How to get the Green Pass for Travel to Italy and in EU

How to get the Green Pass for Travel to Italy and in EU

Entry into Italy, Summer travel 2022

From 1st June 2022 the green pass is no longer required to enter in Italy from EU Member States and other foreign countries.

As of June 1st, 2022, the green pass will no longer be required to enter Italy from EU Member States and other foreign countries. This change comes as a result of the European Commission’s new rules on free movement within the EU. The green pass was implemented as a way to control the spread of COVID-19, but with the vaccine rollout well underway, it is no longer needed. So if you’re planning a trip to Italy after June 1st, 2022, you can rest assured that you won’t need a green pass to enter the country.


PREVIOUS UPDATES:

How to get the Green Pass for Travel to Italy and in EU 2021 (October update)

updated 14/10/2021

The Green Pass (digital travel pass)

Since June 15, within Italy to travel to another EU region for non-essential reasons such tourism, travel between regions and to attend some events such as trade fairs, conferences and ceremonies (even weddings) will require  a “green pass” proving you have been vaccinated or recovered within the last 6 months or tested negative for Covid-19 within the last 48 hours.

You do not need a green pass if you returning to your place of residence.

DGC – digital green pass official website can be found at https://www.dgc.gov.it/

In Italy you will need a green pass to:

  • Travel between national regions in Italy of different color tiers for tourism
  • Travel between European Union states
  • Attend conferences and large public events
  • Go to weddings, ceremonies and discos
  • From August 6, a green pass is necessary to enter all public venues: restaurants, museums, exhibitions, cultural sites, theatres and cinemas, gyms, indoor sports centers, spas and pools, and other venues.
  • As of 1 September 2021, a COVID-19 green pass must be presented in order to use the following types of public transport: Domestic flights, Ships and ferries connecting different regions, except for ferries crossing the Strait of Messina, Intercity, Intercity Night and High Speed Trains (the COVID-19 green pass is not required to board local trains), Coaches and buses connecting different regions, Coaches and buses on hire with driver.
  • As of October, 11, 2021 – dance halls, discos are open at limited capacity and museums, cinemas and theatres are open at full capacity and require a green pass.
  • As of October 15, 2021 – employees, consultants, collaborators and visitors will require a green pass to enter any workplace; private, public and government offices. Volunteers will also be required to show a green pass to carry out their activities.

The green pass (a digital QR code with your id and details) is issued when:

  • a vaccine has been completed and is valid for 6 months,
  • a doctor can declare you have recovered from Covid-19 within the past 6 months or
  • a test has been administered within the last 48 hours.

How to get a green pass

Please note: The “green pass” is an EU document issued by EU countries. If you are resident in an EU country, you can request a green pass. If you were vaccinated outside the EU but are resident in the EU you may request an EU “green pass”.

For travel from many other countries, the national equivalent is recognized. Read more of the information we have found below and always check with your country’s embassy for entry requirements.

The green pass will be issued through a government app, by the vaccination or testing center.

For anyone living in Italy

In Italy, once you have completed a vaccine, or have a negative result on a test, the vaccination/testing center will issue the certificate with a QR code. Save this QR code for your travels.

You can download your green pass QR code in 3 ways:
1) through the Italian government public services app Immuni
2) through the Italian government public services app IO
2) go directly to https://www.dgc.gov.it and login with your health card number or SPID.

The green pass can now be issued by pharmacies in Italy

As of June 17, 2021– Draghi signed a Dpcm stating that The Green Pass can be issued by pharmacies. As an alternative to the digital version, you can request the Green Pass at pharmacies, from your GP, or pediatrician using your Italian health card.

For Italian citizens who were vaccinated outside Italy

According to the official Digital Green Certificate website (dgc.gov.it), Italian citizens (also residing abroad) and their cohabiting family members, regardless of whether they are registered with the National Health Service or the SASN (Health Assistance for Navigating Personnel), and all subjects registered in any capacity with the National Health Service who are been vaccinated abroad against SARS-CoV-2 or who have recovered from COVID-19 abroad, may request, if they are already on the Italian territory , the issue of COVID-19 green certifications for vaccination or recovery, issued from the national platform-DGC. Citizens must go to the local health authorities of territorial jurisdiction and present, in addition to the identification document and any tax code, the necessary documentation according to Circular of the Ministry of Health of 4 August 2021 – pdf: opens a new window.

Vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and included in the National Vaccine Plan, currently valid  for obtaining the  COVID-19 Green Certification in Italy :  Comirnaty di Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen ( Johnson & Johnson) 

Furthermore, the following vaccines, administered by the competent foreign national health authorities, are recognized as equivalent:

  • vaccines for which the holder of the marketing authorization is the same as in the European Union. The complete list is available in the Circular of the Ministry of Health of 23 September 2021-pdf: opens a new window
  • Covishield (Serum Institute of India), produced under license from AstraZeneca;
  • R-CoVI (R-Pharm), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca;
  • Covid-19 vaccine-recombinant (Fiocruz), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca.

For Residents in Italy who were vaccinated outside Italy

For US citizens traveling to Italy

If you were vaccinated in the U.S.A. and can prove this via the ‘white card’ bearing a CDC logo available from the CDC app V-Safe, at the vaccination center or your doctor.  

If you are traveling from the USA to Italy, you must have documents  presenting proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.

To enter Italy from USA be sure to have the correct documentation.

You must fill out an EU digital Passenger locator form before boarding. Failure to fill out the locator form may result in delays upon arrival. 
Click here for the EU passenger locator form Link https://app.euplf.eu/#/

The Italian Embassy in Washington D.C. posts updates about Travel to Italy on their website frequently

***

Official communications from the Italian Embassy in the USA updated on August 31,2021 on Entry into Italy from the United States

Source: https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington/en/sala-stampa/dall_ambasciata/2021/08/aggiornamento-ingressi-in-italia.html

The Italian Ministry of Health Ordinance of August 28, 2021, effective August 31 through October 25, 2021, updates the procedures for entry into Italy from the U.S. provided for in the previous Ordinance of July 29, 2021.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to be exempted from the obligation of fiduciary isolation (so-called “quarantine”) in Italy, travelers are now required to present to the carrier upon boarding, or to whoever is in charge of carrying out checks, a molecular or antigenic test with a negative result carried out in the 72 hours prior to entrance in Italy. In addition to said negative molecular or antigenic test, travelers must present a certificate of vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid 19.

Vaccination and recovery certificates issued by health authorities of the United States of America are recognized as equivalent to national certificates both for entry into Italy and for internal use in Italy as provided for by Art. 3 of the decree-law of July 23, 2021.

-ENTRY TO ITALY FROM THE USA –

Entry to Italy from the U.S. is possible by providing one of the following certificates – which must be presented to the carrier at the time of boarding and, subsequently, to relevant Italian authorities. Furthermore, these certificates must be accompanied by a negative molecular or antigenic test performed in the 72 hours prior to entrance into Italy:

  1. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination, upon completion of the prescribed cycle of at least 14 days of one of the vaccinations recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Proof of vaccination for those immunized in the United States is the “white card” bearing a CDC logo; for those immunized in Italy, it is the COVID-19 “Green Certificate”;
  2. Recovery from COVID-19, with a medical certificate, prepared by a health official, containing all relevant information;
    • entry to Italy from the U.S. with either of these two certificates (“Green Certificates” and/or “CDC white cards”) together with a negative molecular or antigenic test performed within 72 hours prior to entry into Italy, entails exemption from fiduciary isolation (so-called “quarantine”) upon arrival in Italy.
    • failure to submit the above certificates will result in mandatory fiduciary isolation for 5 days at the address indicated in the passenger locator form, as well as the obligation to perform a molecular or antigenic test at the end of the isolation period (which must be negative in order to terminate the isolation).
    • entry into Italy is also allowed upon presentation to the carrier at the time of boarding, or to those in charge of carrying out the checks, solely of a negative molecular or antigenic test carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival. However, in this case passengers must, upon arrival in Italy, undergo a period of isolation of 5 days, and perform a molecular or antigenic test at the end of this period (which must be negative in order to terminate the isolation).
    • minors accompanied by a parent/caregiver with one of the above certificates must always take the pre-departure Covid test if they are over 6 years old, whether they are vaccinated or not; minors under 6 years old are exempt from the pre-departure Covid test.
    • even if provided with “Green Certificates” and/or “CDC white cards”, all passengers entering Italy are required, prior to departure, to complete a specific digital form (Passenger Locator Form). Alternatively (in the event of technical difficulties), passengers can complete the self-certification form in paper format.
    • airlines are adapting to the new regulations. Travelers should contact their airline and inquire about additional requirements.

