As coronavirus cases continue to rise, Italy has further tightened restrictions with new rules impacting the unvaccinated in particular. Both ski holidays and city breaks are likely to be affected by the new rules.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) states: “From January 10 until March 31 a Super Green Pass is required to access restaurants, bars, hotels, all local and regional transport services (excluding taxis and international flights) as well as museums, cultural centres, sports facilities and stadiums.
“A super Green Pass is also needed to access outdoor facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, wellness centres, ski lifts and to participate in celebrations following civil and religious ceremonies.”
The super green pass will also be needed to access all local and regional transport services, although this does not include private taxis or flights.
The FCDO adds: “Italy will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record as the equivalent to a super green pass as long as it is in the form of a verifiable digital QR code.
“Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.”
What are the entry requirements for UK travellers visiting Italy?
Only fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK are permitted to enter Italy without facing a period of self-isolation.
This means that, for those who are unvaccinated, holidays will not be possible without enduring five days of self-isolation and taking a series of PCR tests.
Those who can provide they have received a full course of vaccination must fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF), and show evidence of either a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before entering Italy or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before entering Italy.
Some regional restrictions may also apply.
Along with self-isolation, passengers who are not vaccinated must show evidence of a negative PCR test within 48 hours before entering Italy or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before entering Italy.
They should also notify the Prevention Department of the local health authority, travel to their final destination by taxi, and take another PCR or antigen test at the end of the five days of self-isolation. If this is positive, they must remain in quarantine.
The FCDO adds: Children aged 17 and under do not need to quarantine if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent and (for those over the age of sox) have a negative PCR or antigen test.
“Children aged five and under are exempt from testing.”
How might ski resorts be impacted by the changes?
Travellers visiting ski resorts must be able to prove they have been fully vaccinated.
Certain ski regions have also been impacted by specific regional rules.
Some ski provinces have moved from the “white zone”, as set out by the Italian government, to the “yellow zone”.
These regions include the main ski areas of Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto.
No regions have yet to be placed into the “orange zone”, but regional press cites concerns Trentino could be next to move from the “yellow zone” to the “orange zone” later this month.
Zones are dictated based on Covid cases in the region and hospital admissions.
Little changes for fully vaccinated people in “yellow” and “orange” zones.
The majority of venues and activities will remain open and accessible to those who have a super green pass health certificate.
However, those who are unvaccinated may face further restrictions.
