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Driving from the UK to Italy

Travel Hacks August 28, 2021

With Covid restrictions, traffic lights systems and entry requirements constantly evolving and dissolving, international travel has fallen victim to unprecedented reforms. As we enter into a new era of international travel characterised by innumerable risks and uncertainties, we as a travel community have to think of new and innovative ways to travel.

This guide has been created to provide useful information and tips for those driving from London (United Kingdom) to Italy. It includes information on absolutely everything you need to know and what to expect in terms of routes, crossing borders and covid checks!

Driving from the UK to France via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Driving from London to France will be the easiest and quickest leg in your journey and requires crossing the English Channel. Crossing the English Channel is pretty straightforward as you have two options; by train or ferry. However, the quickest way to cross the English Channel is by train. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. Whilst on the overhand, the ferry takes approximately 90 minutes.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Tickets and Fares

All Eurotunnel Le Shuttle ticket prices include your vehicle and up to 9 passengers.

Ticket prices start from just £31 per vehicle, each way; although in reality, you would need a miracle to find a ticket for £31. Ticket prices vary in accordance with the length of your stay. For example, Day and overnight trips (1-2 days) start from £31, Short Stays (5 days or less) start from £73, Standard (any duration) from £91.

However, the general rule of thumb is that the further you book in advance, the cheaper the ticket.

Bookings made within 1 month of departure, you should expect anything within the region of £150 – £250 each way.
What to Expect using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

The process for boarding the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is simple. When you arrive at the Folkestone terminal, you will need to drive to a check-in booth.

At the check-in booth, you will need your booking reference number, passport and credit/debit card used. Once checks have been completed, you will be given a hanger, including your departure number and time. Your allocated departure time at check-in may slightly differ from the time you booked.

From here, you can either visit the Passenger Terminal Building (World Duty-Free) or drive straight through to the British and French frontier controls, where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked.

Once you have passed border controls, you will need to drive your vehicle onto the train and into a carriage! It’s worth mentioning that, unlike the ferry, you cannot leave your vehicle, and you must switch off your engine during the journey.
Eurotunnel Check-in (Arrive & Collect Hanger)

The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time.

There’s no need to panic if you are running late, as you can check-in up to 4 hours after your departure time. Previously check-in was only permitted within 2 hours on either side of your reserved time, but this has changed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Advance Passenger Information (API), Covid Requirements and Checks

Since the 1st April 2015, all UK ports and airports are required by the UK government to collect the passport or identity card details from every person travelling for processing by the UK Home Office. That said, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle requires that you complete an online Advance Passenger Information (API) form before departure.

Including in this process is Covid checks; depending on your vaccination status, you will need to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to depart. You will be required to upload either form of evidence onto the API portal. In addition to the above and irrespective of your vaccination status, you will need to complete and upload a ‘Sworn Statement'(Statement of Honour) to enter France.

The most up-to-date information on entry requirements for France can be found on the Foreign Travel Advice or Ministère de l’Intérieur. Though for those in doubt, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle portal does explain what information is needed prior to departure.
Covid Requirements and Checks for Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are relatively straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for France require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Complete an International Travel Certificate to confirm their essential reason for travel. If your sole reason for entering France is to drive to Italy, then your essential reason for travel is; “Travellers in transit for less than 24 hours in an international zone”,

2) Complete a ‘sworn statement’,

3)Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 24 hours of departure.

Travel Hack : Where to get Same-Day Covid Tests? (Unvaccinated)

The best and easiest place to get an instant fit-to-fly certificate is Lloyd’s Pharmacy.

It costs £39.99, and you get your results within 15-minutes. Lloyd’s Pharmacy offers walk-in and appointment services. If you intend to use Lloyd’s Pharmacy Rapid COVID-19 lateral flow (Antigen) test service (fit-to-fly), make sure you call the pharmacy beforehand to double-check that they have test kits.
Travel Hack: Cheaper Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Tickets

As previously mentioned, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time.

That said, when booking your ticket(s), you will find tickets vary according to departure times. Therefore, you may be able to save a few pounds by purchasing the cheapest ticket that is within 4-hour either side of your preferred departure time.

You will be refused entry to France if you do not provide proof of your vaccination status or if your covid test extends beyond 24-hours. Checks are carried out at Folkestone.

Driving from France to Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Driving from Calais to Italy will be the longest and most flexible leg of your journey. With several routes on offer, deciding which route to take will depend on several factors. However, we would recommend the A26 via the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This route avoids Switzerland, and for the most part, it is one of the fastest routes to Italy and the best route for first-time drivers in Europe.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Arriving in Calais)

Arriving in Calais and continuing your onwards journey to Italy is incredibly fast and simple. The Eurotunnel Le Tunnel Calais terminal provides quick and easy motorway access.

