The first air corridor between the United States and Italy has been established, allowing travelers to fly to Rome without being required to undergo quarantine upon arrival, according to an announcement published by the Italian airline Alitalia.
The flight will travel between JFK Airport in New York and Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Rome. The flight plan will begin taking passengers for the “test period” from 8 December 2020 until 15 February 2021.
According to the announcement, this flight plan is called a “Covid-Tested” flight, meaning that only passengers who have taken a test for COVID-19 and have received negative results can board the plane.
There are two different flights involved in the plan: AZ609 New York JFK – Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci, and AZ608 Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci – New York JFK.
The rules and procedures for each flight are as follows:
AZ609 New York JFK – Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci
Passengers will need to present proof of a negative RT PCR or antigenic test upon arrival at the boarding gate; the test must be taken in New York City, and be no older than 48 hours from the time of departure. Another option is to take a rapid antigen test in the airport and receive proof of negative results to board; this can be achieved by showing up to the airport at least 4.5 hours before flight departure.
In the event of a positive test result, passengers will not be allowed to board the plane and will need to follow the guidelines set by the local health authorities.
Vouchers will be provided to passengers with a positive test result that are unable to board the plane; they will have 14 days to request the vouchers, and the voucher received will be valid for 8 months.
Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, passengers will then need to undergo a rapid antigen test. If the passenger receives. Negative results, they will be granted freedom of access to travel Italian territory without undergoing a quarantine.
AZ608 Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci – New York JFK
Passengers will need to present proof of a negative RT PCR or antigenic test upon arrival at the boarding gate; the test must be taken in Rome and be no older than 48 hours from the time of departure. However, passengers can also take the test at the airport in Rome, given that they arrive at the airport at least 3.5 hours before their departure.
If the passenger decides to take their rapid antigen test in the airport, there is a drive-in setup in the Long Stay Car Park that will test passengers for free. There is also testing available in Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Terminal 3, Arrival Area, Door 4.
In the event of a positive test result, passengers will not be allowed to board the plane and will need to follow the guidelines set by the local health authorities.
Vouchers will be provided to passengers with a positive test result that are unable to board the plane; they will have 14 days to request the vouchers, and the voucher received will be valid for 8 months.
Upon arrival at New York JFK, travelers will again need to take an RT PCR or antigen test, as well as undergo 3 days of quarantine.
The existing travel ban between Italy and the United States
There is unfortunately still a travel ban between the two countries, which limits travel mainly to only “essential” travel. The establishment of the air corridor between the two parties does not change the travel restrictions that are already in place. It is recommended that travelers make sure that they are allowed to travel before booking a flight. You can check regularly updated travel restrictions by-destination by clicking this link.
