Italy’s COVID-19 Measures: Super Green Pass and Travel Entry Rules
Italy is extending the use of its so-called “super green pass” to more venues, reserving access to many indoor events for vaccinated individuals or those who have recently recovered from COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know about these measures.
What is the Super Green Pass and Where is it Required?
Italy introduced a green pass last summer, certifying that the holder has tested negative for COVID-19 or is vaccinated or recovered from the virus. Similar to health passes in other countries, it grants access to many non-essential services across Italy. In December, the pass evolved into the “super green pass,” removing the testing option to encourage vaccination amidst rising COVID-19 cases.
Starting today, the super green pass will be extended to more venues and activities, including bars, restaurants, and any indoor areas serving food and drink, even for bar service. It is also necessary for public transport, hotels, ski lifts, swimming pools, museums, cultural venues, spas, and theme parks. These measures apply to everyone over the age of 12, necessitating vaccination or recovery for participation in these activities.
Back in December, the Italian government agreed to extend its state of emergency until March 31, ensuring specific COVID-19 mitigation measures remain in effect. Currently, wearing masks outdoors is mandatory until January 31, while FFP2 (or N95) masks are required in indoor areas including museums, theaters, sports arenas, and on public transport.
Additionally, nightclubs and discos are closed until January 31, 2022, and concerts and open-air events are also prohibited during this period.
Italy Entry Rules for Travelers
Italy has tightened its entry rules as of December 16. Individuals from European Union countries must now present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure or an antigen test taken within the 24 hours prior to entering Italy, despite having proof of vaccination such as the EU digital COVID certificate. This update aligns EU visitors with non-EU travelers from countries like the US, UK, and Canada, who must adhere to the same requirements.
In addition to presenting a negative test taken 72 hours prior to arrival, unvaccinated travelers are now mandated to self-isolate for five days and must present a negative test at the end of this period to conclude their quarantine.
How Can Tourists Access Italy’s Green Pass?
Italy recognizes vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covishield, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. To qualify as “recently recovered” from COVID-19, it must have been no more than 180 days since the last positive test.
Tourists may present their official vaccination certificate instead of a green pass. For most Europeans, this certificate is compatible with the EU digital COVID cert. For American travelers, it is the ‘white card’ featuring the CDC logo. According to the US Embassy in Italy, these vaccination cards can be accepted in locations where the green pass is required. It is crucial for foreign vaccination certificates to be issued in Italian, English, French, Spanish, or German for validation in Italy.
This article was first published on Nov 25, 2021, and updated on Jan 10, 2022.
