Postcards from Italy

Travel to Italy and Switzerland Summer 2022: COVID-19 and What To Expect

Italy and Switzerland have both relaxed or fully eliminated rules for fuIly vaccinated travelers from the US, Canada, and the EU.

More than 80% of Italians are fully vaccinated at this point and the booster campaign is well underway, so the country has reached its immunity targets. Like most countries, Italy saw a rise in cases during the winter, but continued masking and a robust social distancing campaign have kept the worst numbers at bay.

In Switzerland, about 70% of the population is fully vaccinated and the country has now removed most of its travel and other restrictions as the seasonal bump in Covid-19 cases sharply declines.

If you’re pondering a summer trip to Italy or Switzerland but don’t know what to expect, here are answers to some of the most common questions. We’ll update this post regularly as the day-to-day situation evolves.

ITALY’S CURRENT COVID RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Last update: May 10, 2022

ITALY’S GREEN PASS

Italy eliminated the Green Pass system on May 1. We have left the details about the system below in case it is reinstated regionally or nationally.

It was a digital or paper Covid-19 certificate that included a QR code, that certified that the holder had received one of the following:

  • at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 15 days prior (even for vaccines that require two doses like Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca)
  • a negative Covid-19 test from the previous 24 hours for a rapid test and the previous 48 hours for a PCR test
  • a certification of recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months

The Green Pass was divided into two categories:

Super Green Pass – issued to those who were fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months OR those who have received their booster shot, even outside the six-month time limit. Foreign visitors who were fully vaccinated more than six months prior but have not yet received the booster can also get a Super Green Pass with a negative Covid-19 test from the previous 48 hours (antigen test) or 72 hours (PCR test).

Basic Green Pass – issued to those who are not fully vaccinated but have a negative Covid-19 test from the previous 48 hours (antigen test) or 72 hours (PCR test).

A Super Green Pass (or equivalent; see below) is required in Italy for anyone aged 12 and up for the following:

  • hotels, B&Bs, and other public accommodations like farm stays
  • public transportation including local buses, metros, and trains
  • domestic flights, ferries, and high-speed trains
  • indoor dining and imbibing in restaurants and bars (no Green Pass needed for outdoor seating or consuming drinks at the bar counter)
  • entrance to museums (including open-air cultural sites like Pompeii)
  • indoor and outdoor concerts, theater performances, and cinemas
  • sports stadiums
  • theme parks
  • swimming pools, gyms, and spas
  • sagre (open-air local fairs) 
  • large public and private events, including weddings

A Basic Green Pass (or equivalent; see below) is required in Italy for anyone aged 12 and up for the following:

  • shops (except for essential goods like groceries)
  • hospitals and other medical facilities
  • banks
  • post offices
  • barbers and hair salons

For visitors traveling from the US, the CDC vaccination certificate shown alongside a photo ID like a passport is accepted in lieu of a Super Green Pass. The CDC certificate must refer to one of the four vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer-BioNtech’s Comirnaty, Moderna, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).  

Though the CDC vaccination card is recognized as a Super Green Pass equivalent by law, there can be some hiccups as restaurant owners and other businesses grapple with this new system. We will always check with the restaurant or other venue to make sure your Covid-19 document will be accepted before reserving.

These rules were eliminated on May 1, 2022.

COLOR-CODED REGIONS

Italy eliminated the color-coded regional system on April 1, 2022.

Italy adopted a color-coded regional system to indicate the level of Covid risk and the related restrictions early on, and this system is still active. All the regions of Italy are currently classified as “white” zones, or minimal-risk Covid regions, or as “yellow” (low risk). The colors are assigned based on a variety of parameters, including the number of active Covid-19 cases in the region, death rate, and hospital capacity. 

There is complete freedom of movement and no curfew in white zones and yellow zones. Tourists who have met the entry criteria can move freely once inside Italy. Masking is still required in indoor public spaces and public transportation until at least June 15. Social distancing is still required in all regions.

