Italy has announced it is lifting all Covid-related entry requirements for visitors from today, 1st June.
Italian authorities confirmed that the requirement to show a “Green Pass” to enter the country “will not be extended”. The pass, which required those entering the country to prove Covid vaccination status, recent recovery or present a negative test, expired on 31 May.
Italy’s Ministry of Health also issued a statement yesterday, which read: “From June 1st stop green pass for entry into Italy. The ordinance of the Minister of Health which provides for the Green Certification Covid-19 (green pass) to enter Italy expires on 31 May. The measure will not be extended.”
Italy was once known as the grim epicentre of the Covid pandemic, and was the first country in Europe to be hit by coronavirus in early 2020. The nation enacted some of the toughest restrictions, including requiring all workers to present a Green Pass.
However, a reopening decree was announced in March, and the country ended its ‘state of emergency’ meaning that Green Pass and Super Green Passes are no longer needed to enter venues. Italy joins Cyprus, which has also announced it will lift entry requirements for travel; social distancing is still in force in the Mediterranean nation, while the public are asked to wear masks on buses and in taxis.
A Visit Cyprus spokesperson said: “[From 1 June] there are no restrictions for entry into the country. There are no restrictions on movement and travellers can enjoy all kinds of services and facilities across the destination without the need to present any health certificates.
“Enhanced health, safety and hygiene protocols have been devised for all hospitality establishments, cultural sites and entertainment venues, and extensive training of staff has taken place prior to the destination opening for visitors,” the spokesperson added.
While masks are still required on public transport and in schools across Italy, cases have now eased, leading to the change in the strict policy.
The news of the scrapping of rules for international travellers was announced by the Italian Ministry of Health, with the Ministry stating that from today, all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, will no longer be required to hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate when entering Italy. This means that as soon as the new measures come into force today, everyone will be permitted restriction-free entry to the country.
The UK Department of Foreign Affairs today confirmed: “As of 1 June, COVID-19 restrictions on entering Italy have been lifted. Italy does not require any proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country, regardless of your vaccination status”, adding that the only requirement remaining was to wear masks on transport including planes and ferries. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has not yet updated its travel advice for those entering Italy.
Italy and Cyprus join a number of other countries across Europe who have opened their borders to visitors, including Croatia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Serbia, Lithuania, Sweden, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Ireland lifted all of its Covid-related travel restrictions on 6th March to welcome back international visitors without requiring a Covid test or proof of vaccination status or recovery. While Irish travellers do not have to present Covid-related documents leaving or entering the country, some countries do still require either proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative Covid test when entering, including France and Spain.
Spain dropped its ban on unvaccinated international tourists in late May. Prior to the change, those who were not vaccinated against Covid or had proof of recovery could not enter the country. The news was described as “excellent” and much-awaited for the tourism sector, with other countries expected to follow suit.
France also removed the ban on unvaccinated tourists in its updated travel restrictions announced in late March. Those who are not fully vaccinated against Covid can holiday in France, but will need either a negative antigen or Covid test, or proof of a recent recovery.