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Italy to Require Negative Test for Vaccinated Tourists

Declaration linked below.

Starting August 31, all vaccinated tourists from the US, Canada, and Japan will need a negative test (PCR or Antigen) done no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy. This declaration is in effect through Oct. 25.

Here's a Google translation from the below declaration...

"To people who have stayed or transited, in the previous fourteen days, in Canada,
Japan and the United States of America, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 3, of the ordinance of the Minister of Health of 29 July 2021, for the purpose of entering the territory it is also mandatory to present it to the carrier upon boarding and to anyone who is deputy to carry out the checks, of the certification of having submitted, in the seventy-two hours prior to entry into the national territory, to a molecular or antigen test, carried out for swab medium and negative result."

"This ordinance takes effect from August 31, 2021 and until October 25, 2021."

https://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/renderNormsanPdf?anno=2021&codLeg=82596&parte=1%20&serie=null

Posted by
47 posts

What a relief! Eric, do you mind sharing how you found this? I can’t seem to find it on any news source, so I’m just curious :) Very happy that a quarantine upon arrival is not going to be required.

Posted by
38 posts

Whew!! I was planning to get tested anyway whether they require it or not. My concern was if they require quarantine which would probably cancel my trip.

Posted by
105 posts

Can anyone find this on the countries website? I am thinking they haven't updated it yet. I can see the current rule which expires Aug. 30th which states only proof of vaccine OR negative test is required. not both.

Posted by
220 posts

I assume this be Italy's new requirement based upon the EU discussions which took place the last couple of days and will be voted on tomorrow. I'm very curious what other countries will do. To me this seems quite reasonable.

Posted by
38 posts

I expect/ hope official info will be posted by the government on Monday.

Posted by
67 posts

I am curious, I can’t find the original source of this link. I have checked the government website (https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/home.html) and can’t find it.

While I don’t doubt the accuracy of the information in the link, it’s not showing up in the The Local or in the Schengen Visa news, or even on Twitter! This surprises me. I’d expect this into to be more widespread than one TA source.

Posted by
12 posts

Thanks Eric! That is great news. I was sweating when I saw the WSJ announce the E.U.'s recommendation today. We'll keep hoping and praying though until we leave in Oct

Posted by
9 posts

Thank you for sharing! I was getting worried about having to cancel for a second time for my Oct 21 trip, and not having the ability to reschedule for '22 due to other travel commitments. Keeping fingers crossed for all my fellow '21 travelers.

Posted by
105 posts

Adam- I noticed that the link you shared it says it is based on the health order issued Aug. 27th. which is health order . The order that people are referencing the last few days was one issued Aug. 28th that seems to describe USA, Canada and Japan needing the covid negative test. I wonder when/if will see the website updated again to reference the Aug. 28th health mandate.

Posted by
1184 posts

I'll trust the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, linked below...

"Persons travelling from Canada, Japan and the United States of America may enter Italy by presenting a ‘Green Pass’ (or equivalent certificate issued by the local health authorities attesting that they are fully vaccinate with a European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated vaccine), a negative swab test carried out within the previous 72 hours and a Passenger Locator Form."

https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/ministero/normativaonline/decreto-iorestoacasa-domande-frequenti/focus-cittadini-italiani-in-rientro-dall-estero-e-cittadini-stranieri-in-italia.html

Posted by
14811 posts

The Italy tourism site has not been updated since Friday. Changes occured over the weekend. Be patient, I'm sure they will get to it.

Posted by
105 posts

Eric - thanks for the link to the ministry of foreign affairs website to check. From that main page it seems fairly clear that yes even when vaccinated you will need the negative test. However -did you also click on the 'find out more here' part. From there the wording of this ruling is mighty confusing. It is not clear but it is somewhat implying that if you are Canada, Japan or USA all you need is the PFL and green card/equivalent vaccination proof.
it reads:
"Canada, Japan and the United States: persons travelling to Italy after having transited through or
stayed in these Countries in the prior 14 days shall be required to compile the digital passenger
locator form (PLF) and present a green Covid-19 pass issued by the respective local health
authorities and considered equivalent (vaccination with an EMA-approved vaccine; recovery from
Covid-19 and completion of the isolation period; negative fast antigen or molecular swab test taken
within the last 48 hours before entering Italy). Travellers without a green pass shall be subject to the
same general restrictions provided in list D."

