Italy has a level 3 travel alert according to the CDC but it’s considered a relatively safe place to travel to. Being fully vaccinated before traveling is highly recommended.
Italy was the first Western country to be severely hit by the virus at the beginning of the pandemic. As of today, most of its regions are classified as “white” under its red, orange, yellow, and white ranking. This means the country is quite a safe place to travel to for now.
Authorities will introduce restrictions based on the incidence rate of Covid-19 and levels of hospital occupancy, which for now remain low.
How safe is to travel to Italy: LATEST UPDATES
October 15 – Italy makes COVID-19 green pass mandatory for all workers
Today, Italy became the first European country to require all workers to possess a COVID-19 green pass. This certificate proves that they have received at least one dose of the vaccine, tested negative in the past two days, or recently recovered from the disease.
Despite the protests, most politicians believe that the passes will help avoid further lockdowns. They should also encourage people to get vaccinated.
Workers without a valid health pass can face suspension without pay or a fine of up to EUR 1,500. The same applies to employers. They can get fined if they fail in making sure that their staff complies with the rules.
The passes are also mandatory for everyone who wants to enter a restaurant, museum, or cinema.
Source: The Guardian
October 3 – Italy to relax safety restrictions as the country hits a vaccination milestone
The Italian government’s scientific advisory panel has given consent to increase the maximum capacity in stadiums, cinemas, and theaters, as long as all visitors can show the ‘green pass’ certificate.
The capacity at stadiums will be lifted from the current 50% to 75%. Whereas cinemas and theaters will be able to operate at 80% capacity.
The decision came after the country had hit its milestone to have 80% of the population over 12 vaccinated. The restrictions should ease down in the upcoming weeks. However, the government has not yet officially announced the new changes.
Source: The Local Italy
Current COVID-19 Situation in Italy
As of today, the country has reported an average of 3,122 daily cases with a decrease of 28% over the last two weeks. While the death toll decreased by 14% in the past 14 days.
Wearing a face mask indoors and outdoors is still mandatory when social distancing is not possible.
Vaccination progress in Italy
How can people get the Green Pass in Italy?
The EU Digital COVID Certificate can be downloaded here. It is available in Italian, English, French, and German.
The document comes with a scannable QR code and can either be saved on a smartphone or printed out as a hard copy.
Failing to present the green pass will result in €400 to €1,000 fines for both customers and business owners.
What is open in Italy right now?
To date, most Italian regions are white-zoned (except Sicily). This means that at least for now, visitors have total freedom of movement day and night.
Most activities and tourist venues are open, including museums, restaurants, bars, or theaters. However, there are some capacity limitations in place. On the other hand, discos and nightclubs are still closed.
Why visit Italy during the pandemic?
1. Rome
Because there is no other city in the world with the history that Rome offers. Walking through the Roman Forum and the Roman Colosseum where once real gladiators fought is an experience that everyone should live.
2. Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance offers some of the finest art galleries and museums in the world. Get impressed by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and the world-famous “David,” the masterpiece of Michelangelo at Galleria dell’ Accademia.
3. The Vatican Museum
All thirteen of them are among the most impressive museums in the world. The mystery of its masterpieces collected over centuries will never disappoint.
What countries can enter Italy?
All EU members can enter Italy without quarantine.
Italy requires all EU Member States, Schengen Area countries on List C, and other allowed visitors to present their EU Digital COVID Certificate.
All incoming passengers must show a negative COVID-19 test, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a vaccination certificate showing they received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival in the country.
As of August 31, Italy imposed stricter restrictions on the U.S. and Canada. All visitors coming from those countries have to present a negative COVID-19 test regardless of their vaccination status. While unvaccinated visitors must undergo a 5-day mandatory quarantine and get re-tested on arrival.
Read our full post: Italy is open for tourism – Entry requirements
Traveling to Italy during Covid: Updates Archives
September 5 – Italy to make COVID-19 vaccine mandatory
The Italian government is considering making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, announced Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday, September 2. People with fragile immune systems could also get a third dose of the vaccine this month.
All health care workers have already been obliged to get inoculated since April. On the other hand, from September 1, school staff must have the ‘green pass.’ It means that they have to present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result no older than two days to be able to work.
Since the country aims to have 80% of its eligible population vaccinated by the end of September, the new requirement might potentially come into effect in the upcoming few weeks.
Source: The Local Italy
August 22 – Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a “duty”, says Italy’s president
Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella has said that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a “moral and civic duty,” all Italians should do.
The President’s call for action followed the latest vaccine data released that shows that 12.8% of teachers and 1.8% of doctors and nurses have not been vaccinated against covid-19.
Over 36.204.826 million people had been fully vaccinated by August 21, according to the government’s official tally, the equivalent of 67,03 % of the total population aged 12 and up.
Italy has administered between 81.203.519 jabs so far.
August 12 – Sicily and Sardinia at risk of ‘yellow zone’
Sicily and Sardinia are at risk of moving to the ‘yellow zone’ (low-moderate risk of COVID-19) in the upcoming weeks.
A region will move to the ‘yellow zone’ if there are between 50 and 150 weekly infection incidences per 100,000 inhabitants. Also, the occupancy of intensive care units has to exceed 10% and reach 15% in general hospital wards.
The ‘yellow zone’ requires wearing face masks in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Also, seating capacity per table in restaurants and other indoor establishments will be limited.
The first ‘red zones’ were localized in Calabria in the past few days. Therefore, two municipalities have also applied the toughest restrictions.
Source: The Local Italy
August 5 – Italy will keep its citizens and visitors safe by requesting the EU Digital COVID Certificate to access tourist venues
Starting August 6, only green-pass holders will have access to museums, live events, pools, indoor restaurants, public transport, and flights within Italy.
The certification must show the visitor has been vaccinated, had a negative test in the last 48 hours, or has recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.
One dose of an approved vaccine is enough to obtain access.