What is more, you are not required to go through any border controls or security checks, as all relevant verifications and checks were carried as part of the pre-departure process at Folkestone.
Estimated Journey Time(s)
Depending on where you intend to visit in Italy, you should expect a journey time starting from anything between 9 to 25 hours (excluding breaks).
- Calais to Milan, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1130 km: 11 hours
- Calais to Venice, via Grand-Saint Bernard Tunnel, 1341 km: 13 hours
- Calais to Florence, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1445 km: 14 hours
- Calais to Rome, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1700 km: 16 hours
- Calais to Naples, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1899 km: 18 hours
- Calais to Scilla, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 2358 km: 23 hours
- Calais to Catania (Sicily), via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 2358 km: 25 hours
Requirements to Drive in France
To drive in France, you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

When driving in France, the must carry the following documents:

Full, valid driving licence

Proof of Insurance

Proof of ID (Passport)

Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
Vehicle Requirements in France
While driving in France, by law, you must carry the following items:

Reflective jackets (Must be kept inside the vehicle, within reach)

Warning triangle (Compulsory in every vehicle with 4 wheels or more)

Headlamp beam deflectors (Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

Spare bulbs (It is recommended but not mandatory that you carry an extra bulb kit for your vehicle)

Motorcyclists (Safety helmets are compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles. Helmets must have reflective elements as per paragraph 6.16 of ECE regulation 22-04.)

To note: The best and easiest way to obtain the above is by purchasing a French Driving Kit. Kits are sold on Amazon and start from £20. The kit we could recommend is the AA Euro Kit – For driving in France and Europe.
Rules of the Road in France
Overtaking & Passing

As a general rule, drive on the right, overtake on the left. However, where traffic is in lanes, vehicles may overtake other vehicles on the right in slower-moving lanes.

On steep gradients, vehicles travelling downhill must give way to vehicles travelling uphill.

Priority

At intersections, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from their right unless otherwise indicated.

Road users must give way to police and fire brigade vehicles and ambulances.

Warning of Approach

The horn must be only used to give necessary warnings to other road users.

Towing

Motorists can tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of 750kg

It is illegal to carry people in a moving caravan.
Speed Limits in France
The following national speed limits apply:

Urban areas: 50 km/h

Rural areas: 80km/h – 90km/h

Dual carriageways: 100 km/h – 110 km/h

Motorways: 110 km/h – 130 km/h

Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines, and your vehicle and licence could be confiscated.
Fuel and Toll Costs
Fuel and toll costs will depend largely on the size and weight of your vehicle.

However, the below provides you with an estimate of the costs of driving from France to Italy in a 1.5l diesel.
- Fuel: £100 (based on 2 full tanks of diesel and covering approximately 1100km)
- Motorway Tolls: £60
- Mont Black Tunnel: £40
In total, a one-way journey from France to Italy is expected to cost no less than £200 in a 1.5l diesel.
France to Italy Border (Covid Requirements and Checks)

Crossing the France – Italy border by road is simple, and absolutely zero Covid checks are carried out.

That said, you will not be required to show proof of your vaccination status or a negative covid test, nor are you required to show proof of completion of any of the documents outlined in the Italian entry requirements, namely the European Digital Passenger Locator Form.

All in all, the only requirement that you must meet to cross the border is having the funds to pay border-crossing fees.

To note: In the unlikely event that the Border Crossing Police stop you, you may be required to show proof of documents outlined above.
Covid Requirements and Checks for Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are quite straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for Italy require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 48 hours of departure

2) Complete a European Passenger Locator Form

3) Self-isolate (quarantine) for 5 days. You will need to contact the Regional Health Office (ASL) to inform them where you will be completing your self-isolation period. You will also be required to take another Covid test at the end of the 5 day self-isolation period.

Travel Advice: Best Driving Routes (France to Italy)
Driving from the UK to Italy is a mammoth journey, and it is important not to forget that you have total control over the overall experience.