– EQUIVALENCE OF VACCINATION AND RECOVERY CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR USES PROVIDED BY ART. 3 OF DECREE OF JULY 23, 2021 –

Vaccination certificates must be in English, and include at least the following information:

– Identity data of certificate holder: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth
– Vaccination Name and Batch
– Date/s of vaccination/s
– Identity data of entity issuing the certificate (State / Health Authority)

Recovery certificates must include the following information:

– Identity data of certificate holder: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth
– Information on certificate holder’s previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, following a positive test (date of the first positive test)
– Identity data of entity issuing the certificate (State / Health Authority)

All recovery certificates, whether digital or in print, must be accompanied by a certified translation

PLEASE NOTE: The equivalence of vaccination certificates referenced above only applies to the COVID-19 Green Certificate in use in Italy. Procedures for issuing the EU Digital Covid Certificate (EU-DCC), recognized in the European Union, to Italian citizens who received the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the United States, are in the process of being finalized.

***

Official communications From USA Consulate website updated October 14, 2021 about entering Italy from USA

source:  https://it.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Updated 14/10/2021

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • U.S. citizens may travel to Italy for any reason, including tourism.
    • Current travel restrictions on entry into Italy are linked to several factors, including one’s country of departure and purpose of travel.
    • The Government of Italy periodically updates these restrictions based upon changing conditions, and all travelers should refer to current Italian health decrees when making travel plans.
    • English-language guidance on current entry and exit requirements is maintained on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
    • All persons traveling to Italy from any foreign location are required to provide their airline or Italian law enforcement officials with a self-declaration form prior to travel.
    • Regional governments in Italy may also impose restrictions on travelers from certain foreign countries, and travelers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination.
    • Beginning on August 31 and valid until October 25, 2021, travelers from the United States may enter Italy if they present a negative molecular PCR or rapid antigen test result carried out within 72 hours of arrival AND one of the following:
      • An Anti-COVID 19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA)-recognized vaccine.  At present, EMA recognizes the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca.  The date of the final vaccine dose must be at least 14 days prior to travel.  Travelers vaccinated in the United States can prove this via the “white card” bearing the CDC logo.
      • A medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID dated no more than six months before departure.
    • Passengers unable to present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation
    • Passengers are required to complete the online EU Digital Passport Locator Form.
    • The approved languages for the above certificates are Italian, English, Spanish, and French.  Certificates can be in digital or paper format.  For additional information on travel to and from Italy, please see: https://www.esteri.it/mae/it.
    • Transiting through Italian airports is allowed, but those traveling from countries on Lists D and E of the Italian Ministry of Health’s website are required to remain within a designated area of the airport during transit.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
    • Please see the Italian Ministry of Health’s website for details on exemptions.
    • Children six years and older accompanied by a parent/caregiver must always take the pre-departure Covid test; children under 6 years of age are, in any case, exempt from the pre-departure Covid test and from quarantine upon arrival.
    • Testing requirements and testing options are prompted by an individual’s presence in or transit through particular countries.  This country-specific guidance is available on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes

Read more.

***

For travelers from U.K.

Entry requirements to Italy for British Citizens

***

Official communications From UK Government website gov.uk

Updated 12/10/2021


Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Italy set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

If you are travelling to Italy for work, read the guidance on visas and permits as the rules have changed since 1 January 2021.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Italy will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record as the equivalent to a green pass. 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.

If you can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated

If you travel from the UK and can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate if you also:

  • fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) before you enter Italy to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for paper form if you do not have an electronic device
  • show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy

If you are not vaccinated, or cannot demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated

If you are not vaccinated, to enter Italy from the UK you must:

  • fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for paper form if you do not have an electronic device
  • show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy
  • notify the Prevention Department of the local health authority of your entry into Italy. See COVID-19 Numeri verdi regionali for the contact details of local Italian health authorities
  • travel to your final destination in Italy by private transport only
  • remain in self-isolation for 5 days
  • take another PCR or antigen test at the end of the 5 days’ self-isolation

Read more about children, exemptions and further information: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements

***

For travelers from other nations

For entry to Italy from other countries, the Italian Foreign Ministry has created a quick and easy to use interactive questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and it will tell you what documents and protocols you will need to follow.

