Covid rapid tests at the airport: all the useful info

The way we travel has changed radically, if before we had to worry about not exceeding 100ml with liquids and remembering our toothbrush, now we have to bring sanitizer as well, mask and perform a swab before departing. Fortunately, airports and airlines come to our aid by allowing rapid Covid testing at airports.

As we know from January 23, 2021, in order to travel safely within the Schengen area, and in many cases even within the state itself (especially if you are coming from risk areas such as the United Kingdom), you will need to undergo a test for Covid within 48/72 hours of departure, depending on the destination, and report accordingly to the airport with the certificate of negativity.

Already for the past few weeks, however, fortunately, many airports have come to our aid and decided to set up areas set up for the administration of rapid tests, directly Inside the airport.

Swabbing at the Airport, how it works

As KLM makes known in a statement on its official Facebook page, it is possible to take advantage of the swab administration service by showing up at least 3 hours earlier of departure in the airports of Bologna, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Milan Malpensa, Turin and Venice. While as for Rome Fiumicino, it is necessary to go to the airport at least 4 hours before the flight.

It is not necessary to submit a negative test if:

• The passenger is under 13 years old
• The passenger is from one of the countries considered low-risk, such as Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Iceland, and other

Covid test, at which airports is it available?

Many Italian airports have established "Covid-19 Test Area", real facilities that allow us to buffer both on the outward and return legs of our trips, so let's see which airports offer this useful service.

Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino

For departures from Rome Fiumicino, the service has already been active since October; to use it, reservations must be made by filling out the online form on the Aeroporti di Roma website, but if this is not possible, it will be provided on site.

Milan Malpensa and Orio al Serio

Established the Covid Test Area at Exit 1 Arrivals, you can take the test every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., subject to reservation.

The result will be forwarded by email, so it is not a rapid test, there is no fiduciary isolation, but anti-county regulations must be followed.

Alternatively, a rapid antihygienic swab and molecular swab can be taken at Parking GO, the parking service, at a cost of 50€ for the rapid and 95€ for the molecular.

As for Milan Orio al Serio, the test is mandatory for those returning from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the service can be booked and the result arrives after 48/72 hours.

Turin Airport

Thanks to the collaboration with the Asl City of Turin, inside the Remote Terminal, between the multi-storey parking lot and the train station, it is possible to access the Covid Test Point, which allows us to perform serological tests with results in 10 minutes and rapid antihygienic swabs with results in 15 minutes.

The serological test costs 30€ while the rapid antihygienic swab 40€, in case of a positive result the passenger will be required to take a nasopharyngeal molecular swab at no additional cost.

Venice Airport

At Venice Airport, it is possible to undergo swabs for return home, especially if from high-risk countries; the service is free and does not require a reservation.

There is a dedicated arrival area, and the test is the quick test.

Genoa Airport

A "Health House" desk has been set up at the Genoa airport and is located on the departure floor, immediately next to the ticket counter.To take advantage of the quick swab, you will need to make reservations online or by phone on 010 964 1083.

The service is specifically for passengers departing for Amsterdam and costs €30; it has currently replaced drive-through, which are quick buffers that are done while sitting in the car.

Catania Airport

A Covid Area also at Catania Airport with a garrison established by SAC inside Terminal C with 20 stations.

Free rapid test and result in 15 minutes.

Palermo Airport

All passengers who are without a negative swab attestation within 48 hours of the flight can take the rapid swab with report in 15 minutes.

It is necessary to fill out a form and submit it in hard copy at the testing facility located in the arrivals area.

Pescara Airport, Perugia, Alghero, Reggio Calabria

Under the regulations, all passengers coming from high-risk areas, such as the United Kingdom, are required to undergo swabbing, which will be administered in dedicated areas within airports.

Vaccines will also be given at Rome Fiumicino.

In addition to swabs, vaccines will also be provided. In fact, the first large vaccination center at an airport will be established starting Feb. 15. Up to 3,000 doses per day will be given; the facility will be located at the long-stay parking area.

Initiative realized thanks to the collaboration of the Aeroporti di Roma company, Lazio Region, Spallanzani Institute and Red Cross.

• covid tested