In deciding what route to take from France to Italy; you should consider the points below:
1. Are scenic experiences more important than journey time?
2. Do you want to include city or regional stops in your journey?
3. How quickly do you want to arrive in Italy?
Scenic Experience Route
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Great Saint Bernard Pass. Often said to be one of the most beautiful routes with an abundance of peaks, waterfalls and lakes. You will quite literally find yourself in complete awe driving through the Swiss Alps.
City or Reginal Stops Route
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Lucerne, Switzerland. Frequently referred to as the Belgium option, this is the perfect route if you want to get the most out of your experience. Quick detours could include visiting Luxembourg (Belgium), Strasbourg and Colmar (France), Basel and Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) and Como or Lake Como (Italy).
Quickest Route:
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Mont Blanc Tunnel. Regarded as one of the quickest routes from Calais to Italy. And although it is not the most scenic route, this route does include driving through Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. If you decide to take this route, it is worth noting that Mont Blanc is breathtakingly beautiful!
Travel Advice: Best Driving Route for First Time Drivers
Warning: Speeding Fines in France

Speeding is not only dangerous but also could result in heavy, on the spot fines, and your vehicle and licence being confiscated.

The standard speeding fine in France is 135 euros. However, if you pay this within 15 days it’s 90 euros. If you pay it after 45 days, it is 375 euros. If the offence warrants a trial, the maximum fine can be up to 750 euros.

Though, if the police stop you, you’ll be required to pay the fine (90 euros) on the spot.

Arriving in Italy via Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Sicily

With a width of 381 km (237 mi) and a length of 1,185 km (736 mi), and home to the world’s largest number of UNESCO world heritage sites, Italy is one of the most impeccable places to visit in Europe.Having covered over 1000km, for some, arriving in Italy will signal your journey coming to an end, and for others, that your journey is just about to begin, both metaphorically and literally.

Estimated Journey Time(s)
Depending on the route you have taken and where you intend to visit in Italy, from Milan, you should expect a journey time starting from anything between 1 to 15 hours (excluding breaks).
- Milan to Lake Como, via A9, 87 km: 1.5 hours
- Milan to Genoa, via A7, 147 km: 2 hours
- Milan to Venice, via A4, 270 km: 3 hours
- Milan to Bologna, via A1, 216 km: 3 hours
- Milan to Florence, via A1, 308 km: 4 hours
- Milan to Rome, via A1, 574 km: 6 hours
- Milan to Naples, via A1, 744 km: 8 hours
- Milan to Bari, via A14, 886 km: 9 hours
- Milan to Scilla, via A1, 1227 km: 12 hours
- Milan to Catania (Sicily), via A1, 1342 km: 14 hours
Requirements To Drive In Italy
To drive in Italy, you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

When driving in Italy, the must carry the following documents:

Full, valid driving licence

Proof of Insurance

Proof of ID (Passport)

Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
Vehicle Requirements In Italy
While driving in Italy, by law, you must carry the following items:

Reflective jackets (Must be kept inside the vehicle, within reach)

Warning triangle (Compulsory in every vehicle with 4 wheels or more)

Headlamp beam deflectors (Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

Motorcyclists (Safety helmets are compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles.

To note: The best and easiest way to obtain the above is by purchasing a European Driving Kit. Kits are sold on Amazon and start from £20. The kit we could recommend is the AA Euro Kit – For driving in France and Europe.
Rules Of The Road In Italy
Overtaking & Passing

Overtaking is illegal on and approaching level crossings, at bends, on the brow of a hill, at intersections, and when visibility is limited. It is also prohibited to overtake a vehicle that’s slowed to allow pedestrians to use a crossing.

Trams can be overtaken on the right if there’s enough space. Likewise, in one-way streets, you can overtake a tram on the left if there’s enough room.

Priority

As a general rule, you must give priority to vehicles coming from the right or on rails unless indicated. Pedestrians on crossings and cyclists near cycle paths also have priority.

Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails have priority over other road users.

On some mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, the descending vehicle must reverse to a passing point. If two vehicles cannot pass on a road, you must give priority to the heavier vehicle.

Warning of Approach

You can use your horn to warn other drivers.

In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed at any time, except in an emergency. If you need to give a warning, flash your lights instead.

In rural areas, the use of a horn is compulsory if circumstances require it. A horn should always be used by motorists carrying injured or seriously ill persons regardless of imposed limits.

Towing

Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 12 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
Speed Limits In Italy
The following national speed limits apply:

Urban areas: 50 km/h

Rural areas: 90km/h

Dual carriageways: 110 km/h

Motorways: 130 km/h
Italian Toll Charges

Travel Advice: Driving From Mainland Italy To Sicily
Driving from mainland Italy to Sicily is relatively straightforward as you have many options. In deciding what route to take from the mainland to Sicily; you should consider the points below:
1. What is your budget?
2. How quickly do you want to arrive in Sicily?
3. Where do you intend to visit in Sicily?
Quickest Car Ferry Crossing
- Villa San Giovanni, Calabria to Messina, Italy, offers one of the quickest ferry crossings and the best option if you intend to visit Catania. Located in the deep south of Italy, crossing at Villa San Giovanni is the perfect option for an authentic Italian road trip.
- This option could be combined with visits to iconic Italian destinations such as Florence, Rome, Pompeii, the Almafi Coast and Scillia, to name a few.
Giovanni ferry costs €39 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Avoids driving from the north to the south of Italy

Genoa, Italy to Palermo, Sicily is the best option to avoid driving from the north to the south of Italy.