Posted by
29 posts

Now I'm really confused. The health ministry website states:

Persons travelling from Canada, Japan and the United States of America may enter Italy by presenting a ‘Green Pass’ (or equivalent certificate issued by the local health authorities attesting that they are fully vaccinate with a European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated vaccine), a negative swab test carried out within the previous 72 hours and a Passenger Locator Form.

Then, if you click on "Find out more here," the document states:

Canada, Japan and the United States: persons travelling to Italy after having transited through or
stayed in these Countries in the prior 14 days shall be required to compile the digital passenger
locator form (PLF) and present a green Covid-19 pass issued by the respective local health
authorities and considered equivalent (vaccination with an EMA-approved vaccine; recovery from
Covid-19 and completion of the isolation period; negative fast antigen or molecular swab test taken
within the last 48 hours before entering Italy).

So, which is it?

Posted by
105 posts

Annaconda- the 48 hours refers to those who are trying to obtain the green pass and are unvaccinated is my reading of it. They have separated this to be the part in brackets.

Posted by
29 posts

travelinggirl - but the 2 statements still contradict each other. The first one states vax card AND negative test. The second statement is either/or.

Posted by
105 posts

I agree that there is confusing language that seems to contradict each other I posted that right before your post.

I think its just a timing issue- the change just happened over the weekend and goes into force tomorrow so all the various websites haven't updated yet. I am taking the opinion that even if vaccinated a 72 hour negative covid test is required.

Posted by
29 posts

Travelinggirl - Sorry, I didn't see your post before I posted. Yes, the whole thing is very confusing.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks everyone for all the information. Our flight is connecting through LHR, and I am wondering at this point if we will have to quarantine 5 days? Thanks!!

Posted by
33 posts

Our flight is connecting through LHR also, so I too am wondering if we have to quarantine.

Posted by
453 posts

Folks, this stuff seems to be changing every second. My wife and I are headed to Europe in a few weeks and we're not leaving anything to chance. Need a test result? Just get a test prior to laeving the US. Need one to return? Do some googling to find out where there's a pharmacy offering a test in Europe or know if there's a place in your departure airport. Is some random document that needs to be completed or not? Just fill it out. Need to be vaccinated to enter country X? Just get vaccinated if you can. I know that this is all a MASSIVE PITA, but just hedge your bets and reduce your worries.

Hi all:

Just got our negative tests completed in light of the new requirements. Taking off from JFK and landing tomorrow morning (first day of the testing result requirement). Will let you all know how it goes.

Posted by
25 posts

This is good news. But, I have another question. We'll be flying in to Geneva (9/18), spending 5 days in Switzerland, and then travelling by car to Italy (9/23), spending 5 days in Italy and then travelling back to Geneva (9/28) to fly back to the states. So, if I am reading this right, I will need to get a test done IN Switzerland to enter Italy by car? And then, I'll need to get a test done in Italy in order to return to the US? That's a lot of tests and finding places to test.

Posted by
7453 posts

I think it is prudent to test before going, and have evidence of a negative test in hand, if for no other reason than you would not want to board an International flight potentially positive.

However, be careful with interpreting the translation provided of the order. Punctuation and syntax do not translate well, the line of interest:

Persons travelling from Canada, Japan and the United States of America may enter Italy by presenting a ‘Green Pass’ (or equivalent certificate issued by the local health authorities attesting that they are fully vaccinate with a European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated vaccine), a negative swab test carried out within the previous 72 hours and a Passenger Locator Form.

