As with a number of countries in Europe, Italy is making plans to gradually end its current pandemic restrictions. Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke at a recent press conference. He said the government had approved the decreto riapertura or reopening decree. Read on to find out what that means to your planned summer vacation in Italy.

Italy lays out road map to end restrictions

Under a new government decree, Italy’s state of emergency is set to end on March 31. From April 1 through mid-June, other health measures are to be gradually phased out.

On May 1, the green pass or COVID-19 health certificate will no longer be required to enter public spaces such as restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and long-distance public transport. As reported by La Repubblica, prior to this, on April 30, the country’s mask mandate will also end.

As per, Associated Press, Draghi said at the press conference that these are “important measures that remove almost all the curbs that have restricted us.”

The decree is currently in its draft phase and more dates are yet to be confirmed. For now, anyone traveling to Italy should note the following until all phases are complete.

Documentation to enter Italy

Wherever travelers are coming from, they will still need to present vaccination certificates in either digital or paper formats. In the case of EU citizens, this is the EU digital COVID certificate which provides proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus.

As for Americans, they still need to present their CDC card, while UK travelers should show their NHS Pass.

Unvaccinated travelers can present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken from a lab-produced antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Alternatively, they can present a negative PCR test, taken within the past 48 hours.

The above rules apply to any travelers over the age of six. Meanwhile, those over the age of 18 are required to complete a passenger locator form (EU PLF) to enter Italy.

Where are masks required?

While the mask mandate will end on April 30, up until that time, masks must be worn in indoor public spaces. When traveling on public transport, passengers must wear FFP2 masks. At the current time, anyone caught without a mask can face a fine of up to $450.

Green pass rule

Anyone traveling to Italy before the green pass rule is dropped can use their official vaccination card, recovery certificate, or EU digital COVID certificate as a green pass. However, that pass is only valid if the holder has received a booster jab, or completed their first round of vaccinations less than six months ago.

Should the certificate be older than six months, and with no booster jab information, travelers can take a lab-produced antigen test every 48 hours, or a PCR test every 72 hours to access indoor public spaces.

However, from April 1, travelers will no longer need the green pass to access trams, metros and other short-distance public transport. From then on, Italy expects to drop all green pass requirements on May 1.