Italy has scrapped all requirements for the Green Pass, the digital certificate that proves the holder has been vaccinated, tested negative for Covid-19, or recovered from the disease. The new policy went into effect May 1.
According to the National Tourist Board. Italy will no longer require visitors to show proof of vaccination in order to tour its worldwide renowned historic buildings, stay in a hotel or even board a train or domestic aircraft.
The Super Green Pass, which could only be obtained by people who had been vaccinated or had recovered from covid, has also been abolished.
For visitors to hospitals and nursing homes, and for health care and nursing home employees, this system will apply until December 31.
In addition, a series of restrictions continues to apply to foreigners entering the country.
“To enter or re-enter Italy from any foreign country, you need to show the EU Digital COVID Certificate or – for non-EU citizens – an equivalent green COVID-19 certification issued by your country’s health authorities, certifying one of the following: completed vaccination cycle with a vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA); full recovery from COVID-19; negative molecular or antigenic test,” says the Tourist Board.
Regardless of these requirements, it is easier to travel to Italy than it used to be before.
Italy stopped requiring pre-departure testing in March and instead it requires travelers to prove they are fully vaccinated or have received a booster.
Alternatively, unvaccinated visitors can enter if they provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel or a negative rapid antigen test conducted within 48 hours prior to their arrival.
Face masks will continue to be required in some indoor settings, such as public transportation, until June 15, according to officials.
Roberto Speranza, Italy’s health minister, made the announcement just days before regulations on wearing masks indoors expired on April 30.
As reported by Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, masks must be worn on public transportation, in hospitals and nursing homes, in movie theaters and cinemas, at concerts and indoor sporting events, and in schools and universities until June 15.
In pubs, restaurants and stores, wearing the masks will be “strongly recommended” after May 1, but no longer mandatory.