May also be interpreted as:

Persons travelling from Canada, Japan and the United States of America may enter Italy by presenting a ‘Green Pass’ (or equivalent certificate issued by the local health authorities attesting that they are fully vaccinate with a European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated vaccine) OR a negative swab test carried out within the previous 72 hours and and a Passenger Locator Form.

Which is basically what the requirements are now. Note that both the Official Tourism Site, and the IATA database used by airlines are interpreting the second one, as opposed to the first one.

Posted by
8 posts

In looking at IATA Travel Regulations map (https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php) and selecting Italy, it does not appear that a negative test is required for US/Canadian tourists. This information was updated on 8/30 and calls out the new "until October 25th" date.
*Originally Posted here on 8/30 - things have changed. The website above now states a negative Covid test AND proof of vaccination are required. Previously showed "or".

The salient points that I see:
- Section 1: Bullet 6: (Passengers not allowed to enter)... "Does not apply to... passengers who in the past 14 days have only been in or transited through..." USA is in the list.
- Section 4: must complete a Digital Passenger Locator Form (nothing new here)
- Section 5: "Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular test taken at most 72 hours before arrival." "DOES NOT APPLY to passengers arriving from.... USA." (emphasis added).
- Section 7: Passengers arriving from Canada, Japan or USA must have:
- a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular test taken at most 72 hours before arrival; or
- a COVID-19 recovery certificate; or
- a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. Vaccines accepted are: AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech.
Note the "or" in the statements for Section 7.

Posted by
85 posts

This is great news and getting a covid test 3 days before trip is fine. Were both vaccinated but when I Google Italy and Covid it says it's stage three and then on other sites it says most regions are white except for Sicily. Our trip in theory is leaving end of Sept for 3 weeks. We're headed to Milan direct to Lake Como than Venice, Sorrento via Naples, Rome, Florence Cinque Terre region then back to Milan. I want to be super safe but am wondering are cases going up in Italy to where it wouldn't be safe. I want to go to Italy but not at my own risk of death or being super sick. So are cases low enough to go safely wearing masks when needed? Thanks

Posted by
260 posts

So basically as I understand. The EU made the recommendation but Italy is saying thanks but no thanks and keeping it how it was? So if you are vaccinated you need to show proof and if your are not vaccinated you need a test for entry. Does that sum it up??

Posted by
14811 posts

Remember, the rules are as of today. What will be tomorrow, next week, next month is anyone's guess.

Posted by
7453 posts

To Markboy's point, the document linked in the OP is the amendment issued August 28th. I think what may be confusing those looking at it, is that it is not a complete document and is fairly worthless as a stand-alone document. The first 4 or 5 pages go through a bunch of government speak, indicating that this amendment does not replace each of the previous amendments, but adds to or changes wording in specific articles and paragraphs. It then goes on to list each of those sections and the new wording. What you do not see are prefacing or preceding sentences that did not change that indicate when the paragraph applies, such as the all important "or" that Markboy points out.

I am fairly well convinced that in essence, no entry requirements have changed for someone coming from the US, you only need be vaccinated, have proof, and fill out the ePLF. OR, you can still be unvaccinated and present a negative test and the ePLF.

The difficulty in being unvaccinated (and come on, who would travel right now and not be vaccinated) is that after Sep 1, you would then need a recent Negative test to go into a restaurant, a museum or indoor venue, get on some public transport, and other places. This means testing about every 3 days. I will add one gap, if you are traveling with a 6 to 12 year old child, who is unable to be vaccinated, then the unvaccinated rules apply to that child, I believe, I have not looked that closely, but if that applies to you, you should investigate.

Posted by
7453 posts

So basically as I understand. The EU made the recommendation but Italy is saying thanks but no thanks and keeping it how it was? So if you are vaccinated you need to show proof and if your are not vaccinated you need a test for entry. Does that sum it up??

From my understanding, Yes.

