Italy: travel restrictions and entry requirements for business trips

The current Covid-19 restrictions in Italy: from Countries required to present swab tests to in-country restrictions.

1. Current travel restrictions in Italy
2. Covid Test for travellers from China
3. Mask requirements
4. Green Pass in Italy
5. Frequently asked questions
6. Contact us for support

1. Are there Covid-19 travel restrictions in Italy?

Currently, the Italian Government has reduced the number of Covid-19 related applicable restrictions. Even though in the past travellers presented swab tests or vaccine certificates, and even quarantine for a few days, in the last few months the requirements have reduced significantly.

Nevertheless, although reduced, these restrictions are still partially in place.

2. Covid-19 swab tests for travellers from China

Following a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in China, the Italian Ministry of Health issued on December 28th, 2022 an order requiring travellers from China to present a swab test. This ordere introduces for the first time, after months, Covid-19 travel restrictions in Italy.

More precisely:

• at the time of embarkation, travellers must show a certificate proving Covid-19 testing. The test can be either PCR or antigen. For the former, the test cannot be older than 72 hours before entry to Italy, whereas for the latter, the test cannot be older than 48 hours entry to Italy. This certificate has to show a negative result.
• Following their arrival in Italy, travellers must undergo an antigenic test. Some larger airports, like Milano Malpensa airport and Roma Fiumicino Airport, have set up screening points within their premises. For those travellers who cannot access testing upon arrival, they must test within 48 hours of arrival with the help of the local Health Authorities (ASL). This test can be an antigen test
• Should the antigen test be positive, travellers must undergo a PCR test. The purpose of this test is to proceed with the sequencing of the virus. Furthermore, these travellers must isolate according to the isolation protocol in force. According to the latest regulations, positive patients must isolate for 5 days. At the end of the 5 days, they are to test negative for Covid.

3. Mask requirement

In some cases, Italian nationals and foreigners visiting the Country need to wear a face mask due to Covid-19. That is, workers and visitors in health, social and socio-medical facilities, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation facilities, residential facilities for the older generations, must wear a face mask. This rule is in force until at least December 31st, 2022, although the Ministry has already announced an extension until April 30th, 2023.

4. Green Pass and Covid-19 in Italy

During the last months, Italian Covid restrictions were closely tied to the Green Pass.

Green Pass is the Italian name of the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This certificate, with its QR code, certifies one of the following conditions:

• have had the COVID-19 vaccination (in Italy it is issued after each dose of vaccine)
• be negative for rapid antigenic test in the last 48 hours or molecular test in the last 72 hours
• have been cured of COVID-19 for no more than six months

At the hight of the Covid restrictions period in Italy, the Green Pass was a requirement to access the workplace and recreational activities.

Nowadays, the Green Pass no longer fulfills the function of entry pass for any type of activities, nor to enter Italy.

5. Frequently asked questions

Do I need to take a Covid-19 test to travel to Italy?

No, unless you are travelling from China (see point 2).

Can I travel freely within Italy?

Yes, travel restrictions from one region to the other are not valid anymore.

Do I need to show my Green Pass when I travel to Italy?

No, travellers are no longer required to present their Green Pass since June, 2022.

Do I need to wear a face mask on public transport, in supermarkets or in other public space?

No, there no longer is a need to wear face masks in these places, although it is always recommended to wear a face mask in crowded spaces.