Since March 31, Italy has been gradually phasing out pandemic measures as the state of emergency ended. One measure that is being dropped is the need to present the Green Pass to enter public venues. However, other measures are continuing for now. Read on to find out what you need to know if vacationing in Italy this summer.

Italy drops Green Pass mandate

As of May 1, Italy dropped the requirement of the Green Pass (COVID-19 health certificate) for entry to public venues such as restaurants, cafes, bars, museums, theaters, fitness centers, hotels and more. This was one of the Italian government’s strictest rules during the pandemic. Up until that date, residents and travelers were unable to move around the country without having a Green Pass on hand.

The government of Italy decided it was the right time to drop that requirement to allow locals and travelers to move around the country without having to prove their COVID-19 status. Meanwhile, Italy has also dropped the requirement for travelers to complete a passenger locator form. However, a number of requirements are still in place, at least until the end of May.

Remaining rules for travelers to Italy

Wherever travelers are coming from, they will still need to produce a vaccination certificate in either digital or paper form to enter Italy. EU citizens can continue to use the EU Digital COVID certificate which gives proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus. Meanwhile, US travelers will continue to use the CDC card and UK travelers, the NHS pass.

No more than 270 days must have passed since the traveler received their initial dose of the primary vaccine course. Those who have exceeded that timeframe must have received a booster jab to be classed as vaccinated.

The vaccination requirement doesn’t apply to children under the age of 18. In their case, they are considered fully vaccinated after receiving their primary dose. As per EU guidelines, this can be the first of a two-jab vaccine or a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Children under the age of six are not required to either be vaccinated or tested for entry into Italy.

Which vaccines does Italy accept?

Meanwhile, for entry into Italy, only the following vaccines are acceptable: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Pfizer-BioNTech or Vaxzevria. Other vaccines considered an equivalent by Italy are Covishield, Friocruz and R-Covi.

In the case of travelers who have recovered from the virus within the last 180 days, they can present a certificate of recovery to enter Italy.

Travelers who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated can present proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Alternatively, a negative PCR test taken within the last 48 hours.

Mask requirement in Italy

Italy has also eased the face mask mandate to a certain extent. Locals and travelers are no longer required to wear masks in shops, restaurants and bars. However, visiting cinemas, clubs, concert halls and theaters will require a mask until at least June 15. On public transport, FFP2 masks are required and people can receive a fine of up to $450 for non-compliance.

While some rules are still in place, at least certain aspects of life are returning to a more normal state in Italy ready for summer.