  • There is no curfew.
  • Restaurants and cafés are open for delivery, take-away, or table service outdoors. Indoor service has begun with table occupancy and distance limitations.
  • Cinemas, theaters, stadiums, and concert halls are open with reduced capacity; advance reservations are required.
  • Outdoor cinemas and performance spaces are open.
  • Outdoor sports are allowed; indoor gyms and fitness areas are open.
  • Outdoor pools and beach clubs are open.
  • Spas, thermal baths, and amusement parks are open.
  • Indoor dance clubs and discos remain closed.

HOTELS

Hotels have reopened with extra protocols for safety and hygiene, including the use of masks and hand sanitizer by staff and guests. The basic Green Pass (or equivalent) is required to stay in hotels and use their in-house services like restaurants and gyms. Many hotels do not currently offer buffet breakfast but have opted for table service as a precaution.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS

Restaurants have reopened for delivery, carry out, or table service outdoors. Indoor service has resumed with table occupancy and distance limitations. Many have opted for a digital or QR code menu to avoid passing printed menus between customers.

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL SITES

Museums and archaeological sites have reopened with reduced capacity. You are required to wear a mask inside and may have your temperature taken at the entrance.

SHOPPING

All shops are open for business, though smaller stores may limit the number of customers admitted inside to comply with social distancing protocols. You must wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when shopping indoors.

CAR SERVICES

Only four passengers are allowed per sedan (and six per minivan) if they are not members of the same family; there is no limit for family members. Passengers are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat next to the driver and must wear masks while inside the vehicle. Car services sanitize their vehicles inside and out between clients and provide fresh masks and hand sanitizer.

GUIDED TOURS

Private outdoor walking tours, hikes, and boat tours can resume with the proper social distancing and safety protocols and no Super Green Pass requirement unless the tour includes a museum or cultural site visit. Shared group tours can resume with a limited number of participants.

COVID-19 AND ITALY TRAVEL: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK IN ITALY?

Yes, absolutely! Masks are still mandatory in many public indoor spaces (museums, shops, restaurants, public transportation like trains and buses, etc.). Mask compliance is very high in Italy.

WHAT ARE THE COVID AND HOSPITAL OCCUPANCY RATES IN ITALY? 

Active Covid-19 cases and hospital occupancy rates in Italy are relatively low. To see updated stats, you can check the WHO website.

HOW IS THE VACCINE CAMPAIGN PROCEEDING IN ITALY?

Most of the country is now fully vaccinated and the booster campaign is in full swing.

WHAT COULD CHANGE SOON?

Italy may eliminate indoor mask requirements on June 15.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRAVELING TO ITALY?

US and Canadian citizens can visit Italy for tourism without the need to quarantine if they meet one of the two following conditions:

  • Certificate of vaccination (CDC-issued vaccination card or EU Green Certificate). To be considered “fully vaccinated”, you must have had your second vaccine dose of Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca or one dose of J&J at least 14 days before departure OR a Certificate of Recovery from COVID dated no more than 180 days before arrival to Italy.
  • A negative antigen or PCR COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 24 hours of arrival in Italy for the rapid test or 48 hours for the PCR test.

For updated information regarding travel between Italy and the US, see the official Italian government site here.

IS A PRE-FLIGHT TEST REQUIRED?

No. Vaccinated travelers must only present their Certificate of Vaccination.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR RETURNING TO THE USA?

At present, all air passengers 2 years or older returning to the US are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 24 hours before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days before they board their flight. The CDC website has more information on the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

We arrange for pre-departure Covid tests for our clients and many hotels offer an in-house testing service for departing guests. In addition, there are public and private clinics, as well as many pharmacies, that can perform PCR or antigen Covid tests with almost immediate results. U.S. State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information.

DOES THE STATE DEPARTMENT LEVEL 2 TRAVEL ADVISORY PROHIBIT ME FROM VISITING ITALY?

No. US citizens can visit Italy for tourism without having to quarantine (see above). State Department Advisories are just that: advice. The CDC encourages Americans to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Italy.

WHAT IF I GET SICK IN ITALY?

