Covid rules From Paris, to Switzerland, to Italy by car.

Do you have a car arranged? Pandemic rental rates and international drop off fees may scupper your plans. Normally you could try a short-term lease from France with an Italian drop-off, but even those cars are in short supply.

Also, does the French QR code certification work in Switzerland and
Italy, or will we be required to get an Italian Green Pass?

All vaccine documents that follow the EU standard work in all EU countries. So a french pass will work in Italy and so on.

Currently, you need proof of vaccination to enter all the countries you listed. You do Not need a negative test in addition to proof for entry to Switzerland. You do need a negative test + vaccine proof for entry to Italy.

Note that I have been driving this route in the last ten days and have not been asked for my negative test or vaccine proof. Checks of cars are sporadic. You will need to stop at the border crossing and you may be selected for a check or waved on. But the rules are the rules…you need a negative test to get into Italy legally, even if not checked.

Antigen tests or PCR tests are accepted. Antigen tests are available at most any pharmacy for about 25 CHF. Results are given on paper on the spot. PCR tests require an appointment, cost more, take longer for results and can be hard to find.

Your French QR code will be accepted in both other countries. You can convert it easily and at no cost to each country’s app if you want but not required.

Mike, Have rented cars in europe often. Avis and Expedia have my reservations. Do you know something I don't?

@websblue.webs I've heard from two different friends of boggling high price quotes - like $7,000. for 5 weeks rental from Genoa. We had trouble getting an affordable car on the short-term lease program out of Nice in late March. Most models weren't available until between 4/15 and 6/1.