The Italian Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, announced last week that travelers from non-European countries, including Pakistan, will now be subject to the same entry rules as travelers from EU countries when reaching Italy. This change comes into effect on March 1st 2022.
Starting today, travelers from non-EU countries can enter Italy without any restrictions provided they have either a valid vaccination or recovery certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result.
“Health Minister Roberto Speranza has signed a new ordinance establishing, with effect from March 1, the same rules for arrivals to Italy from all non-European countries as those already in force for European countries. For entry to the national territory, one of the conditions of the Green Pass will be sufficient: certificate of vaccination, certificate of recovery or negative test result,” the statement of the Ministry of Health reads.
The Italian authorities have highlighted that, similar to EU travelers, nationals of Pakistan need to hold a valid certificate when entering Italy in order to be exempt from additional measures. These measures will now apply based on the status of the individual, rather than their country of origin. This means that individuals travelling from countries where the virus is present (such as Nigeria) will need to show evidence that they have been vaccinated against it or have had a booster shot in order for entry into Italy not to be restricted.
The Italian authorities accept a vaccination certificate as long as it proves that the holder has received their last dose within the past six months. Additionally, those who have received a booster shot are not subject to any restrictions while in Italy.
The Italian authorities have decided to remove the non-essential travel ban for all third-country nationals who have been recovered or vaccinated against the virus. This follows the recommendation of the EU Council, which advised all EU Member States to remove this ban.
The Council adopted new rules on the issuance of recovery certificates. The new rules allow for recovery certificates to be issued based on a positive rapid antigen test result.
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