NHS Covid test accepted in Italy?

jonboy_2

I know that the NHS Covid tests are not designed for international travel, but if you happen to be in possession of a negative result, perhaps due to suspicious symptoms, being a key worker etc, 48 hours before flying, I wonder if either the free antigen or PCR test offered by the NHS would be accepted on arrival in countries like Italy? I gather Italy normally requires an antigen test from a private clinic, 48 hours before travel, but it would interesting to know if anyone who happened to have a negative NHS test result was allowed to travel.

JamoLew

I I really hope they don’t accept them as that would encourage people to be dishonest in order to get a test 

2childmum2

There have been people in the news recently who tried to use a NHS test and weren't allowed on the plane.  It didn't have the right code on it.  

Caz3121

examples of recent denied boarding due to not having a private test
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/passengers-refused-boarding-amid-testing-confusion/ar-AAKq8xc

epm-84

Official information for entering Italy can be found at the link below, it specifically states a NHS test will not be accepted and it must be a verified 'green certificate'.  It also states anyone arriving without an acceptable test certificate will be made to quarantine for 10 days and will then need to take a PCR test locally.
https://amblondra.esteri.it/ambasciata_londra/en/ambasciata/ufficio-stampa/news/2020/03/covid-19-avviso-per-i-cittadini.html

jonboy_2

Caz3121 said:

examples of recent denied boarding due to not having a private test
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/passengers-refused-boarding-amid-testing-confusion/ar-AAKq8xc

Thanks for the heads-up with that article, Caz. :)Yes, that's something that I hadn't thought about: i.e you are liable to be refused by the airline at UK departure check-in, who know that the NHS Covid tests  is not designed for "fit to travel", while perhaps the foreign airports may well accept them. For example, I know some friends as NHS workers, have over the last year or so, used their free Covid test which has been accepted as a PCR test in Egypt.

That said, while the general public should not abuse the NHS tests for international travel, I do feel there is a strong argument that NHS and key workers, after the last 15 months they've been through, should be given an exemption and allowed to use the NHS test they get at work for a well deserved sunshine break.

epm-84

jonboy_2 said:

Caz3121 said:

examples of recent denied boarding due to not having a private test
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/passengers-refused-boarding-amid-testing-confusion/ar-AAKq8xc

That said, while the general public should not abuse the NHS tests for international travel, I do feel there is a strong argument that NHS and key workers, after the last 15 months they've been through, should be given an exemption and allowed to use the NHS test they get at work for a well deserved sunshine break.

I disagree with you there.  Not all NHS workers were on the front line in the COVID pandemic, some were sat at home doing phone/video appointments only and some didn't even work during the first lockdown.  On the other hand some of those working in the hospitals were working for third parties e.g. cleaning staff provided by Soxheo.  There's also people who volunteered to help provide NHS services e.g. by being parking marshalls at test sites/vaccination centres.  Rewarding all NHS staff for the COVID pandemic would be like rewarding all staff who work in large supermarkets for Sainsbury's doing well. while forgetting to reward the Sainsbury's Local staff.