If you’re planning a trip to Italy soon, here’s a look at the latest Covid-19 rules for arrivals from the US and Canada.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Travellers wait at Rome’s Fiumicino airport.
Here are the latest travel rules between Italy and the US and Canada. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP)
The rules on travel to (and through) Italy from the US and Canada have changed frequently over the past few months in response to the changing Covid-19 situation.
On May 1st, Italy removed nearly all of its Covid-related social restrictions, including its so-called ‘green pass’ to enter most venues across the country.
READ ALSO: At a glance: What are the Covid-19 rules in Italy now?
But, while visitors no longer need a valid vaccination or recovery certificate to access public transport or enter indoor venues, they may still need one to enter the country.
Here’s a closer look at the current rules.
Entering Italy from the US or Canada
As of May 1st and until June 15th, travellers from the United States and Canada may enter Italy if they are asymptomatic and present one of the following:
A Covid-19 vaccination certificate recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Presently, EMA recognises the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Vaxzevria Johnson and Johnson, Astrazeneca and Novavax. Please keep in mind that the minimum requirement is that you have fully completed the primary vaccination cycle (in this case, your pass will be valid for 9 months). For those who have already received a booster shot, the certificate is valid indefinitely.
A valid medical certificate confirming recovery from Covid (this is valid for 6 months from the positive swab test)
A negative molecular (PCR) test carried out within 72 hours of arrival in Italy or a rapid antigenic test carried out within 48 hours of arrival
Passengers who just landed from New York on an Alitalia flight wait in line. Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP
Once in Italy, there is no quarantine requirement, unless you failed to provide the above-mentioned paperwork. In such a case, you’d be obliged to undergo a five-day quarantine at the address indicated to the competent local health authorities (ASL). This would then be followed by a molecular (PCR) or antigenic swab at the end of the isolation period.
Certificates of recovery, vaccination or testing are accepted both in digital or paper format. The approved languages for such certificates are Italian, English, Spanish and French. For additional information, see the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or the Italian US Embassy’s website.
Lastly, Passenger Locator Forms (PLFs), which all travellers were previously required to complete ahead of their journey, are no longer required for entry into Italy.
After arriving in Italy
A valid vaccination or recovery certificate is no longer required to access almost all indoor venues and transport services in Italy. All travellers are free to travel throughout Italy and enter restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres and other indoor locations without having to provide a valid health pass.
The only exception is for hospitals and care homes, which continue to require a ‘super’ or ‘reinforced’ green pass or its equivalent in the form of a foreign-issued vaccine or recovery certificate.
The only remaining Covid restriction – which will be in place until at least June 15th – is the obligation to wear a face mask in some indoor venues (cinemas, theatres and indoor sport venues, though not in restaurants, bars or public offices) and on all means of public transportation.
READ ALSO: Where do you still need to wear a mask in Italy from May 1st?
Keep in mind that only FFP2/KN95 face masks are accepted on public transport.
Please note that The Local is unable to advise on individual situations. Please find more information about Italy’s current health measures on the Italian health ministry’s website (available in English).
