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Italy Makes it Easier for Americans to Get In, Ending COVID-Tested Flights

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Italy got a jumpstart and reopened to American travelers last month, but getting in wasn't simple. Only Americans arriving on specific “COVID-tested flights” flying nonstop into Rome, Milan, or Venice could get in – and that required two (or even three) negative COVID-19 tests throughout the journey. Fortunately, that's now changed.

As of June 21, the Italian Ministry of Health has dropped that COVID-test flight requirement for Americans, according to the Italian Embassy. That means you can now get to Italy on almost any flight so long as you have proof of vaccination, a recent negative COVID-19 test, or proof of full recovery from COVID-19. 
 

Amalfi Coast, Italy 

That's a relief, as the entry requirements and limited options to get to Italy on a COVID-test flight kept dreams of summering in Rome out of reach for many. Until earlier this week, Americans could only get to Italy on select nonstop flights operated by Delta, American, and United from New York City (JFK), Boston (BOS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), or Newark (EWR).

And even vaccinated travelers weren't exempt from repeat testing requirements. Passengers on any Italy-bound Delta flight were required to test negative at least three times: before departure, again with a rapid test at the airport, and a final rapid upon arrival in Italy. Other airlines only required two tests.

Italy's top health official first suggested these requirements would disappear after the European Union dropped its yearlong travel ban on Americans last week. But now we finally have confirmation – and specifics of what it will take for Americans to get into Italy.
 

What's Required to Travel to Italy Now?

With COVID-tested flight requirements gone, you've got a handful of options to get into Italy.

  • Provide proof of full vaccination: Your standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine card is plenty. It must show you received your final dose of a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine (or single dose of Johnson & Johnson) at least two weeks prior to travel.
  • Recent negative COVID-19 test: Italy allows travelers entry with a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.
  • Proof of recent recovery from COVID-19: You'll need a medical certificate with the relevant information including the date of your positive test results.

All travelers, prior to departure, must complete a location form online. In the event of technical difficulties, travelers can fill out a paper form. 

 

What about children?

Minors 6 and older accompanied by adults must present a COVID-19 test, rapid or PCR, taken within 48 hours of departure. Children under 6 are exempt.

 

What's Open and Closed in Italy?

Things are starting to return to normal in Italy compared to just a few weeks ago. The nationwide curfew has now ended. There are some travel restrictions in the Valle D’Aosta region.

Restaurants and bars are open both outside and inside with no restrictions. Museums and tourist sites are open with social distancing measures in place.

Do I have to wear a mask in Italy?

Masks are required to be worn both inside and outside in Italy with a few exceptions. You do not need to wear a mask while exercising, eating or drinking, or outdoors where distance can be maintained from others. Children under the age of six are also exempt from wearing a mask.

 

Bottom Line

While Italy technically opened for travel last month, the onerous testing requirements and few flight options from the U.S. kept it out of reach for many. But as of June 21, it's much simpler to get in: A vaccination card, recent negative COVID-19 test or proof of COVID-19 recovery can get you in.

That puts far more flights at your disposal to pull off a trip to Italy as the rest of Europe reopens.

 

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