Actually, looking at a number of EU countries revised policies, I have not seen a single one that implemented something close to what the EU agreed on, have not read each in detail, so I could certainly be in error.

Posted by
15679 posts

For Italy's regional COVID map, this from the Ministry of Heath:

https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5367&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto

And:
https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/domande-frequenti-sulle-misure-adottate-dal-governo/15638

"By clicking on the map it is possible to view the FAQ relating to the provisions in force (meaning the rules one must follow) in the area concerned."

Regardless of current color levels, what those will be in another month is anyone's best guess. There is also no guarantee that one can't pick up the virus almost anywhere at all, including at the departure/arrival airports or on the planes themselves. Traveling darn near anywhere right now means being willing to assume the risk, right? Vaccinations help. Masks help. Washing hands helps. Not much you can do beyond that if you want to try to have an adventure this year.

Posted by
12 posts

Here is the press release from the EU, in which the US is now removed from the "list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted".

Note that this is only an advisory, and each EU member nation maintains the right to set their own rules. The advisory also recognizes the right of each member to allow vaccinated visitors to bypass restrictions. So this is consistent with reports that Italy is still admitting vaccinated Americans. But it is unclear (to me) whether we will be required to submit a negative COVID test result before entry. Just to be safe, I will try to get a PCR test before leaving for Florence on September 20.

Posted by
260 posts

Just got this email from Delta about our upcoming trip:

We look forward to seeing you on your upcoming flight to Italy. As you plan for upcoming travel, we're committed to providing the information you need to be prepared, safe and secure upon arrival.

Effective September 1, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular test taken at most 72 hours before arrival into Italy. Children under 6 years of age will not be required to present a negative test result.

All passengers traveling to Italy must fill out a Digital Passenger Locator Form before arrival.

More details about COVID-19 testing can be found on Delta's Testing Resources page as well as specific travel requirements on Delta's Destination & Travel Requirements page.

Posted by
100 posts

Just got the Delta email as we are on our way to get tested.

Posted by
105 posts

Air Canada's website has also now been updated to require the negative test no matter your vaccination status.

We have a flight 9/1 from ATL and just got a text from Delta asking to get a covid test. Does anyone know if a rapid antigen test is suffice? Per website it says antigen or PCR but just wanted to make sure. This sure is stressful 🥲

Thanks in advance, these forums are really helpful to navigate travel during Covid 😀

Posted by
3 posts

Does anyone know if the rules still apply for children too young for vaccine? Just a test? I can’t seem to find the info.

Posted by
105 posts

It seems clear that all Americans will need a negative test result (either PCR or rapid antigen) no more than 72 hours before arrival in Italy. Vaccination status is not a requirement, however, if you want to eat inside or visit a museum, or ride public transportation, you will need to prove you are vaccinated via your CDC Vaccination record card.

Posted by
201 posts

Does the regulation change sound like if I have Covishield & Pfizer I will have to quarantine for 5 days since Italy will not recognize my covishield? regardless of having a negative antigen test?

Posted by
1184 posts

This, from the Italian Embassy in Washington DC, seems to unambiguously preclude the unvaccinated (unless they have proof of recovering from Covid) from having to quarantine upon arrival...

"PLEASE NOTE: In order to be exempted from the obligation of fiduciary isolation (so-called "quarantine") in Italy, travelers are now required to present to the carrier upon boarding, or to whoever is in charge of carrying out checks, a molecular or antigenic test with a negative result carried out in the 72 hours prior to entrance in Italy. In addition to said negative molecular or antigenic test, travelers must present a certificate of vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid 19."

https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington/en/sala-stampa/dall_ambasciata/2021/07/aggiornamento-ingressi-in-italia.html

Posted by
201 posts

My frustration is that I am fully vaccinated according to Canada, but not to Italy because of my first shot being Covishield. Air Canada is saying fully vaccinated & negative test. Other areas seem to indicate I would just need the negative test. I just don't understand if I will have to quarantine or not.