Italy has become the latest European country to tighten its Covid-19 rules as the spread of the Omicron variant continues rapidly around the continent.
The country now requires visitors to use its “super green pass”, which certifies full vaccination or recovery from Covid infection, to gain access to hotels, restaurants, bars and all local and regional transport services (excluding taxis and international flights).
The new restrictions came into force on Monday (10 January) and will apply until 31 March.
Previously, people had been able to provide proof of a negative Covid test to use these hospitality and transport services. But Italian authorities are now clamping down on those who remained unvaccinated by effectively banning them.
The super green pass, which is also known as an EU digital Covid certificate, is also required for outdoor facilities such as restaurants, pools and wellness centres.
Italy will accept the UK’s NHS proof of Covid-19 vaccination or recovery as an equivalent to the green pass, as long as it is in the form of a verifiable digital QR code.
Italy’s border rules remained unchanged with countries placed in five lists from A to E, each with different entry requirements based on their level of risk. Most European countries are in list C, while the UK is in list D where visitors face tighter rules.
Full details are available from Italy’s health ministry