COVID 19

UPDATE: As of May 1, 2022, Italy has reduced its COVID-19 entry requirements. Passengers no longer need to complete a passenger locator form. Proof of vaccine is required through May 31, 2022.

From 1 May, regardless of the country of entry into Italy, the traveller will be required to present to the carrier and to whoever is in charge of checking:

• the COVID-19 Green Certificate or other equivalent certificate which must state one of the following conditions:

• completion of the primary vaccination series or booster dose according to the vaccination plans of the countries of release with vaccines authorized by the European Medical Agency (primary series validity 9 months and booster dose without predefined limit)

• recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection (valid for 180 days from positive swab test)

• recovery after the administration of the first dose of vaccine or at the end of the primary vaccination series or following the administration of the relevant booster dose

• rapid antigen or molecular swab test, respectively within 48 or 72 hours before entry into Italy.

Mitch & Betsy's Cliff Notes re: Entering Italy

• No Covid-19 test needed for entry to Italy by vaccinated Americans.

• Americans need their white CDC vaccine card, documenting vaccination within the last nine (9) months.

• If vaccine is older than nine (9) months, then vaccine card should document receipt of a COVID-19 booster shot.

There is lots of information online regarding travel and "green passes" and "super green passes" and other non-concise information. Below is our attempt to break down the important stuff.

• COVID 19 "GREEN CERTIFICATES"

• EU residents have their vaccinations documented on "Green Certificates".

• Americans CANNOT obtain Green Passes. The Italian Government recognizes the CDC white vaccine card as a suitable equivalent for the Green Pass.

• SUPER GREEN PASS

• Although entry to Italy is permitted with a "Green Pass", European travelers must have a "Super Green Pass" for entry into hotels and restaurants.

• Super Green Passes are only available to Italian/EU citizens.

• For Americans, the Italian government recognizes the White CDC Card documenting a vaccine within the last nine (9) months OR a vaccine+booster as equivalent to the Super Green Pass.

• While in Italy in March 2022, Mitch and Betsy were required to show their vaccine cards to enter hotels and restaurants, where the hostess would check the date of the vaccine and booster.

• "COMPLETION OF VACCINATION SERIES OR RECOVERY OR SWAB TEST"

• Per the official guidelines, entry to Italy is permissible upon "completion of vaccination series or recovery or swab test."

• In practice, it is our understanding that although this may give you access to Italy and get you through customs, it may not be sufficient to get you access to hotels and restaurants.

• Anecdote - A friend of a friend traveled to Italy recently, followed all the guidelines, and had no trouble with travel or getting through customs. Upon arrival at the hotel, however, they were denied entry and told they could not check in because their vaccine was older than 9 months and they had not been boosted as required for a super green pass.