Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi earlier this month announced an end to the country's COVID-19 state of emergency on 31st March 2022. But what does this mean for COVID rules in Italy? Will Italy relax its enhanced green pass rules? We have the details.
Italy's COVID roadmap
The Italian government has come up with a road map which will ultimately determine the future of green passes and COVID rules in Italy. This will begin with the end of the state of emergency on 31st March, originally in place since 31st January 2020. Therefore, from 1st April 2022, the super or enhanced green pass (Italy's COVID pass only available to those who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID) won't be compulsory for all activities and will gradually be phased out if everything goes to plan.
Relaxation of Super Green Pass rules
Without giving details of specific dates, the Prime Minister confirmed that the use of green passes, also known as COVID passports, would be reduced and requirements to present proof of vaccination at a range of venues would be gradually removed. Draghi stated that in Italy, the plan is to “gradually put an end to the enhanced green certificate obligation, starting with outdoor activities such as sporting events, parties and shows".
To begin with, the Italian government has relaxed some rules and updated the list of activities and shops where the enhanced green pass remains necessary and also where it is no longer required.
From 1st April 2022, Italy will say goodbye to its four-tier colour system which divided the country based on how serious the health situation was in each region. This is aimed primarily at simplifying COVID regulations across Italy.
This also means that from 1st April it will be possible to eat outdoors in bars and restaurants without having to present the enhanced green pass. The basic green pass (which only requires a negative COVID test result) does however remain in force until the end of April. The same rule also applies to public transport where the super green pass requirement will be removed on 1st April, while the basic green pass rules will still apply.
The end of Italy's state of emergency will also see capacity limits being relaxed, and from next month stadiums and arenas will be allowed to hold 75% of their full capacity.
When it comes to COVID rules in Italian schools, from 1st April students can say goodbye to having to quarantine if they have a close positive contact at school, something which applies to those who are vaccinated and those who aren't.
When it comes to green passes at work in Italy, things will also return to the basic green pass instead of the super green pass from 1st May 2022. On the same date, things will also start to return to normal in indoor venues such as restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres and concert halls, as the basic green pass will be phased out. Therefore after this date, the basic green pass in Italy will only be necessary on public transport, in hospitals, nursing homes and in workplaces.
Travelling to Italy in 2022
What are Italy's current travel rules? If you plan to travel to Italy from abroad, you will still be required to present proof that you've been vaccinated, a negative test result or proof that you've recovered from the virus. Note that tests can be either PCR or lateral flow tests but must be done by a certified provider (results from home testing kits are not permitted). These rules apply to those travelling to Italy from both the EU and from non-EU countries. Take note that all passengers flying to or from Italy are also required to wear an FFP2 mask at all times while on their flight.