Italy is set to ease its Covid restrictions as it lifts the current 'state of emergency' after two years.
From April 1, Italy will start drop their restrictions and face masks will no longer be required in indoor venues or on public transport from May 1.
The 'green pass' - used much like our Covid pass - is also expected to be scaled back as the country plans to open up. Those travelling from the UK can use their Covid Pass or proof of recovery as long as it has a QR code.
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This will come just in time for the Easter break and it will be good news for those planning summer holidays to Italy.
After two years of restricted travel and costly testing, holidays abroad for vaccinated Brits is becoming cheaper and easier as we move into the next phase of the pandemic.
Here are the travel rules for Italy, Cyprus and Portugal.
Travel rules for Italy
Everyone must fill in a passenger locator form and if it has been over 270 days since your last Covid dose, you need a booster at least 14 days before arriving to be considered fully vaccinated.
To enter you need to present the one following;
- Proof of vaccination or
- Evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Italy or a negative rapid lateral flow test taken within the 48 hours before entering Italy or
- A Covid-19 recovery certificate, certifying that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months
If you cannot present evidence of vaccination OR a negative test OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate, you will need to:
- Travel to your final destination in Italy by private transport.
Remain in self-isolation for 5 days.
- Take another PCR or rapid lateral flow test at the end of the 5 days’ self-isolation. If the test is negative, you can leave self-isolation.
This means that if you are not fully vaccinated but can provide a negative Covid test or proof of recovery, you do not have to isolate.
As for the Green Pass, from May 1, people will no longer need proof of vaccine or vaccines to enter venues such as bars, restaurants, hotels.
Cyprus
As stated on Gov.uk, "All travellers are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass within 48 hours of departure and should check specific arrival requirements as outlined on the Flight Pass website."
To enter Cyprus you need;
- Proof of being fully vaccinated - last dose must have been received at least 14 days prior.
- If you're not fully vaccinated and over 12 years of age you can present a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours) or a lateral flow (taken within 24 hours).
- Or a valid certificate of recovery from Covid-19
- You will also have to take a Covid test at the airport if you cannot prove your vaccination status.
You must self-isolate in your accommodation until the result is available. If your result is positive, you must remain self-isolated and await instructions from the Ministry of Health.
Children aged 11 and under are exempted from the testing requirement. Children aged 12 and over who have not completed a full vaccination programme need to follow the guidance for unvaccinated adults.
The use of a face mask is compulsory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone aged six and above. Failure to comply with restrictions may result in a €300 fine.
Portugal
All travellers must complete a passenger locator form for the correct region - see which one you have to fill out here.
As Gov.uk explains: If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter mainland Portugal without needing to test and you need to show proof of vaccination.
Check the Portuguese Airport authority passenger guide and Visit Portugal website for further information.
If you’re not fully vaccinated, travellers need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before arrival) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before).
Foreign travel advice also warn that face mask rules differ between regions. They say: "You must wear a face mask in enclosed spaces. You should wear your face covering when you enter the building and keep it on until you leave. In cafes and restaurants, keep your mask on until you are seated.
"In mainland Portugal and in the autonomous region of the Azores, you are also advised to wear a face mask outdoors where it is not possible to maintain a 1.5 m social distance from other members of the public. In the autonomous region of Madeira, the use of a mask outdoors is obligatory where social distancing is not possible.
"These measures apply to everyone aged 10 and over in mainland Portugal and in the Azores, and aged 6 and over in Madeira and Porto Santo."
