Covid test requirements to enter Italy after March 1

Posted by leafout45 on 02/28/22 04:27 PM

I think, as of March 1, that it will no longer be necessary to present a 72 or 48 hour covid test result to enter Italy, but I'd like to confirm that with someone who enters Italy on or after March 1.

I am flying to Italy March 8, from the US. I am a US citizen, and I am vaccinated and boosted. I will have my CDC QR code and paper certificate with me.

I have read all sorts of websites, from the consulate, my airlines, etc and it is confusing, so it would be great if one or more people who have actually entered Italy after March 1 would just tell me what they needed to present. And if you are a US citizen that would be especially helpful for my situation

I'm still going to get tested, but getting the results within the 72 hour window may be tricky, I will be traveling from the west coast and lose a lot of time, plus it takes 24-48 hours to get the results (at least from my free local clinic, which would be my preference)

Thanks very much!

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

02/28/22 04:35 PM

8954 posts

This is a direct quote from the Italian Ministry of Health website:

"with effect from 1 March, the same rules for arrivals to Italy from all non-European countries as those already in force for European countries. For entry to the national territory, one of the conditions of the Green Pass will be sufficient: certificate of vaccination, certificate of recovery or negative test result."

You should be fine with your vaccination status. Testing for your own peace of mind is still a great idea, but it eliminates all of the time constraints and is not a requirement. You could also feel comfortable using a free at home Covid test.

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

02/28/22 04:35 PM

7280 posts

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/italy-will-lift-testing-requirement-for-non-european-travelers-in-march

Posted by mlw5000

Denver, CO

02/28/22 05:01 PM

303 posts

That sure solves a lot of problems! Thanks!

Posted by leafout45 OP

02/28/22 05:41 PM

39 posts

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Still, it would be nice to hear from someone who enters Italy tomorrow, or after, as to how it went "on the ground".

I'm still going to get tested locally, and I will bring self-tests with me (I'm not sure if these were ever accepted, but I'm taking them with me to monitor myself), but the stress of the timing not working out doesn't seem much of a concern now.

Posted by S J

Western Canada

02/28/22 06:52 PM

3552 posts

I will add to this, and ask for any Canadians traveling from Canada to Italy after tomorrow , to chime in with their experiences too, please.
Thank you!

Posted by jcook8307

02/28/22 09:41 PM

15 posts

Also looking forward to reply from someone entering Italy from US as I'll be heading there on March 30th and really looking forward to not having to stress about testing before arrival. Of course, will have to deal with that coming home in April. Looking forward to replies.....

Posted by chris

03/01/22 06:49 PM

1 posts

We are going to Sicily at the end of March and have heard conflicting reports about wearing masks inside and outside. If anyone has any intel on mask requirements, I'd appreciate knowing the restrictions.

Posted by DMae

North of the Helcaraxë

03/02/22 04:22 AM

128 posts

Mask wearing inside rules still apply but that may change at the end of March. I am currently visiting in Rome and masks are required for all inside venues (grocery store, busses, for example). People wear a mask when entering restaurants, but then take them off when seated. In my apartment building, they are required everywhere outside of your apartment. Most people are relaxed about mask wearing. Some wear them outdoors. Everyone wears them inside and if you forget, someone will remind you.

As for the testing. I arrived in Rome on February 11, and it was a real chore to get tested in the correct time-frame for entering the country. I was told by my airline (Delta in Atlanta) that I could be chosen for testing upon arrival at FCO in Rome. I was not selected, but a friend and his family were all pulled out of line and tested upon arrival. That was then. As of March 1, testing to enter Italy is no longer a requirement.

I have had some questions (from friends) about the United States CDC card and its use as a Super Green Pass. So far, my paper card has been accepted by every place that requested one. Note the "requested one." About half of the restaurants I have been do not even ask for anything, but don't depend upon it. If there is some restaurant you are really wanting to dine at, check with them in advance (when you make your reservations) as some places (they are rare) will not accept the CDC card.

Now if only the testing requirement for return to the United States goes away before early May....