From July 1 you will need a green pass to travel between EU Member States / Anna Shvets

European Green Pass

From July 1, 2021 the European green pass, digital certificate will allow travel between EU states. This Green Pass, is a QR Code stored on your smartphone or can be printed which holds all the information to certify immunity to the virus from Covid-19. 

The technological infrastructure for the European green pass has been entrusted to Digit European datacenter in Luxembourg.

According to EC.Europa.eu, an official website of the European Union, to date, 15 Member States are already connected to the gateway and started distributing certificates.

Connecting to the gateway will allow EU Member States to issue the green pass as well as verify green passes from other member states.

Italy’s connection to the EU Green Pass gateway

As of today, Italy is technically ready to connect to the gateway but is not yet effectively connected. Italy is said to be operational from July 1, 2021.

The EU Commission has guaranteed that during the phase-in period: if a Member State is not yet ready to issue the new certificate to its citizens, other formats can still be used and should be accepted in other Member States.

 Key features of the certificate

  • Digital and/or paper format
  • with QR code
  • free of charge
  • in national language and English
  • safe and secure
  • valid in all EU countries

The following are FAQs about the European Green Pass answered by the EU Commission.

How will citizens get the certificate?

National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate. It could, for example, be issued by test centres or health authorities, or directly via an eHealth portal. 

The digital version can be stored on a mobile device. Citizens can also request a paper version. Both will have a QR code that contains essential information, as well as a digital signature to make sure the certificate is authentic.

Member States have agreed on a common design that can be used for the electronic and paper versions to facilitate the recognition.

How will it help free movement?

The EU Digital COVID Certificate will be accepted in all EU Member States. It will help to ensure that restrictions currently in place can be lifted in a coordinated manner.

When travelling, the EU Digital COVID Certificate holder should in principle be exempted from free movement restrictions: Member States should refrain from imposing additional travel restrictions on the holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate, unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health. 

In such a case – for instance as a reaction to new variants of concern – that Member State would have to notify the Commission and all other Member States and justify this decision.
 

How will the certificate work?

QR code iconThe EU Digital COVID Certificate contains a QR code with a digital signature to protect it against falsification.
Scan iconWhen the certificate is checked, the QR code is scanned and the signature verified.
digital signature iconEach issuing body (e.g. a hospital, a test centre, a health authority) has its own digital signature key. All of these are stored in a secure database in each country.
validation iconThe European Commission has built a gateway through which all certificate signatures can be verified across the EU. The personal data of the certificate holder does not pass through the gateway, as this is not necessary to verify the digital signature. The European Commission also helped Member States to develop national software and apps to issue, store and verify certificates and supported them in the necessary tests to on-board the gateway.

Will citizens who are not yet vaccinated be able to travel to another EU country?

Yes. The EU Digital COVID Certificate should facilitate free movement inside the EU. It will not be a pre-condition to free movement, which is a fundamental right in the EU.

TravelThe EU Digital COVID Certificate will also prove the results of testing, which is often required under applicable public health restrictions. The certificate is an opportunity for Member States to adjust the existing restrictions on public health grounds. The currently applicable recommendation on coordinating free movement restrictions in the EU will also be amended by mid-June with a view to the holiday season.

Does it matter which vaccine citizens received?

Vaccination certificates will be issued to a vaccinated person for any COVID-19 vaccine. 

When it comes to waiving free movement restrictions, Member States will have to accept vaccination certificates for vaccines which received EU marketing authorisation. Member States may decide to extend this also to EU travellers that received another vaccine.

It is also for Member States to decide whether they accept a vaccination certificate after one dose or after a full vaccination cycle has been completed.

What data does the certificate include? Is the data safe?

The EU Digital COVID Certificate contains necessary key information such as name, date of birth, date of issuance, relevant information about vaccine/ test/recovery and a unique identifier. This data remains on the certificate and is not stored or retained when a certificate is verified in another Member State. 

The certificates will only include a limited set of information that is necessary. This cannot be retained by visited countries. For verification purposes, only the validity and authenticity of the certificate is checked by verifying who issued and signed it. All health data remains with the Member State that issued an EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Click here to learn more about the European Green Pass

Article by Anthony Ryan and C. Abernethy or Easy Milano
Featured image by Lukas

  • First published June 16, 2021
  • Last updated August 24, 2021
  • Last updated August 31, 2021
  • Last updated October 14,2021

All information is provided in good faith and to the best of the authors’ knowledge at the time of publishing. Consult your embassy about entry requirements to Italy before departing.

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