Located approximately 2 hours from Milan, you could combine this route with visiting iconic Italian destinations such as Lake Como, Cinque Terre and Portofino.

Grandi Navi Veloci ferry cost approximately €300 and takes 20-hours.
Travel Recommendation: First Time Drivers

Glacier-Point-Road-Yosemite-Village-CA-USA

Returning to the UK Journey inc Coronavirus Information

Now that you have driven from the UK to Italy, returning to the UK will be pretty straightforward. Though, grey areas may arise in terms of obtaining covid tests for your return journey. We recommend contacting the Italian Coronavirus Helpline for information and advice on your nearest covid testing facility.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Departing from Calais)

The general boarding process, including security checks, is identical to the process at the Folkestone terminal. That said, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time, and on departure, you will need to pass through British and French frontier controls.
Bringing goods into the UK
Returning to the UK from Italy by car means that you can capitalise on your personal allowance. Your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty.

When you’re bringing in goods, you must:
- transport them yourself
- use them yourself or give them away as a gift
If you go over your allowances, you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category.

Alcohol Allowance

How much you can bring depends on the type of alcohol. You can bring in:
- beer – 42 litres
- wine (not sparkling) – 18 litres
You can also bring in either:
- spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol – 4 litres
- fortified wine (for example, port, sherry), sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol – 9 litres
You can split this last allowance; for example, you could bring 4.5 litres of fortified wine and 2 litres of spirits (both half of your allowance).

Tobacco Allowance

You can bring in one from the following:
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250g tobacco
- 200 sticks of tobacco for electronically heated tobacco devices
You can split this allowance – so you could bring in 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (both half of your allowance).

Other Goods

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat). If you go over your allowance, you pay tax and duty on the total value of the goods, not just the value above the allowance. You may have to pay import VAT and customs duty if you exceed your allowance.
Declaring goods made or produced in the EU
You do not need to pay any tax or duties on personal goods you bring into Great Britain as long as they are within your personal allowances.

If the goods are over your allowances, you will need to:
- declare them
- pay any customs duty due
- pay any excise duty due (for tobacco or alcohol)
- pay any import VAT due
UK Entry Requirements And Checks For Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are relatively straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for the UK require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 72 hours of departure,

2) Book and pay for day 2 and day 8 Covid-19 PCR tests, to be taken after arrival in England,

3) Complete a Passenger Locator Form.
UK Quarantine Rules (Unvaccinated)
After you arrive in England you must:
- quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days
- take your COVID-19 PCR tests – you must book these tests before you travel
You must take the first test on or before day 2 and the second test on or after day 8. The day you arrive is day 0. If your day 2 test is positive, you do not have to take a day 8 test.

If you are in England for less than 10 days, you need to quarantine for the time you are here. In addition, you need to book day 2 and day 8 PCR tests. You only need to take the tests if you are still in England on those days.

Travel Hack: Passenger Locator Form (Unvaccinated)

To enter the UK, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. The passenger locator form requires that you provide information on your recent trip(s) before entering the UK, where you intend to stay in the UK and proof of your vaccination status or booking reference for day 2 and day 8 Covid -19 PCR tests.

The Passenger Locator Form accepts the booking reference number for day 2 and day 8 covid tests and test-to-release.
Warning: Quarantine Visits (Unvaccinated)

NHS Test and Trace perform checks by phone and in-person on people who have a legal duty to quarantine at home after travelling abroad.

If you have to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after international travel, NHS Test and Trace will contact you to confirm you’re following quarantine rules. This may include in-person visits by an NHS Test and Trace officer.

NHS Test and Trace Checks

By phone, NHS Test and Trace will ask if you have booked all relevant covid tests. However, you will not be required to provide proof.

In-person visit, NHS Test and Trace will request to see identification for all relevant persons. You will be asked to confirm that you are following quarantine rules. You will not be required to show proof that you have booked or undertaken covid tests.
Travel Hack: Cheap Test To Release Tests (Unvaccinated)

If you wish to cut your 10-day quarantine short, you can do a Test to Release on Day 5.

