Italy is making it simpler for Americans and British to visit

Meanwhile, as Italy prepares to lift its state of emergency on March 31, the country is simultaneously changing its admission procedures to make it simpler for visitors from outside the European Union to come.

Beginning March 1, travelers from outside the EU who can produce evidence of vaccination or a recovery certificate will no longer be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test.

According to a new ordinance on Italy’s travel restrictions, which was signed this week by Italian health minister Roberto Speranza, arrivals from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and other non-EU countries only need to show one of the documents listed in the previous paragraph.

According to the new entrance regulations, tourists from non-European countries will be treated the same as EU residents, who will be able to present their EU digital COVID certificates (or green passes) in order to avoid any extra entry requirements while going to Italy.

“Arrivals from all non-European nations will be subject to the same regulations as those currently in place for those from European countries beginning on March 1. For admission into Italy, one of the prerequisites of the green pass will be sufficient: a vaccination certificate, a recovery certificate, or a negative test result “Speranza shared her thoughts.

Italy, on the other hand, has not yet defined what constitutes being completely vaccinated for entrance. Here’s what we know thus far about the situation.

What papers do I need to bring with me when I go to Italy?

For those traveling from the EU, you just need to submit your EU digital COVID certificate, which serves as evidence of vaccination or recovery, while arriving in the country. When presenting a negative COVID-19 test result obtained from a lab-produced antigen test within 24 hours of departure or a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of departure, you must indicate that you are unvaccinated. This regulation has already been implemented.

Beginning March 1, visitors to Italy from outside the EU will be subject to the same laws as those traveling from inside the EU to visit family or friends. To enter Italy without further limitations, either a vaccination certificate in digital or physical format (for Americans, this would be the CDC card, for UK passengers, this would be the NHS Pass, etc.), a recovery certificate, or a negative test result would suffice.

It was formerly necessary to provide both a vaccination certificate and a negative laboratory test result.

These restrictions apply to all newcomers who are older than six years old. In order to enter or travel through Italy, travelers above the age of 18 are required to submit an EU passenger locator form (EU PLF).

In order to enter the country, officials must first determine what constitutes being completely vaccinated, including if a booster dosage is necessary and which vaccinations will be approved. In addition, it is uncertain whether or not Italy would lift its travel restriction on tourists from high-risk or “list E” nations, who are now required to undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. When further information becomes available, we will update this post.

Italy will be exempted from the COVID-19 requirements.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has declared that the country’s COVID-19 state of emergency would be lifted on March 31 and that limitations will be relaxed.

He told reporters on Wednesday that the goal is to “reopen everything as rapidly as possible.”

While no specific dates have been set, Draghi has said that the usage of the “green pass” (COVID pass) would be curtailed, and that the need to provide evidence of vaccination in order to access certain events or board public transportation will be progressively phased away in the coming years.

In an interview with reporters, he said that “we would progressively phase out the increased green certificate need,” beginning with outdoor events such as fairs, sports, parties, and concerts.

In order to get entry into indoor restaurants and bars, museums, nightclubs, hotels, and most recreational and cultural facilities, the bearer must provide a valid COVID-19 identification card. In Italy, it is also necessary to board trains, aircraft, buses, and ferries, among other modes of transportation.

In the interim, how can I get a green pass?

Tourists may use their official immunization, recovery, or EU digital COVID certificates as a green pass provided they have the appropriate documentation. But it is only valid if the bearer has had a booster injection or has finished their first round of vaccinations within the previous six months.

If the certificate is valid for more than six months and does not contain information on booster shots, visitors will be required to undergo a lab-produced antigen test every 48 hours or a PCR test every 72 hours in order to get entry to venues where a green pass is necessary in order to enter.