The world's borders are reopening after two difficult years of a pandemic, but the state of emergency continues. Let's find out the Covid condition in Italy and what you need to travel in the Bel Paese.
Finally, after two intense years of a global pandemic, the world situation is improving, including Italy. Now it is possible to travel for tourism again, and we can go back to doing what we love most, discovering new places and living unforgettable experiences. However, the health emergency is not over yet: from November, the Omicron variant returns to frighten the world, so Italy has adopted specific rules to contain the spread of virus. It is vital to travellers know the country's health situation. In particular, it is therefore correct to ask some questions: what is the Covid problem in Italy? Who can travel for tourism in Italy? Is it possible to travel without a vaccine?
Pandemic forced us to close, but we're ready to welcome back the world.
What’s the Covid situation in Italy?
In Italy, the state of emergency has been extended above the Country until December 31, 2021.
Therefore, the Italian regions are divided according to risk bands in different colours corresponding to varying degrees of restrictions. The good news is that almost Italian areas fall into the white zone, which is the one of lowest risk: this is thanks to the intense vaccination campaign conducted in the country, the strengthening of hospital infrastructures and the preventive measures adopted by Italians.
There is no curfew, bars, restaurants, and all businesses are open and fully operational in the white zone. Theatres and cinemas are in operation, fairs and festivals have started to retake place. Sports centres, discos, dance halls and concerts are again open to the public, but often the entrances are restricted, and reservations are necessary.
The masks must be worn in closed places (excluding private residences) and in situations where it is impossible to ensure interpersonal distance, especially in the most densely populated cities. The obligation is not provided for children under six years of age.
From the end of November, the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and South Tyrol will switch to the yellow zone: the main difference concerns the obligation to wear a mask outdoors and the capacity of certain facilities such as stadiums.
Who can enter Italy for tourism?
For the entire period in which the state of emergency is in force, citizens of the world are divided into five categories called "Lists" and marked by a letter of the alphabet. The possibility to travel or not in Italy for tourism depends on the list to which they belong.
The countries of List A and B are considered the same as the Italian State and do not have conditions of entry/exit from Italy.
List C countries (or those who have transited through these countries the 14 days before entering Italy) must fill out an online locator form and have a Green Pass or equivalent pad.
Travellers coming from List D countries, in addition to the online form and the Green Pass, will be required to present a certificate in Italian or English language attesting to the negative result of a molecular or antigenic swab test carried out within 72 hours before entry into Italy. The deadline is reduced to 48 hours for travellers coming from the United Kingdom.
List E citizens cannot travel to Italy for tourism.
Find out which list each country in the world belongs to❯
Is it possible to travel to Italy without being vaccinated?
The answer to this question is YES; it is possible to travel to Italy without being vaccinated. But with some limitations.
In fact, entry into the country requires the Super Green Pass, a document certifying the completion of vaccination against Sars-Cov-2 with proof of completion of the vaccine cycle for at least 14 days (with a vaccine approved by the EMA) or of recovery. What if I do not have this certification?
It is still possible to obtain the standard Green Pass and travel to Italy by performing a rapid antigenic test in the 72 hours before entering the country or a molecular test 48 hours before.
Suppose you enter Italy without a Green Pass or a negative swab. In that case, you will be required to have 5-day fiduciary isolation and a molecular test at the end of the isolation.
Please note, however, that a Super Green Pass is required from December to enter indoor bars and restaurants, sports facilities, shows, parties, discos and public ceremonies.
The Super Green Pass requirement does not apply to entry to hotels or the consumption of meals in hotels. For hotel guests, it is sufficient to have a standard Green Pass. Similarly, those staying in a hotel can safely enter the hotel restaurant, bar, wellness centre and swimming pool by presenting the simple green certificate.
It is also possible to obtain the standard Green Pass by means of a negative swab, which is valid for 48 hours, after which it must be repeated.
