Italy Relaxes Entry Restrictions for Travelers from Third Countries
Travelers from non-European countries are now able to travel to Italy under more relaxed conditions since the Italian authorities have decided to remove the non-essential travel ban and the pre-arrival testing requirement. It means that the arrivals from third countries are subject to the same entry protocol as travelers from the EU countries.
The new regulations become effective as of 1st March 2022.
According to Mario Draghi, Italian Prime Minister, Italy will also end the COVID-19 emergency state in the country in April.
Draghi has also mentioned that the Green Pass will soon be scaled back, while the obligation to provide vaccination proof to enter many venues will be removed (the exact date is yet to be determined).
The quarantine rules are also planned to be eased in April. However, no specific dates were released either. All entry rules will be revised again on 15th March 2022.
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Italian travel rules for EU and Schengen zone
Travelers from the EU and Schengen zone need to provide either recovery or vaccination certificate, or alternatively negative coronavirus test. The acceptable test can be either a PCR test performed within 48 hours of the trip or a negative lateral flow test performed within 24 hours of arrival time. Tests must be performed by a certified provider.
Previous rules required visitors from the EU and Schengen zone to submit a vaccination or recovery certificate plus a negative test report. Those who were unable to do it had to undergo a 5-day quarantine. This restriction has also been lifted.
Entry rules for third-country arrivals
Third-country nationals are allowed to enter Italy without following additional entry rules. They still need to have the green pass with either a valid vaccination certificate, negative COVID-19 test, or recovery certificate.
Italy has also announced lifting the travel ban, which means that non-EU nationals now are able to travel to Italy without providing an essential purpose of their trip.
The Italian authorities made these changes due to the EU recommendations according to which travel and entry rules should be based on an individual status rather than the country of origin of a traveler.
Super Green Pass
Before Italy relaxes its rules in April, both Italian residents and foreign visitors must have a 'Super Green Pass' in order to enter the majority of indoor places. The pass can include either vaccination or recovery proof.
Currently, the Super Green Pass is available only for vaccinated travelers, excluding unvaccinated who can provide a negative COVID-19 test report.
The Pass is also required to enter restaurants, hotels, museums, gyms, and other public facilities as well as public transportation.
Travelers from the EU can use EU digital Covid Certificates issued by their home countries as an alternative to the Super Green Pass.
British citizens arriving in Italy can provide a COVID-19 recovery or vaccination certificate as equivalent to the Super Green Pass, but it must have an individual QR code. For this purpose, they should download the NHS App and get the QR code.
Italian Passenger Locator Form
In July 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Italy introduced one more document, which is a digital Passenger Locator Form. The form helps the Italian authorities to keep track of new potential COVID-19 cases and take appropriate action aimed at minimizing the virus spread.
Every incoming traveler (with a few exceptions) needs to fill out the Italian Passenger Locator Form regardless of transportation mode.
Italian dPLF is available online and upon its completion, every traveler receives a unique QR code, which is essential to enter Italy hassle-free.
Recent recommendations of the EU Council
The EU Council has emphasized that the travel ban on non-essential travel should be lifted for travelers from all non-EU countries who have received the full dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the WHO or EMA. The last dose must have been administered within the last 9 months (270 days).
Moreover, the Council recommends that all the EU Member States should remove the temporary restriction imposed on non-essential travelers who have recovered from the coronavirus within 6 months before a trip.
Recently, the EU Council has also adopted new rules regarding the issuance of COVID recovery certificates. As of February 22, all travelers from the EU Member States are able to obtain recovery certificates issued on the basis of a positive coronavirus rapid antigen test report.
