Green pass & Co: all the rules for traveling in Italy and abroad

With he Green Pass active for all countries of the European Community from 1 July we thought everything was fine. Or at least: we thought that even if we could not travel freely in the world, we would have traveled to Europe without problems, with the simple gesture of showing our green pass digitale, who, remember, to travel to Europe must certify that he has completed the vaccination cycle for at least 14 days, or be cured of COVID-19 within 180 days of the first positive swab, or that he has had a molecular or antigenic swab within 48 hours prior to entering the country with a negative outcome.

The tool of the European green pass it was and remains excellent, but especially with the recent increase in cases, some countries have decided (unequivocally) to add more specific national rules, from certificates to extra swabs to quarantines. The result? The Europe that is fragmented into individual national exceptions and a landscape that can be disorienting for travelers.

Astoi-Confindustria Viaggi, Association of Italian tour operators he drew attention several times to the need to have clear rules: “Confusion and schizophrenia of information are enemies of demand, they generate alarmism and chaos and it is therefore natural to witness, in recent weeks, decreasing bookings and cancellations”, they say in the statement. issued in recent days, while the President of the association, Pier Ezhaya he clarifies: «We must reverse the course, otherwise we will periodically find ourselves blocking all activities in the name of the Covid variant of the moment. It is necessary that the rules of borders and flows are clear and simple, both those in Europe, which can only be homogeneous, and those for the opening of safe corridors towards countries that have implemented very intense vaccination protocols “.

The message is clear: in order to be able to live with the virus, it is necessary to behave as a unitary organism, with univocal answers and clear communications.

But how do you travel this summer?
The green pass remains the mandatory tool to cross any foreign border, and more there are many European countries – including Italy from 6 August – that they have introduced or are introducing with slightly different rules the compulsory green pass to enter indoor restaurants, bars and to participate in other activities. In particular, they have restrictive rules for those who do not have a green pass and are not vaccinated Austria, Cyprus, France, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Ireland, Slovenia.
For France in particular, given the green light from the Constitutional Court expected for 5 August, the Green pass for restaurants, airplanes and trains will become mandatory starting from 9 August.

Furthermore, to travel to some countries, it is necessary to have completed the online form Passenger Locator Form (PLF). For example, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain require it. Everyone has their own site to compile it, located here. Furthermore, to return to Italy from abroad it is mandatory for everyone (except for those traveling with their own vehicle and not exceeding 48 hours of stay abroad), the compilation of the digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) sul  https://app.euplf.eu/.

Here is the specific information to enter the individual countries most loved by Italian tourists

ITALY
The COVID-19 green certification it is required in Italy to move into and out of territories classified in the “red zone” or “orange zone”. To date, all Italian regions are white.

From August 6 COVID-19 green certification it will be used to access any type of indoor dining service at the table, shows, sporting events and competitions, museums, institutes and places of culture, swimming pools, gyms, wellness centers, fairs, festivals, conventions and congresses, spas, theme parks and entertainment centers, cultural and recreational centers, gambling halls and casinos, public competitions.

The new decree to extend the mandatory green pass to other places or means of transport (airplanes and ships) has been postponed to the first week of August 2021

GREECE
To enter Greek territory in addition to the green pass (o written certification of the completion of the vaccination cycle from 14 days, certificate of cure at 30 days from the first positive swab and valid for the following 180 days, o negative molecular test carried out in the 72 hours before admission, or rapid antigen test in the 48 hours before), it is necessary for all travelers over 12 years old having completed the Passenger Locator Form (PLF), which must be completed by 11.59 pm local time on the day before departure (i.e. 10.59 pm in Italy). The same rules apply to internal travel, and so for the return to Italy. Upon arrival you may be subjected to a mandatory quick test. Those who refuse may be denied entry. In case of positivity to the input buffer, a mandatory isolation period is foreseen.

FRANCE
Italy at the moment it is on the “green” list of countries drawn up by the French Ministry of the Interior. This means that you can enter the country if:
– vaccine in these ways: one week after the second dose of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines; or 4 weeks after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; or 2 weeks after the first dose of EMA-approved vaccine for people who have recovered from a previous Covid-19 infection.
Children under 12 can accompany their parents.
– For those who are not vaccinated: ages 12 and up with molecular or antigenic test, with a negative result, carried out less than 72 hours before the flight or arrival (for some countries of origin, for now not for Italy it is required within 24 hours before the flight).
In France, from 9 August, the Green Pass will be mandatory for restaurants, trains and airplanes.

SPAIN
Spain has also drawn up a list of countries (or regions) according to the risk category from which entry into the country is possible or not. Italy, at the moment and until 1 August when the list will be updated, is in the green band with the exception of Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily and Veneto which are in the risk range.

For those in the green belt to enter the country just fill in, before the trip, a “public health form”, through the Spain Travel Health website (for arrivals by air) or the Spain Travel Health-SPTH app, obtaining a QR code to be presented (on mobile or printed device) upon arrival in Spain. Upon arrival in the country you will be subjected to a health check (body temperature control, documentary check and visual check on the passenger’s status).
For those in the risk bracket you can enter only with the European Green Pass for the traveler or with written certification in Spanish, English, French or German stating:
– Complete vaccination against COVID-19 (the document must include at least the following data: name and surname of the person concerned, dates of administration, type of vaccine, number of doses, country that administered the vaccine, body that issued the certificate). Certificates will be considered valid starting from 14 days after the last dose with one of the vaccines allowed by the EMA.
– The molecular and antigenic swab (rapid tests) negative in the 48 hours before.
– The certificate of recovery from COVID-19, issued at least 11 days after the first positive test and valid for 180 days

MALTA
The rules have changed since 14 July. To enter Malta it is necessary to present an EU Covid-19 certificate certifying the completion, for at least 14 days, of the vaccination cycle against Covid-19. For those who are not in possession of the EU certificate Covid-19 has been introduced the obligation of quarantine of 14 days in a hotel indicated by the Maltese health authorities (The costs of food will be borne by the person concerned). People who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons and children aged 5 to 11 do not have to have an EU Covid-19 certificate but will have to submit a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to entering Maltese territory. Children under the age of five are exempt from the requirement to hold an EU Covid-19 certificate or a negative PCR test. All updates are available on the Maltese website: www.visitmalta.com/it/

UK
To enter (and re-enter) the UK the rules are more complex. In addition to presenting the negative test three days before departure (in English and satisfying some parameters) you must fill in the Travel Locator Form and – only if you are not vaccinated – observe a precautionary isolation of 10 days with mandatory tampons. All directions here. To return to Italy there is a PLF, two swabs and 5 days of isolation.

This information was written on 29 July, for updated information and for all other countries check the website www.viaggiaresicuri.it/