Leaving for Italy in 3 weeks. I realize that Covid guidance / restrictions may be revised May 1, but for now, are FFP2 masks readily available in Italy? I had read that they were to be sold in all stores, and at a fixed price. Thank you.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
Available in pharmacies, supermarkets, some tobacconists' shops. They cost under Euro 0,50 at the supermarket. Pharmacies often charge a bit more.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8174 posts
They are readily available, but if you were not aware, any KN95/N95 masks you bring with you meet the requirements as well.
Posted by
7 posts
Does anyone know if surgical masks are acceptable anywhere that is requiring masks or is it always FFP2/KN95?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
FFP2 are required aboard public transportation (trains, planes, buses) and in some indoor venues (like museums, theaters, etc.). The surgical masks are not sufficient.
The rule is set to expire on Apr 30, but no indication has been given whether it will be extended.
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, USA
279 posts
I will note that we just returned from 2 weeks in Italy and wore level 3 surgical masks 90% of the time. Only the Vatican Museum and once on the train were we requested to put on our N-95's. As noted almost everyone was selling masks.
Street vendors were selling FFP2 masks outside the Vatican Museum. Two of our tour members had to purchase before the Vatican would let them inside.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7278 posts
I’m here now
Surgical masks not an acceptable alternative for all the places Roberto listed
Basically the only folks you see wearing them are Americans
Seems Italians have no problem following the rules
I did see a small group told to comply at Duomo in Orvieto
Haven’t looked to see where you can buy because we brought our own sufficient supply
Posted by
Tennessee USA
111 posts
Yes the FFP2 masks are easy to find in Italy. I got a couple at a pharmacy and at an outdoor market stall (very fashionable designs!). We took plenty on N95 with us, but I found the Italian version much more comfortable! Wish I'd bought more for back here in the states.
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, USA
279 posts
Roma no one asked about vaccination (CDC cards) but all wore a mask indoors, at least as far as the table. We saw everything from N-95 To cloth.
Orvietta everyone wanted to see the "Green Card" and masked.
Bologna No One(much) cared about either. Food Tour (Italians) expressely said no one needed to wear a mask
Padua/Verona No green cards, most wore "a" mask indoors
Saw few outdoor masks anywhere.
Guess the rules varied from place to place.
KLM flight crews home wore Surgical masks.