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Question about Green Pass - negative PCR or antigen

Posted by (Toronto) on

So I am due to fly to Italy in just over 2 weeks. As the trip approaches, I realize I've never been less excited about a trip, in fact, I'm getting increasingly stressed.

One thing I'm still not clear about is those who use a negative PCR or antigen test result to enter Italy without the need to quarantine (I'm a Canadian citizen). Will this test be all I need to enter, or will I have to take tests every couple of days while I am there? The documentation from the Italian ministry of health doesn't specify this, only in regards to entering the country.

I am fully vaccinated, but the issue is that I have a mixed vaccine dose (AZ and Pfizer). While many Canadians have had this combination and are considered "fully vaccinated", what Italy and the EU think about mixed vaccines is another issue entirely. It would be a shame to be denied boarding as a result of this technicality, ence why I am considering getting a rapid antigen test before departure.

While nothing is official yet, there is speculation that Italy will follow France's lead, and that by August 5, a green pass will be required for entry to museums, restaurants (for indoor dining at least), etc. So needless to say, much is still up in the air, and I am not 100% certain I will be taking this trip. Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by
1034 posts

I am no expert, as I have not attempted to cross borders lately. There have been official links posted on other threads on this site recently for updated information. I'll just relay personal information, i.e., no hearsay. I have two sets of friends who have recently arrived. They had to do PCR tests before and on entry, but not periodically during their stays.

Italy is also mixing vaccines for under-60s. Being just the wrong side of that divide, I was a bit miffed. I feel like they are trying to use up their remaining AstraZeneca on us "older" folks. (They are not buying more AZ at the moment.) But I think Italy will accept mixed vaccines since they are doing it themselves.

Yes, a green pass requirement is imminent. Not sure how it will play out for non-Europeans yet.

Forza, you'll still have fun once you run the gauntlet to get here. It's a wonderful summer here. I am still staying out of the big cities, as I'm just getting the second vaccine dose this week. But we're visiting a lot of smaller villages and doing hikes and loving it.

P.S. If you need a PCR test to re-enter Canada, most of the pharmacies are doing them, with results in English, for as little as 20 Euros.

Posted by
15171 posts

If you are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by EMA (European Medicines Agency) you just need an original document from your country that proves you have been vaccinated (not sure what you have in Canada). No need to quarantine in those circumstances, unless you fly via the UK (in which case you have to quarantine for 5 days).

Effective August 5 a green pass will be necessary to enter in indoor restaurants, theaters, museums, sports venue etc. Your proof of vaccination will be accepted in lieu of the green pass which is for EU residents only.

Posted by
8 posts

Roberto - I'm flying from Boston to Italy on Sept. 3rd (arriving on 4th), with a layover London --> Rome. Does that count as "flying from the UK" and means I'd have to quarantine for 5 days? Thanks for any info!

Posted by
11322 posts

Yes, from what the Italian site says -- do go through the questions -- you have to quarantine in Italy if you so much as change planes in the UK.

Editing to say the situation is fluid so keep checking but plan for the worst.

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