One of the best and most reasonably priced places to buy day 5 Covid-19 test to release PCR tests is BioGroup Laboratory. At-home Test to Release tests costs £49.99.

Note: Instead of mailing your test, you can drop your kit off at one of their local labs. Results will still be available within 24-hours, though in-person drop off increases the chances of receiving same-day results.
Travel Hack: Cheap Day 2 Lateral Flow Antigen Test (Vaccinated)

NHS Test and Trace carries out checks by phone and in person on people who have a legal duty to quarantine at home after travelling abroad.

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Driving from the UK to France via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Tickets and Fares

All Eurotunnel Le Shuttle ticket prices include your vehicle and up to 9 passengers.

Ticket prices start from just £31 per vehicle, each way; although in reality, you would need a miracle to find a ticket for £31. Ticket prices vary in accordance with the length of your stay. For example, Day and overnight trips (1-2 days) start from £31, Short Stays (5 days or less) start from £73, Standard (any duration) from £91.

However, the general rule of thumb is that the further you book in advance, the cheaper the ticket.

Bookings made within 1 month of departure, you should expect anything within the region of £150 – £250 each way.
What to Expect using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

The process for boarding the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is simple. When you arrive at the Folkestone terminal, you will need to drive to a check-in booth.

At the check-in booth, you will need your booking reference number, passport and credit/debit card used. Once checks have been completed, you will be given a hanger, including your departure number and time. Your allocated departure time at check-in may slightly differ from the time you booked.

From here, you can either visit the Passenger Terminal Building (World Duty-Free) or drive straight through to the British and French frontier controls, where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked.

Once you have passed border controls, you will need to drive your vehicle onto the train and into a carriage! It’s worth mentioning that, unlike the ferry, you cannot leave your vehicle, and you must switch off your engine during the journey.
Eurotunnel Check-in (Arrive & Collect Hanger)

The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time.

There’s no need to panic if you are running late, as you can check-in up to 4 hours after your departure time. Previously check-in was only permitted within 2 hours on either side of your reserved time, but this has changed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Advance Passenger Information (API), Covid Requirements and Checks

Since the 1st April 2015, all UK ports and airports are required by the UK government to collect the passport or identity card details from every person travelling for processing by the UK Home Office. That said, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle requires that you complete an online Advance Passenger Information (API) form before departure.

Including in this process is Covid checks; depending on your vaccination status, you will need to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to depart. You will be required to upload either form of evidence onto the API portal. In addition to the above and irrespective of your vaccination status, you will need to complete and upload a ‘Sworn Statement'(Statement of Honour) to enter France.

The most up-to-date information on entry requirements for France can be found on the Foreign Travel Advice or Ministère de l’Intérieur. Though for those in doubt, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle portal does explain what information is needed prior to departure.
Covid Requirements and Checks for Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are relatively straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for France require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Complete an International Travel Certificate to confirm their essential reason for travel. If your sole reason for entering France is to drive to Italy, then your essential reason for travel is; “Travellers in transit for less than 24 hours in an international zone”,

2) Complete a ‘sworn statement’,

3)Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 24 hours of departure.

Travel Hack : Where to get Same-Day Covid Tests? (Unvaccinated)

The best and easiest place to get an instant fit-to-fly certificate is Lloyd’s Pharmacy.

It costs £39.99, and you get your results within 15-minutes. Lloyd’s Pharmacy offers walk-in and appointment services. If you intend to use Lloyd’s Pharmacy Rapid COVID-19 lateral flow (Antigen) test service (fit-to-fly), make sure you call the pharmacy beforehand to double-check that they have test kits.
Travel Hack: Cheaper Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Tickets

As previously mentioned, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time.

That said, when booking your ticket(s), you will find tickets vary according to departure times. Therefore, you may be able to save a few pounds by purchasing the cheapest ticket that is within 4-hour either side of your preferred departure time.

You will be refused entry to France if you do not provide proof of your vaccination status or if your covid test extends beyond 24-hours. Checks are carried out at Folkestone.

Driving from France to Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Arriving in Calais)

Arriving in Calais and continuing your onwards journey to Italy is incredibly fast and simple. The Eurotunnel Le Tunnel Calais terminal provides quick and easy motorway access.

