Italy gets rid of strict Green Pass rule but extends other travel requirements

If you're traveling to Italy, you no longer need to present the green pass (vaccination certificate) to gain entry to public venues. 

Italy has been phasing out pandemic health measures since March 31 when the nationwide state of emergency ended. 

On May 1, it took a significant step in easing measures by getting rid of Italy's green pass (the COVID-19 health certificate) mandate for entry to public venues—one of the government's strictest pandemic rules.

It was almost impossible for residents and tourists to move around Italy without using the green pass as it was required to gain entry to places like restaurants, cafes, museums, bars, gyms, theaters, and more. It was also required to board long-distance trains and busses and to check into hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.

The government has decided that now the time is right to do away with that measure and people can move about Italy without presenting their COVID-19 status.

It has also done away with the need for people traveling to the country to fill out a passenger locator form.

However, some pandemic rules that were supposed to expire in spring have been extended until at least the end of May, including the strictest rules at the border. If you're traveling to Italy this summer, here's what you need to know.

What documentation do I need to enter Italy?

Rules for vaccinated travelers

Regardless of where you're coming from, you need to present your vaccination certificates in digital or paper format to enter Italy. For EU citizens, that's the EU digital COVID certificate which shows proof of vaccination or recovery, for Americans it's the CDC card, for UK travelers it's the NHS Pass etc. 

To be considered fully vaccinated, no more than 270 days must have passed since travelers received their final dose of a primary vaccine course. If that timeframe has exceeded, travelers must have received a third/booster shot to be eligible to enter as a vaccinated traveler.

Rules for children

This rule does not apply to children under the age of 18. They are considered fully vaccinated after having received their primary dose; whether that's a two-shot vaccine series or a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as per EU guidelines.

Travelers under the age of six are not required to be vaccinated or tested for entry.

Vaccines accepted for entry

Furthermore, Italy recognizes only the following vaccines for entry: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Vaxzevria, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Nuvaxovid (Novavax), as well as vaccines considered equivalent by Italian legislation (Covishield, Fiocruz, R-Covi).

Rules for people who have recovered from the virus

If you have recovered from the virus within the last 180 days, you can present a certificate of recovery.

Rules for people who are unvaccinated

If you are unvaccinated or indeed partially vaccinated, you can present a negative COVID-19 test result taken from a lab-produced antigen test within 24 hours prior to departure or a PCR test taken within 48 hours.

Where do I need to wear a mask in Italy?

Italy's mask mandate has eased somewhat too. It's no longer required in restaurants, bars, and shops. However, it is required in theaters, cinemas, clubs, and concert halls until at least June 15. An FFP2 masks must be worn on public transport. You can be fined up to $450 for not wearing one where it's required.