Italy has introduced a new 'Super Green Pass' as part of stricter Covid measures in the country - and the new rules will affect tourists visiting for a holiday over the next few months, Brits included.
The 'Super Green Pass' shows proof of either full Covid vaccination or recovery, and will be required for anyone aged 12 or over to access the likes of hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as ski lifts for those who are planning ski holidays this winter.
According to the UK Foreign Office website: "From 10 January until 31 March a Super Green Pass is required to access restaurants, bars, hotels, all local and regional transport services (excluding taxis and international flights) as well as museums, cultural centres, sports facilities and stadiums. A super Green Pass is also needed to access outdoor facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, wellness centres, ski lifts and to participate in celebrations following civil and religious ceremonies."
Children aged 11 or under are exempt from these new requirements.
Italy is currently one of the countries open to Brits for holidays. All arrivals need to fill out a pre-departure passenger locator form and need to obtain a QR code to show at border control. Entry rules then differ depending on your vaccination status.
UK travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid can visit provided they can also show proof of a negative Covid PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Brits will need a negative Covid PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Once in Italy, they will be required to self-isolate for five days and then take a second Covid test, which can be a PCR or antigen test.
However you won't be able to obtain a Super Green Pass unless you have proof of recovery from Covid which means you won't be able to access venues such as restaurants and bars, nor will you be able to access ski lifts on the slopes.
While the latest Covid rules are correct at the time of writing, they can be subject to change quickly during the pandemic. If you are thinking of booking or going on a trip, you should always check the Foreign Office's latest Italy travel advice beforehand.
If you are looking to book a holiday, you may also want to check out our guide answering your biggest holiday questions from refund rights when things go wrong to the benefits of opting for package holidays.
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