What is more, you are not required to go through any border controls or security checks, as all relevant verifications and checks were carried as part of the pre-departure process at Folkestone.
Estimated Journey Time(s)
Depending on where you intend to visit in Italy, you should expect a journey time starting from anything between 9 to 25 hours (excluding breaks).
- Calais to Milan, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1130 km: 11 hours
- Calais to Venice, via Grand-Saint Bernard Tunnel, 1341 km: 13 hours
- Calais to Florence, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1445 km: 14 hours
- Calais to Rome, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1700 km: 16 hours
- Calais to Naples, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 1899 km: 18 hours
- Calais to Scilla, via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 2358 km: 23 hours
- Calais to Catania (Sicily), via Mont Blanc Tunnel, 2358 km: 25 hours
Requirements to Drive in France
To drive in France, you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

When driving in France, the must carry the following documents:

Full, valid driving licence

Proof of Insurance

Proof of ID (Passport)

Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
Vehicle Requirements in France
While driving in France, by law, you must carry the following items:

Reflective jackets (Must be kept inside the vehicle, within reach)

Warning triangle (Compulsory in every vehicle with 4 wheels or more)

Headlamp beam deflectors (Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

Spare bulbs (It is recommended but not mandatory that you carry an extra bulb kit for your vehicle)

Motorcyclists (Safety helmets are compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles. Helmets must have reflective elements as per paragraph 6.16 of ECE regulation 22-04.)

To note: The best and easiest way to obtain the above is by purchasing a French Driving Kit. Kits are sold on Amazon and start from £20. The kit we could recommend is the AA Euro Kit – For driving in France and Europe.
Rules of the Road in France
Overtaking & Passing

As a general rule, drive on the right, overtake on the left. However, where traffic is in lanes, vehicles may overtake other vehicles on the right in slower-moving lanes.

On steep gradients, vehicles travelling downhill must give way to vehicles travelling uphill.

Priority

At intersections, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from their right unless otherwise indicated.

Road users must give way to police and fire brigade vehicles and ambulances.

Warning of Approach

The horn must be only used to give necessary warnings to other road users.

Towing

Motorists can tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of 750kg

It is illegal to carry people in a moving caravan.
Speed Limits in France
The following national speed limits apply:

Urban areas: 50 km/h

Rural areas: 80km/h – 90km/h

Dual carriageways: 100 km/h – 110 km/h

Motorways: 110 km/h – 130 km/h

Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines, and your vehicle and licence could be confiscated.
Fuel and Toll Costs
Fuel and toll costs will depend largely on the size and weight of your vehicle.

However, the below provides you with an estimate of the costs of driving from France to Italy in a 1.5l diesel.
- Fuel: £100 (based on 2 full tanks of diesel and covering approximately 1100km)
- Motorway Tolls: £60
- Mont Black Tunnel: £40
In total, a one-way journey from France to Italy is expected to cost no less than £200 in a 1.5l diesel.
France to Italy Border (Covid Requirements and Checks)

Crossing the France – Italy border by road is simple, and absolutely zero Covid checks are carried out.

That said, you will not be required to show proof of your vaccination status or a negative covid test, nor are you required to show proof of completion of any of the documents outlined in the Italian entry requirements, namely the European Digital Passenger Locator Form.

All in all, the only requirement that you must meet to cross the border is having the funds to pay border-crossing fees.

To note: In the unlikely event that the Border Crossing Police stop you, you may be required to show proof of documents outlined above.
Covid Requirements and Checks for Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are quite straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for Italy require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 48 hours of departure

2) Complete a European Passenger Locator Form

3) Self-isolate (quarantine) for 5 days. You will need to contact the Regional Health Office (ASL) to inform them where you will be completing your self-isolation period. You will also be required to take another Covid test at the end of the 5 day self-isolation period.

Travel Advice: Best Driving Routes (France to Italy)
Driving from the UK to Italy is a mammoth journey, and it is important not to forget that you have total control over the overall experience.

In deciding what route to take from France to Italy; you should consider the points below:
1. Are scenic experiences more important than journey time?
2. Do you want to include city or regional stops in your journey?
3. How quickly do you want to arrive in Italy?
Scenic Experience Route
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Great Saint Bernard Pass. Often said to be one of the most beautiful routes with an abundance of peaks, waterfalls and lakes. You will quite literally find yourself in complete awe driving through the Swiss Alps.
City or Reginal Stops Route
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Lucerne, Switzerland. Frequently referred to as the Belgium option, this is the perfect route if you want to get the most out of your experience. Quick detours could include visiting Luxembourg (Belgium), Strasbourg and Colmar (France), Basel and Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) and Como or Lake Como (Italy).
Quickest Route:
- Driving from the UK to Italy via Mont Blanc Tunnel. Regarded as one of the quickest routes from Calais to Italy. And although it is not the most scenic route, this route does include driving through Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. If you decide to take this route, it is worth noting that Mont Blanc is breathtakingly beautiful!
Travel Advice: Best Driving Route for First Time Drivers
Warning: Speeding Fines in France

Speeding is not only dangerous but also could result in heavy, on the spot fines, and your vehicle and licence being confiscated.

