We are (allegedly) doing the "Pristine Sistine" tour of the Vatican Museum next week. I'm assuming my digital vaccine certificate and QR code on my phone issued from the state of California will substitute for a EU "Green Pass"? My question is, do I have to present my certificate AND proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours prior to entrance?
Do I need both to get in? I'd rather not have to take another COVID test unless necessary.
Thank you
We are still in Italy on a 2 week trip. Toured the Sistine Chapel and St Peters just the other day. Have not been asked for our vax card at any point in our trip (other than to get on plane leaving states). We have been to Rome, Cortona, Florence and now Positano. Nor have we had to do a Covid test.
My question is, do I have to present my certificate AND proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours prior to entrance?
Was that ever a rule?
Your digital QR code from California won’t work in Europe
Sounds like you don’t need it anyway, but I’d still carry original CDC card
I was there a few weeks ago and my understanding from our RS guide was that the Vatican may spot check. In our case, since we were on a RS tour, that would have been the CDC card (or equivalent for non US tour members). Edited to add: we were not advised a Covid test was also needed, only the immunization proof.
We went at the tail end of March. Many sites barely glanced at our CDC cards, but they were examined at the Vatican. There is no need for a test AND a vaccine card as long as you've had a booster. They want to see "three jabs", as they say, to consider someone fully vaccinated.
I would carry the card in a card protector. (We put ours on a lanyard so that we could handle metal detectors and other things easily without risking losing it.) I would take a clear photo of the front and back and keep it on your phone as well. (We did see one woman denied entrance to the Colosseum because she was trying to use an email from a negative test to get in, so I'm assuming they want something more "official". )
ChristeneH, are you sure my State of California digital issued Vax proof & QR code won't be accepted as a "Basic Green Pass" ? It lists the date of my original J&J vax (one shot) and Pfizer booster two months ago. I'm confused more than ever now as the Vatican Museum's website says I must have a basic green pass or "equivalent certificate from non-EU countries".
So if my digital vaccine proof from California doesn't work, what does? And may I add this tour is through Walks of Italy and they have been unhelpful.
Was just there last Thursday and no one asked to see my vaccine card (no American QR code means anything outside the US). In fact, at no time during my trip has anyone asked to see proof of vaccination.
SMeadows1978,
Thank you very much for your input, I appreciate it. I do plan to take my vaccine cards.
American QR codes are unreadable in Europe
Your CDC card will suffice if needed
Toured Vatican april 2nd. N-95 and CDC Card were needed at that time. Nowhere in Italy in 2 1/2 weeks did we need evidence of a recents Covid test, Only to return to the usa. I believe even the CDC card requirement has gone away, but I would take just in case. No "Test" required anywhere.
John makes an important point.
If you do not have a N95 (KN95 was ok as well) at any site requiring it, or at any restaurants or shops in which the proprietor requires it, you will be noticed. We saw exactly two people in two weeks that had a cloth or surgical mask. One person was told to excuse themselves until they could locate the appropriate mask and the other was an American just arriving on the train. Someone warned them they wouldn't be able to do anything without it.
I understand the rules are supposed to relax as of today, but I wouldn't go without one. They could change again with little notice and some businesses will not adjust to looser regulations on the spot.
We went to the Vatican Museums earlier this month and were not asked for any vaccination proof. We did have to wear FFP2 (or equivalent masks). I would bring your CDC card just in case you are asked in Italy. We only had to show it once at San Siro for an Inter Milan match.
We were there on the 18th of May. We did not go with a group, but purchased self guided tours. We did have to show proof of vaccine...although, It could have been anyones, he didnt look hard. I have a green pass but I used the CDC card for my son (just a photo). We were also required to wear masks.
We were at the Vatican on May 23rd and did not have to show our CDC vaccine cards. In fact, during our entire three week trip to Italy we never had to show our vaccine card. The Vatican was strict about mask wearing and it had to be the FFP2, KN95, or N95 types. You only need a negative Covid test to return to the US. Have a great trip.
Went yesterday. Nobody looked at our cdc card. Very few masks.
