Italy: COVID-19 Entry Requirements for 2021

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world bursting with rich history, culture, gorgeous beaches and stunning architecture. 

With over 60 million annual tourists, Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world. 

Here are all the latest 2021 COVID-19 entry requirements for Italy all travelers need to know before booking their trip. 

Temporary Restrictions and Updated News for Italy 2021:

• On June 21, 2021 Italy opened up for Canadian and American tourists without the need for ‘covid-flights’ or testing, providing they are vaccinated.
• In July 2021, Italy starting using the Digital Green Certificate for entry from EU nations, with some exceptions clarified for third-party passengers from USA, Canada, Japan, etc. Italy has stated that passengers from the USA and Canada can use their paper cards as proof for the time being.
• In September 2021, Italy re-instated some entry requirements for American and Canadian tourists due to a rise in cases
• As of November 2021, travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini are banned from entering Italy.
• Starting January 10, 2022, full vaccination will be required for entry to most venues in Italy.

Entry Requirements For Countries Permitted to Visit Italy For Tourism

The following countries are permitted to enter Italy for tourism: 

• All EU Countries 
• All Schengen Countries
• Micro-nations: Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino
• Approved third-party countries of: Argentina, Australia, Bahrein, Canada, Cile, Colombia, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Perù, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. 

Countries not listed on any of the above lists are NOT permitted to visit Italy for tourism.

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements

Italy requires different testing depending on the country the passenger is coming from, categorized as A, B, C, etc.

A & B List Countries = No testing, no restrictions

Current A & B List Countries (last updated January 7, 2022)

• Vatican City
• San Marino

C List Countries = 48-hour PCR or antigen test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery. (Eu digital green pass)

Current C List Countries (last updated January 7, 2022)

• Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco

Current “D” List Countries (last updated January 7, 2022)

• Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao

Current “E” List Countries (last updated January 7, 2022)

• Nations not mentioned in the other lists

Vaccinated passengers from the above third-party countries can enter Italy for tourism by showing a negative covid test taken at most 72-hours before arrival. They must also show a valid COVID Vaccination Certificate in English, French, or Italian. Travelers from Canada, Japan and the United States of America can also show a certificate of recovery.

Unvaccinated travelers from the above third-party countries need to show a negative 72-hour test, quarantine for 5 days upon arrival, and take another antigen test on Day 5 of which the negative result will release from isolation. They must also travel to their final destination in Italy via private transport.

*Special rules for UK: Test time is 48 hours instead of 72 hours

*Entry from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini is banned.

Digital Passenger Locator Form

Starting May 24, 2021, every passenger entering Italy must complete a Digital Passenger Locator Form prior to boarding.

Passengers into Sicily, Puglia and Calabria also have a secondary form to complete.

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

No quarantine for EU and approved third-party nations who comply with the above testing requirements.

*Travelers arriving from ‘D’ list countries are obliged to undergo a 5-day quarantine.

*Travelers arriving from ‘E’ list countries are obliged to undergo a 10-day quarantine.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Italy 

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Italy

All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Italy:

From July 2021, Italy has ordered mask-wearing in all public indoor spaces and public transport.
Until January 31, 2022, it is mandatory to wear masks in open spaces.
FFP2-class masks should be used in public transport, concerts, cinemas, and during sporting events.
Children under 6 are exempt. 

Starting January 10, 2022, it will be mandatory to show a covid certificate to enter hotels, catering venues, collective transport, ski pulls, spa, theme parks, amusement parks, swimming pools, museums, cinemas, concert halls theaters, concerts, events, sports competitions, fairs, festivals, exhibitions, congresses, conferences, cultural centers, social spaces, and recreational centers.
Children under 12 years old and those who have a medical certification concerning immunizations are exempt.

Follow all social distancing markers. The specific interpersonal safety distance rule is: at least 2 meters during sports activities and at least 1 meter in all other circumstances.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate / The Green Pass

The EU Digital Covid Certificate, also known as the Green Pass, certifies one of the following conditions:

• vaccination against COVID-19
• a negative result of an antigen or molecular test
• recovery from COVID-19

This can be obtained through different channels, such as testing centers, national health authorities, or an eHealth portal. It will be required for entry into public spaces and transportation.

The Green Pass will be valid for:

• maximum 6 months from recovery
• maximum 9 months since vaccination
• maximum 6 months from vaccination starting February 1, 2022.

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

Italy has not announced if proof of vaccination record will be mandatory for entry in the near future.

Exceptions are being made to tests/quarantines for entry if fully vaccinated and coming from A, B, or C list nations.

Visa Entry Requirements For Italy During COVID-19

All travelers arriving in Italy will still need to follow Italian visa requirements. 

Use this government tool to find out if you need a visa to enter Italy.

Travelers that require a visa must submit an application, together with all necessary documents, in person at the Italian embassy/consulate in their home country.

Can Americans Enter Italy?

Yes. As of June 21, 2021, U.S. travelers can enter with a negative test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery.

Italy Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. Check if your country is permitted to visit Italy for tourism.
2. Follow COVID-19 testing and quarantine procedures outlined above.
3. Check if your country requires a visa to visit Italy
4. Follow all Italian COVID-19 health protocols.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements By Country: Travelers Guide

Countries Reopening In Eur

Countries In Europe Open For Tourism

All Countries Reopening For Tourism

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

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Sources: Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Disclaimer: Current Italy travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

Originally published August 27, 2020 with updates