We are traveling to Italy with our family for Spring Break 2022, March 20-April 2. Like many others, this is our Covid makeup trip. We are fully vaxxed and boosted. We are debating about going to Italy under their current Covid restrictions... being masked a 100% of the time, including wearing an KN95 mask while at public facilities and being masked while outdoors. Has anyone traveled recently and experienced the current Covid restrictions? I am aware that the Italy restrictions might change April 1st but our travel aren't flexible. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1089 posts
I am currently traveling within Italy. I’m in the autonomous region of Bolzano, which has the lowest vax rate of Italy’s 20 regions. Like everywhere else in Italy, mask compliance is very good - 100% indoors and 80% +/- outdoors. Green passes/vax cards are being checked to go inside most places except food shops and pharmacies. The outdoor mask mandate may be dropped before your arrival. What that means, though, is masking outdoors is not 100% required but will most likely still be required in busy places outdoors, such as pedestrian zones in cities.
So, I’d say just be prepared to wear your masks anytime you can see another human. And always the KN95s, don’t try to use surgical or cloth masks. Then you will fit right in and be welcome.
New York Times had a very good article about the current state of life in Italy yesterday. I’ll post the link but it is probably behind a paywall. Covid Divide. The summary is that as Italy approaches 90% vaccination rates, families and individuals are having trouble aligning their risk assessments. Some family members want to go out and be normal, others want to continue avoiding people. There is no neat and tidy conclusion, you will need to assess your own comfort level and follow whatever rules are in place.
Posted by
Paris
10341 posts
Here is a post from yesterday from someone who returned Friday. They discuss exactly what you are asking.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
99 posts
Aimee I know you just returned is it okay to take photos with no mask? Just thinking like a family photo if okay to remove briefly? I’m hoping by our April trip they won’t be needed outdoors as long as you are away from others. I’d assume it would be ok to remove briefly but just wondering your experience.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
524 posts
I was in Rome for a week in mid-January with my husband. We walked everywhere (meaning 5-7 miles a day!), including the dome climb at St. Peter's, while wearing our N95 masks. It really didn't bother us. Everything was open, and there were no crowds. Just be aware of changes in restrictions so that you are prepared. Based on our positive experiences I wouldn't give up on a planned trip based on the current restrictions. If you feel comfortable, go and enjoy!
Posted by
Indiana
1027 posts
I keep watch over on TripAdvisors. There is a person who links new restrictions, decrees, etc. and translates then. According to him, beginning February 11th, the mask restriction outside becomes optional. You might want to go over there. It’s the very first thread on the main Italy Forum. There’s like 600 pages! It’s reply 6243.
Also, we decided as a family not to go if we had to wear masks outside. I know it doesn’t bother a lot of people, but it’s a very expensive trip and would take away from our enjoyment of it.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
Hi. My dates overlap with yours, 18th to 8th.
I was in Chicago last spring/summer and I felt uncomfortable with so many people unmasked indoors and packed restaurants, especially knowing that the vax rate wasn't particularly high. Here in Israel indoor masks are required, vax certificates for indoor dining, but no masking outdoors. I don't look forward to wearing an N95 mask for hours on end, but I know I'll feel a lot safer than I did in Chicago. And Italy is Italy . . . always worthwhile.