Italy entry rules: Testing, restrictions and where to wear a mask

Italy has extended its entry rules for international travellers until at least 30 April.

Health minister Roberto Speranza signed off on the rules on 29 March, meaning that travellers to Italy will still have to present either a vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or a negative test result to enter the country.

Passenger locator forms are staying too, and travellers from all countries will need to fill one in before arrival.

The health minister will review the rules again at the end of April.

The extension comes as Italy’s domestic COVID-19 rules begin to ease. Green Passes and Super Green Passes are set to be dropped from 1 May but a mask mandate is set to remain in place until at least the 15 June. 

The country’s ‘state of emergency’ ended on 31 March and there is hope that Italy will remove all of its restrictions by the summer.

What are Italy’s travel rules?

Fully vaccinated travellers (those who have received one or two doses within the past nine months or those who have received a booster shot) from any country are no longer required to supply a negative COVID test to enter Italy.

That means if you’re fully jabbed, you can present either proof of vaccination status or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months.

Unvaccinated visitors can also enter Italy and are no longer required to quarantine (previously they had to quarantine for five days). But they will need to produce proof of recovery from COVID within the last 180 days or a negative COVID test.

Regardless of vaccination status, all passengers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form, which can be found here. If they do not, they will have to quarantine for five days on arrival.

Passengers flying to or from Italy must also wear an FFP2 mask at all times while on board.

Venice, ItalyCanva

Do I still need a Green Pass or Super Green Pass in Italy?

From 1 May, Italy plans to drop both the ‘basic’ and ‘super’ versions of its Green Pass – a digital certificate proving a person had been vaccinated or recovered from COVID – in almost all settings. This includes restaurants, bars and long-distance public transport. 

You’ll also no longer need it to enter cinemas, theatres, concerts, cultural centres, parties or discos. 

The Super Green Pass will still remain in place, however, for those visiting hospitals and nursing homes. 

Do I still have to wear a mask in Italy?

Despite plans to drop the mask mandate from 1 May, Italy has now extended its requirement to wear masks on public transport and in some indoor settings until 15 June. 

Everyone over the age of five must wear a high-grade FFP2 mask on all forms of public transport, in cinemas, at indoor sporting events theatres, concerts, hospitals, schools and universities. 

No other setting, including shops and workplaces, is included in the most recent announcement though it does still “strongly recommend” masks continue to be worn in all indoor public spaces. 

The Italian government has made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory to police starting from December 15.Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo

What’s the easiest way to find out travel rules for Italy?

Italy’s rules can change at short notice.

For the most up-to-date and reliable information, fill in this questionnaire from the Italian Foreign Ministry. It is in English and will give you the travel requirements based on your individual situation.

You can also check the Italian Health Ministry’s travel information page (in English).

Or you can call the Italian coronavirus information line.

From Italy: 1500 (toll-free number)

From abroad: +39 0232008345 or +39 0283905385