Traveling to Italy amid Covid-19: Key things to know before you go

If you're planning a trip to Italy, here’s what you should be aware of and expect while visiting during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The essentials

Italy has enforced some of the strictest pandemic measures globally and remains one of the most cautious nations in Europe, even as many restrictions have eased.

As of June 1, all Covid-19 entry restrictions have been lifted. This means there’s no longer a need to show proof of vaccination, and the previous quarantine requirement for unvaccinated travelers has been removed. The mask mandate was also dropped on October 1 in most public spaces.

However, strict quarantine measures are in place for individuals who test positive for Covid-19.

What Italy has to offer

Italy is one of Europe’s top travel destinations, famed for its historic cities like Florence, unique treasures such as Venice, and the Vatican, nestled in the heart of Rome, the capital.

With its mouthwatering cuisine, exceptional wines, picturesque landscapes, and a variety of beach resorts, Italy remains a top choice for travelers year-round.

Who is eligible to travel

As of June 1, all Covid-19 entry restrictions have been lifted. Anyone can now enter Italy, and there’s no longer a need to show proof of vaccination, meaning the quarantine rule for unvaccinated travelers has been abolished.

What restrictions are in place?

The requirement to present proof of vaccination or recovery was lifted on June 1.

Travelers no longer need to complete a passenger locator form. The mask mandate has been lifted on flights, but remains in effect on other public transport (details below). Individual airlines may still have their own mask policies, so be sure to check with yours before flying.

What is the current Covid-19 situation?

As one of the first European countries to be hit, Italy has faced significant challenges. Despite strict restrictions that helped control the spread, Italy endured longer lockdowns than many of its European neighbors during each subsequent wave. However, the winter surges of 2020-21 and 2021-22 took a heavy toll on the nation.

Italy ranks second in Europe for the highest death toll, following the United Kingdom. The country surpassed 100,000 deaths on March 8, 2021, and as of October 6, 2022, the total death toll stands at 177,300, with over 22.6 million confirmed infections.

When the Omicron variant arrived, case numbers skyrocketed, reaching a peak in the week of January 10 with 1,269,976 new cases recorded. Prior to Omicron, the highest weekly infection rate was 248,000 cases in November 2020.

In June and July, with the emergence of new variants, cases surged again. Nearly 1.4 million new infections were reported in the month leading up to August 19. However, this increase has since leveled off, with 252,781 new infections recorded in the week before October 6.

Approximately 90% of Italy’s adult population is now fully vaccinated.

The Immuni app uses Bluetooth technology to monitor contact with potential Covid-19 carriers.

What should visitors expect

The regional color-coded traffic light restrictions (ranging from white to red zones) were lifted on April 1. Now, the rules apply uniformly across the entire country.

The national outdoor mask requirement ended on February 11, followed by the removal of the indoor mask mandate on May 1. On June 15, further restrictions were eased, and by October 1, the mask mandate for public transport was also lifted.

However, masks are still required in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes. In most settings, high-quality FFP2 masks are mandatory, except in hospitals.

If you contract Covid-19 in Italy, you will be required to quarantine for at least five days. You can only leave quarantine after testing negative and being symptom-free for two consecutive days. If you still test positive after 14 days, you may exit quarantine.

Green passes and super green passes:

On May 1, Italy lifted the requirement for tourists to show a green pass at most venues. This means you no longer need to provide proof of vaccination to dine out, visit museums, or use public transport.

However, if you're visiting a hospital or care home, you'll need a 'super green pass' (or 'certificazione verde rafforzata'), proving you’ve been vaccinated (including a booster) or have recovered from Covid-19 within the last six months. You can also get a regular pass by showing a negative test result taken within 48 hours.

Vaccinated travelers from other countries are not eligible for the Italian pass, but EU-issued vaccination certificates are recognized and scanned as domestic passes. Certificates with a QR code, including UK NHS ones, are usually accepted as valid. You can verify your pass using the VerificaC19 app.

If your QR code isn't recognized by the app, or if you don’t have one, you’ll need to present a physical copy of your vaccination certificate from your home country.

Foreign vaccination certificates don’t follow the same expiration rules as the Italian green pass. Currently, a full vaccination cycle, including a booster, remains valid indefinitely, while an initial full cycle without a booster is valid for six months.

Helpful resources

Italian Ministry of Health

Immuni contact tracing app

Countries currently permitted to enter

Verifica C19 app (iOS version)

Verifica C19 app (Android version)

Our most recent updates

Can’t make it to Italy at the moment? You could always buy a house for just 1 euro – about the price of a coffee.

A newly launched website offers sales across the country without the need to visit in person. If you're not in the market to buy, the country's 'alberghi diffusi,' or scattered hotels, provide the ideal accommodation for travel during the Covid-19 era.

Alternatively, explore our list of charming small towns, perfect for maintaining social distance.