Italy has a national health care system and medical care is guaranteed to anyone who is ill or injured, regardless of their residency or insurance situation. If you suspect you may have Covid, you must call the Coronavirus hotline at 1500. Do not go to the emergency room, as you may spread the virus to others.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Covid-19 Information for Travelers

Covid-19 Situation in Italy

SWITZERLAND’S CURRENT COVID RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Last update: March 7, 2022

Travel into Switzerland is open for both the U.S. and Canadian travelers who are fully vaccinated. It is not possible to enter Switzerland if not vaccinated or based on a recovered status. To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received your vaccine (booster or second shot) within 270 days of arrival in Switzerland.

To enter the country, most other restrictions have been lifted:

  • No more access restrictions regulated by electronic COVID certificates to facilities such as cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and events. Guests from the U.S. and Canada are therefore no longer required to apply for a Swiss COVID certificate.
  • Passenger Locator Form (PLF) will no longer be required when entering Switzerland.
  • No Covid tests are required when entering Switzerland.

Masking is required in Switzerland to access public transportation (including panoramic rail lines and enclosed ski gondolas and other Alpine transport).

HOTELS

Hotels have extra protocols for safety and hygiene, including the use of masks and hand sanitizer by staff and guests.  

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS

Restaurants have reopened for delivery, carry out, or table service indoors and outdoors. Many have opted for a digital or QR code menu to avoid passing printed menus between customers.

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL SITES

Museums and archaeological sites are open.

SHOPPING

All shops are open for business, though smaller stores may limit the number of customers admitted inside to comply with social distancing protocols.

CAR SERVICES

Car services sanitize their vehicles inside and out between clients and provide fresh masks and hand sanitizer.

GUIDED TOURS

Private indoor and outdoor walking tours, hikes, and boat tours can resume with the proper social distancing and safety protocols. Shared group tours can resume with a limited number of participants.

COVID-19 AND SWITZERLAND TRAVEL: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK IN SWITZERLAND

Mask wearing in shops, restaurants, as well as other public settings is no longer mandatory. Masks are required on public transport and to enter hospitals

WHAT ARE THE COVID AND HOSPITAL OCCUPANCY RATES IN SWITZERLAND? 

Switzerland has managed to keep its Covid-19 cases and hospital occupancy rates in check. To see updated stats, you can check the WHO website.

HOW IS THE VACCINE CAMPAIGN PROCEEDING IN SWITZERLAND?

Most of the country is now fully vaccinated and the booster campaign is in full swing.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRAVELING TO SWITZERLAND?

Fully vaccinated travelers can visit Switzerland for tourism if they meet all three of the following conditions:

  • Certificate of vaccination (CDC-issued vaccination card or EU Green Certificate). To be considered “fully vaccinated”, you must have had your second vaccine dose of Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca at least 14 days before departure OR or one dose of J&J 22 days before departure and no more than 270 days before arrival in Switzerland.

For updated information regarding travel between Italy and the US, see the official Swiss government site here.

IS A PRE-FLIGHT TEST REQUIRED?

No. 

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR RETURNING TO THE USA?

At present, all air passengers 2 years or older returning to the US are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 24 hours before travel or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days before they board their flight. The CDC website has more information on the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

We arrange for pre-departure Covid tests for our clients and many hotels offer an in-house testing service for departing guests. In addition, there are public and private clinics, as well as many pharmacies, that can perform PCR or antigen Covid tests with almost immediate results. You can find a list of testing sites in Switzerland here.

U.S. State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information

DOES THE STATE DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 TRAVEL ADVISORY PROHIBIT ME FROM VISITING SWITZERLAND?

No. US citizens can visit Switzerland for tourism without having to quarantine (see above). State Department Advisories are just that: advice. The CDC encourages Americans to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Switzerland (and vaccination is a requirement for entry).

WHAT IF I GET SICK IN SWITZERLAND?

Tourists from non-EU must have adequate health insurance covering the costs of essential medical treatment in Switzerland. If you suspect you may have Covid, you must call the Coronavirus hotline at 058 464 44 88. Do not go to the emergency room, as you may spread the virus to others.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Covid-19 Information for Travelers

Covid-19 Situation in Switzerland

Travel Specialists

Maria Landers

Brian Dore