Can I Visit Italy Right Now?

Although Italy has reopened for leisure travel to many international visitors, keeping track of the rules for various countries has been challenging.

As of this update, we are dealing with the new Omicron variant, which has created a surge in new cases worldwide.

Here’s how Italy is dealing with the current situation:

Fast Facts

On December 6, 2021, Italy introduced the so-called Super Green Pass. The super green pass (also known as a “reinforced” green pass) can only be obtained through vaccination or recovery from Covid – not via a negative test result. This essentially puts restrictions on the unvaccinated, whether resident or traveler.
There are currently no travel restrictions for travel between regions within Italy.
All visitors to Italy must fill out a self-declaration form prior to travel.
The COVID-19 questionnaire is the quickest way to find out the travel requirements and restrictions from your country of origin.

This is just a quick summary of the rules for travelers to Italy. More detailed information is listed below.

The Green Pass and Super Green Pass

On August 6, 2021, Italy has required proof of health (aka, “green pass”) for public transportation and for going to restaurants, museums, bars, spas, pools, gelaterie, gyms, concerts, and sporting events.

With the addition of the Omicron variant and the new wave of COVID cases, Italy has amended its rules slightly and has imposed a new decree that takes effect from December 25, 2021, and extends until March 31, 2022. According to The Local, “the proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 is now required even to drink coffee while standing at the counter.” Outdoor mask-wearing is obligatory during this time period. And, if you want to go to the cinema, theater, sporting events, or take public transportation, FFP2 masks are now required until March 31st.

Here are the basic rules for Italy’s Green Pass via the Italian Tourism Board:

Everyone over the age of 12 must present a COVID-19 digital green certificate to access certain services and activities:

Travelling by air, train, ship, ferry or bus throughout Italy
Restaurants, bars, ice cream parlours and pastry shops for consumption at table indoors
Performances open to the public, sporting events, both outdoors and indoors
Museums and places of culture, shows
Swimming pools and gyms
Private parties, such as wedding receptions
Festivals and trade fairs
Conventions and congresses
Spas and fitness centres
Gaming halls and betting shops, bingo halls and casinos

Access to these services and activities is allowed on presenting the EU Digital COVID Certificate or an equivalent certificate [e.g., proof of vaccination card] issued by the health authorities of Canada, Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Wanted in Rome also has detailed information on the Green Pass, for both expats living in Italy and for travelers to Italy from abroad.

EU and Schengen Area Travelers

European Union and Schengen Area citizens and residents can visit Italy by obtaining the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which “facilitates safe and free movement of citizens in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Per Italy’s Health Ministry, the following conditions should be met:

To enter into Italy, travelers from EU Member States and the Schengen Area are required to present the EU Digital COVID Certificate showing that:

you have completed the prescribed anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination cycle at least 14 days ago, or
you have recovered from COVID-19 (the certificate of recovery is valid for 180 days from the date of the first positive swab), or
you have taken a negative molecular or antigen swab test in the 48 hours prior to entering Italy.

Read additional information about EU and Schengen Area visitor travel to Italy from the Ministero della Salute website. You can also find more info on EU travel during COVID from the official EU portal.

U.S. Travelers

Visitors from the US can travel to Italy for any reason, including tourism.

Vaccinated travelers from the United States may enter Italy without the need to self-isolate/quarantine upon arrival if they present a document compliant with Italian and EU regulations. A negative COVID test is also required for entry.

Unvaccinated travelers who arrive with only a negative test result and no other certifications, according to The Local, “may enter the country, but are subject to a five-day quarantine with the requirement to take a test at the end of the self-isolation period.”

The U.S. Embassy Rome website has more information about Italy travel requirements. Make sure you read and follow all of them.

UK Travelers

Via the official UK Foreign Travel Advice website:

From 31 August, travellers from the UK can enter Italy without being required to quarantine if they have proof of vaccination and a negative test taken within 48 hours before entering Italy.

There are additional steps for UK travelers to Italy. So make sure to visit the UK Foreign Travel Advice website.

Australia Travelers

Australia’s advice for visiting Italy is posted on their Smart Traveller website. The Australian Embassy in Rome has additional details about traveling to, from, and in Italy for Australian citizens.

Travel Info to Italy for All Visitors

The Italian Foreign Ministry’s interactive COVID-19 questionnaire can help you determine whether you can visit or not. You can also browse the Italian Health Ministry website for detailed information on which countries are allowed entry, required to quarantine, etc.

All persons traveling to Italy from any foreign location are required to provide their airline or Italian law enforcement officials with a self-declaration form prior to travel. Save time and frustration by filling out this form before you even set off for the airport.

The best place to find information about travel to Italy is via your country’s embassy in Italy. If yours is not below, browse this list of diplomatic missions in Italy (PDF) from the Italian Foreign Ministry.