October Italy Trip from US - Do I need a PCR or other Covid negative test prior to returning to US

Yes, as of this moment, you need either a PCR or an antigen test to return to the US from abroad.

Many airports in Europe offer covid test but you have to make sure they have the rapid results in time for your departure flight. Also there are pharmacies and pop up test sites in most places but again, check the turnaround time, the times when they are open, and whether or not you need appointment. Warning, if you leave on a Tuesday, you will have a slightly more difficult time finding a test center open on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

What small Piemonte hill town?

Here's another option depending on your airline -

• https://news.delta.com/new-rapid-covid-testing-options-coming-delta-purchase-and-pack-smooth-us-re-entry

• https://united.emed.com/

• https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2021/Pack-Your-Bags-and-Your-Test-American-Has-Customers-COVID-19-Testing-Needs-Covered-OPS-DIS-06/default.aspx

Also traveling to Italy (next week) and have the same question regarding return test requirements. Very hard to get a straight answer from United. CDC says have to have a negative test within 72 hours of return departure, but doesn't specify what kind of test (https://united.emed.com/ says regular Binax is no good, some kind of teledoc authentication is required?)

Has anyone returned from Italy in the last month?

Binax has two types of home tests: Home Test and Self Test. Both are administered by the individual but the home test is supervised by someone remotely.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/abbott-at-home-covid-test/

An antigen test is fine for return to the U.S. it has to be taken within the three days prior to your departure for the U.S.

@Steve- the test actually needs to be done within three days, not 72 hours. They will accept PCR or antigen. We are in Italy now. Most airports, train stations and pharmacies have tests available. Just Google Covid test near me, or ask your hotel where you can get one.

Here is the specific information from the CDC regarding testing:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

I just returned from Italy on July 17. I was in Rome for a week and was able to get the antigen test at a local pharmacy. That's the only one the US requires right now, being vaccinated didn't change that requirement to return to the US (rules change all the time). I did have to visit a number of pharmacies before I found one that was offering the test and had appointments on the day I needed it. Once I did find that pharmacy I made the appointment for the day before we were leaving; they had an almost immediate turnaround. We were required to wear better masks, not necessarily N95 though. I found FFP2 masks easily in the pharmacy. On the day of the test, we completed forms and were sent outside to a tent. They took the swab and directed us to return in 30 minutes for the test results. We received paper printouts (check carefully that your information is correct) with the results. I flew United and could take a picture to upload to their Travel Ready site. Just a note, though. Even though it was uploaded we still had to show the test results before we could get into the gate area and security. FCO airport also has a very large Covid testing area. Check your departure airport. We chose the pharmacy because we were leaving on an early flight and did not want to get to the airport an extra hour earlier for their test facilities.

No one can predict what the rules and requirements will be in October. I'm going to Italy in October as well--or at least I am planning to go. I'm keeping an eye on what is going on but I won't get serious about what is necessary until a couple of weeks out. And even then the rules could change.

I agree - we are 2 months out from departure and will rely on the most current info prior to departure. Even then it could change as we are overseas for nearly 4 weeks. Plus, Delta "conveniently" charges you $50 for a test, whereas you can prepurchase the same test for $25 at a local pharmacy.

A blogger at Points Guy is in Portugal and he packed 8 COVID test kits in this luggage. FWIW.