The standard speeding fine in France is 135 euros. However, if you pay this within 15 days it’s 90 euros. If you pay it after 45 days, it is 375 euros. If the offence warrants a trial, the maximum fine can be up to 750 euros.

Though, if the police stop you, you’ll be required to pay the fine (90 euros) on the spot.

Arriving in Italy via Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Sicily

Estimated Journey Time(s)
Depending on the route you have taken and where you intend to visit in Italy, from Milan, you should expect a journey time starting from anything between 1 to 15 hours (excluding breaks).
- Milan to Lake Como, via A9, 87 km: 1.5 hours
- Milan to Genoa, via A7, 147 km: 2 hours
- Milan to Venice, via A4, 270 km: 3 hours
- Milan to Bologna, via A1, 216 km: 3 hours
- Milan to Florence, via A1, 308 km: 4 hours
- Milan to Rome, via A1, 574 km: 6 hours
- Milan to Naples, via A1, 744 km: 8 hours
- Milan to Bari, via A14, 886 km: 9 hours
- Milan to Scilla, via A1, 1227 km: 12 hours
- Milan to Catania (Sicily), via A1, 1342 km: 14 hours
Requirements To Drive In Italy
To drive in Italy, you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.

When driving in Italy, the must carry the following documents:

Full, valid driving licence

Proof of Insurance

Proof of ID (Passport)

Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
Vehicle Requirements In Italy
While driving in Italy, by law, you must carry the following items:

Reflective jackets (Must be kept inside the vehicle, within reach)

Warning triangle (Compulsory in every vehicle with 4 wheels or more)

Headlamp beam deflectors (Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

Motorcyclists (Safety helmets are compulsory for drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles.

To note: The best and easiest way to obtain the above is by purchasing a European Driving Kit. Kits are sold on Amazon and start from £20. The kit we could recommend is the AA Euro Kit – For driving in France and Europe.
Rules Of The Road In Italy
Overtaking & Passing

Overtaking is illegal on and approaching level crossings, at bends, on the brow of a hill, at intersections, and when visibility is limited. It is also prohibited to overtake a vehicle that’s slowed to allow pedestrians to use a crossing.

Trams can be overtaken on the right if there’s enough space. Likewise, in one-way streets, you can overtake a tram on the left if there’s enough room.

Priority

As a general rule, you must give priority to vehicles coming from the right or on rails unless indicated. Pedestrians on crossings and cyclists near cycle paths also have priority.

Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails have priority over other road users.

On some mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, the descending vehicle must reverse to a passing point. If two vehicles cannot pass on a road, you must give priority to the heavier vehicle.

Warning of Approach

You can use your horn to warn other drivers.

In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed at any time, except in an emergency. If you need to give a warning, flash your lights instead.

In rural areas, the use of a horn is compulsory if circumstances require it. A horn should always be used by motorists carrying injured or seriously ill persons regardless of imposed limits.

Towing

Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 12 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
Speed Limits In Italy
The following national speed limits apply:

Urban areas: 50 km/h

Rural areas: 90km/h

Dual carriageways: 110 km/h

Motorways: 130 km/h
Italian Toll Charges

Travel Advice: Driving From Mainland Italy To Sicily
Driving from mainland Italy to Sicily is relatively straightforward as you have many options. In deciding what route to take from the mainland to Sicily; you should consider the points below:
1. What is your budget?
2. How quickly do you want to arrive in Sicily?
3. Where do you intend to visit in Sicily?
Quickest Car Ferry Crossing
- Villa San Giovanni, Calabria to Messina, Italy, offers one of the quickest ferry crossings and the best option if you intend to visit Catania. Located in the deep south of Italy, crossing at Villa San Giovanni is the perfect option for an authentic Italian road trip.
- This option could be combined with visits to iconic Italian destinations such as Florence, Rome, Pompeii, the Almafi Coast and Scillia, to name a few.
Giovanni ferry costs €39 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Avoids driving from the north to the south of Italy

Genoa, Italy to Palermo, Sicily is the best option to avoid driving from the north to the south of Italy.

Located approximately 2 hours from Milan, you could combine this route with visiting iconic Italian destinations such as Lake Como, Cinque Terre and Portofino.

Grandi Navi Veloci ferry cost approximately €300 and takes 20-hours.
Travel Recommendation: First Time Drivers

Returning to the UK Journey inc Coronavirus Information

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Departing from Calais)

The general boarding process, including security checks, is identical to the process at the Folkestone terminal. That said, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle allows check-in at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours before your booked departure time, and on departure, you will need to pass through British and French frontier controls.
Bringing goods into the UK
Returning to the UK from Italy by car means that you can capitalise on your personal allowance. Your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty.

