Italy Tightens Restrictions For All Travelers And Residents During The Holidays

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Officials in Italy this week unveiled a new “Super Green Pass” system which will be put in place for the holiday period. The new pass essentially tightens restrictions on any unvaccinated persons in higher-risk regions of the country. Here's what we know about the new pass and how it will be used in Italy.

Effective December 6 until January 15, those who can't provide proof of full vaccination or recovery from Covid over the past six months will not be able to obtain a Super Green Pass.

This Super Green Pass will give holders access to a number of non-essential services in parts of the country. The order was officially approved by the Italian Council of Ministers (also known as the Italian Cabinet) last week.

What's The Difference Between The Basic Green Pass And The New Super Green Pass?

Italy's Green Pass system has been updated to what's called a Super Green Pass. We've outlined the latest information about the two passes and where they will/will not be accepted throughout Italy for the holiday season from December 6 until January 15, 2022.

“Starting from December 6, 2021, the reinforced Green Pass is introduced; it only applies to those who are either vaccinated or cured,” Italian officials explained during the announcement.

Over the summer, Italy introduced their Green Pass. Individuals who were fully vaccinated, recovered or had a negative test result from within 48 hours could get the pass and access all non-essential activities where the Green Pass was required.

Under the new guidelines, only those who have proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 or proof of full recovery from the virus over the last six months can access the new Super Green Pass.

The basic Green Pass can still be used during the holiday period. However, people will have to take an new Covid test every 48 hours (and have a negative result) in order to keep their Green Pass to access a number of services.

Italy's new holiday guidelines mandate that everyone will have to show their Green Pass (both Basic and Super Green will be accepted) to use public transportation throughout the country, including local buses and trains. Previously, no pass was needed to use public transportation in Italy.

Please note that no type of green pass will be required to enter shopping malls, shops and grocery stores throughout this holiday period.

The Green Pass will now expire after 9 months, reduced from the previous 12 months.

New Zone System Throughout Italy: Information For Travelers

Travelers to Italy should know that government officials have placed different areas of the country into different zones, depending on the level of Covid cases in that area.

The classifications include white, yellow, orange and red zones and are organized in order of health risk level. According to the website Italy Green Pass, most of Italy is currently still a white zone, which is the lowest health risk level zone. The only exception is Friuli Venezia Giulia in Bolzano province, which is classified as a yellow zone at this time.

The basic Green Pass will be requested for persons to access most non-essential services in white zones and yellow zones throughout Italy. The new Super Green Pass will only be needed if a region switches to orange or red zone.

All persons age 12 and older are now required to show their Green Pass (vaccination, full recovery or test from the past 48 hours) to access a number of activities. Here are the full travel guidelines for Italy's white and yellow zones:

• Italy's high-speed trains
• ferries
• indoor dining at bars and restaurants
• museums and other cultural activities
• cinemas
• theaters
• sporting events
• stadiums
• concerts and festivals
• cultural centers
• convention centers
• fitness and wellness centers
• pools
• spas
• theme parks
• betting parlors

Social distancing between different travel parties is also requested in these zones. For yellow zones, face masks will be required in both indoor and outdoor public spaces. Mask-wearing will only be required in all public indoor spaces in white zones. You can read the full list and latest guidelines here.

Only Super Green Pass holders will be granted entry to non-essential activities, including indoor dining, theaters, cinemas and sports events during the holiday period if they are in one of the higher-risk zones (orange and red).

For example, any Green Pass holders will be allowed to access gyms, pools and outdoor spaces such as ski areas in white or yellow zones. If in an orange zone, those activities will be restricted to Super Green Pass holders only. And only Super Green Pass holders can enter cultural places like museums in orange zones.

While the Super Green Pass system is set to last until January 15, 2022, officials say it could possibly be extended.

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