellers entering Italy from these countries join other "high-risk" destinations; Spain, Greece, Malta and Croatia. After a rise in cases, the news has been confirmed by both the British and Italian governments, with the Italian health minister, Roberto Speranza, announcing the news on Twitter along with updated regulations stating that face masks must also now be worn outdoors in Italy.
The British Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Italy, clearly stating that, "a negative COVID test is required when you arrive in Italy from the UK. You’ll be asked to show evidence that you tested negative in a test administered in the 72 hours before travel." To avoid unnecessary pressure on the health service in the UK, the FCO has also stated that travellers "should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate travel to another country" and that those planning to travel "should arrange to take a private test".
In the majority of Italian airports, it is also possible to get a free test on arrival, but take note that if you test positive, you will have to quarantine: the period is unknown but could be anything between a few days and several weeks. To be sure that your destination airport offers coronavirus tests on arrival, it is advisable to get in contact with the airport in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.