When you’re bringing in goods, you must:
- transport them yourself
- use them yourself or give them away as a gift
If you go over your allowances, you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category.

Alcohol Allowance

How much you can bring depends on the type of alcohol. You can bring in:
- beer – 42 litres
- wine (not sparkling) – 18 litres
You can also bring in either:
- spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol – 4 litres
- fortified wine (for example, port, sherry), sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol – 9 litres
You can split this last allowance; for example, you could bring 4.5 litres of fortified wine and 2 litres of spirits (both half of your allowance).

Tobacco Allowance

You can bring in one from the following:
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250g tobacco
- 200 sticks of tobacco for electronically heated tobacco devices
You can split this allowance – so you could bring in 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (both half of your allowance).

Other Goods

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat). If you go over your allowance, you pay tax and duty on the total value of the goods, not just the value above the allowance. You may have to pay import VAT and customs duty if you exceed your allowance.
Declaring goods made or produced in the EU
You do not need to pay any tax or duties on personal goods you bring into Great Britain as long as they are within your personal allowances.

If the goods are over your allowances, you will need to:
- declare them
- pay any customs duty due
- pay any excise duty due (for tobacco or alcohol)
- pay any import VAT due
UK Entry Requirements And Checks For Unvaccinated

With entry requirements and Covid restrictions constantly changing, you must always check before you travel. That said, I think it’s fair to say that Covid requirements for those vaccinated are relatively straightforward; ambiguities tend to arise for those unvaccinated. The information provided below is accurate at the time this article was published.

Entry requirements for the UK require unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated) arrivals from the UK to:

1) Present evidence of a negative test (PCR or Antigen) taken within 72 hours of departure,

2) Book and pay for day 2 and day 8 Covid-19 PCR tests, to be taken after arrival in England,

3) Complete a Passenger Locator Form.
UK Quarantine Rules (Unvaccinated)
After you arrive in England you must:
- quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days
- take your COVID-19 PCR tests – you must book these tests before you travel
You must take the first test on or before day 2 and the second test on or after day 8. The day you arrive is day 0. If your day 2 test is positive, you do not have to take a day 8 test.

If you are in England for less than 10 days, you need to quarantine for the time you are here. In addition, you need to book day 2 and day 8 PCR tests. You only need to take the tests if you are still in England on those days.

Travel Hack: Passenger Locator Form (Unvaccinated)

To enter the UK, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. The passenger locator form requires that you provide information on your recent trip(s) before entering the UK, where you intend to stay in the UK and proof of your vaccination status or booking reference for day 2 and day 8 Covid -19 PCR tests.

The Passenger Locator Form accepts the booking reference number for day 2 and day 8 covid tests and test-to-release.
Warning: Quarantine Visits (Unvaccinated)

NHS Test and Trace perform checks by phone and in-person on people who have a legal duty to quarantine at home after travelling abroad.

If you have to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after international travel, NHS Test and Trace will contact you to confirm you’re following quarantine rules. This may include in-person visits by an NHS Test and Trace officer.

NHS Test and Trace Checks

By phone, NHS Test and Trace will ask if you have booked all relevant covid tests. However, you will not be required to provide proof.

In-person visit, NHS Test and Trace will request to see identification for all relevant persons. You will be asked to confirm that you are following quarantine rules. You will not be required to show proof that you have booked or undertaken covid tests.
Travel Hack: Cheap Test To Release Tests (Unvaccinated)

If you wish to cut your 10-day quarantine short, you can do a Test to Release on Day 5.

One of the best and most reasonably priced places to buy day 5 Covid-19 test to release PCR tests is BioGroup Laboratory. At-home Test to Release tests costs £49.99.

Note: Instead of mailing your test, you can drop your kit off at one of their local labs. Results will still be available within 24-hours, though in-person drop off increases the chances of receiving same-day results.
Travel Hack: Cheap Day 2 Lateral Flow Antigen Test (Vaccinated)

NHS Test and Trace carries out checks by phone and in person on people who have a legal duty to quarantine at home after travelling abroad.

Driving from the UK to Italy

Driving from the UK to France via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Driving from France to Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Arriving in Italy via Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Sicily

Returning to the UK Journey inc Coronavirus Information

Driving from the UK to France via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Driving from France to Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Arriving in Italy via Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Sicily

Returning to the UK Journey inc Coronavirus Information

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