Traveling in the COVID-19 Era

Here is the latest information on travel requirements, regulations in Italy, and what to expect on tour in 2022 (last updated January 27, 2022).

Please note that this information is specific to those entering Italy from the United States and Canada. While we are doing our best to stay on top of all international requirements, we recommend that you also research rules and restrictions for Italy and all other countries that pertain to your specific travel itinerary, especially if you are traveling in or transiting through multiple countries.

-Check updates from the Italian Ministry of Health.

-Check the latest requirements and restrictions for entry to Italy from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

We are ready to welcome you in Italy!

Italy was one of the first countries affected by the virus, and since the start we have been monitoring the situation closely. We are now in our third season of running tours during the pandemic, and our entire team is well-prepared to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.

Below you'll find answers to the most common questions we are receiving about traveling to Italy during this time. We recommend you check back often, as information is constantly changing. You should also do your own research and check with your airline about last-minute requirements/changes. Also, make sure to check your email for our periodic Updates from Italy. If you miss them, you can find them all at This Link.

We will be following all of the rules and regulations set out by the Italian government, and all of our partner hotels and vendors will as well. Health and safety are the responsibility of us all, and we expect everyone to play their part. All of our guides and staff are vaccinated, and over 90% of the eligible population in Italy is vaccinated.

What documents are needed to travel to Italy?

-When checking in for your flight in the USA or Canada, you'll need to present proof of vaccination. If your second dose was more than six months ago, you will need to have had your booster shot as well.

-Before your flight, you'll also have to fill out the digital Passenger Locator Form. You can put the address of the first hotel of the tour as your destination in Italy. If you are flying into Italy a few days before the start of the tour, put the name and address of the first hotel you'll use in Italy. Everyone entering Italy on a flight MUST fill out this form, even if vaccinated.You'll receive an email confirmation that contains a QR code. Make sure to keep this email. It is also a good idea to print out this confirmation and carry it with you.

-Passengers entering from the USA and Canada will have to present a negative COVID-19 test at check in. An antigen (rapid test) will have to be taken within 24 hours of arrival in Italy, and a PCR test will have to be taken within 72 hours of arrival.

-Green Pass A Green pass is required to enter most public (indoor and outdoor) spaces in Italy. For our guests coming from the USA and Canada, your CDC card (or Canada Proof of Vaccination) is accepted as proof by Italy, according to the July 29, 2021 decree.

You should carry your vaccination proof and photo ID with you at all times. You should also have a photo of these documents on your phone. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a copy of the decree with you.

-IMPORTANT Different countries in Europe will have different requirements for entry/transit. If you have a connecting flight in a country other than Italy, or if you are visiting other countries within Europe, please check with your airline to see if there are additional requirements or paperwork.

What documents are needed to fly back to the USA?

Currently, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within one day of your flight is required for entry into the US after your trip. It is difficult to schedule testing in Italy, so we recommend that you bring some of the CDC-approved self-administered tests that include a telehealth component (video call with a doctor). Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit, which must be ordered online, meets all requirements for inbound US travelers. The test can be purchased through eMed (currently selling a-six pack) or Optum (currently selling a two-pack).

Please note that over-the-counter tests, including Abbott’s similarly named “BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test Kit,” will not fulfill the CDC requirement.

Please consult the CDC travel FAQ page for a list of accepted tests.

What is the Green Pass?

-On Aug 6, 2021, Italy initiated the Green Pass, their version of the EU COVID-19 Certificate. This pass is proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months, or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours.

-The Green Pass is now required to enter most indoor and outdoor public spaces in Italy.

-For our guests coming from the USA and Canada, your CDC card (or Canada Proof of Vaccination) is accepted as proof by Italy, according to the July 29, 2021 decree.

- You should carry your original card with you at all times and also keep a digital copy on your phone.

-It is a good idea to have a copy of the decree saved on your phone, in case an establishment you are trying to enter is not aware of the rule. We've highlighted the relevant article, on page 9 of the document in the link above.

-You should have a photo ID on you at all times while in Italy, as you could be asked to show it along with your vaccination proof.

We will be requiring all our Spring 2022 guests to email us a photo of your vaccination documents to facilitate quick and easy entry into Green Pass areas on tour.

What steps are Tourissimo staff taking on tour to keep everyone safe?

-Our guides have been trained in COVID-19 protocols and have successfully guided clients during the pandemic for two seasons now. They are experienced in keeping you safe while also providing an enjoyable experience.

-Masks will be required when in the van, and in all other places where Italy is requiring them. It is not required to wear masks when on the bike or hiking, but feel free to wear them in these situations if you want to.

-Whenever possible, we will maintain a safe distance of at least one meter.

-Hand sanitizer will be available in the van/on the guides during hikes at all times.

-All of our partner hotels and vendors are practicing proper hygiene and social distancing.

-We will eat meals outside whenever possible.

-The overwhelming majority of people in Italy are taking the pandemic seriously and are following all social distancing and hygiene rules.

-Over 90% of the eligible population in Italy is now vaccinated.

What steps do I need to take to keep myself and everyone safe?

-Be honest about your health. If you develop symptoms before you travel, get tested. If you develop symptoms while on tour, alert the guides right away. See the section below about travel insurance. Many plans do now cover trip interruption due to a positive COVID-19 test.

-Wear masks when and where they are required.

-Maintain a safe distance from others.

-Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Are masks required?

-Masks are required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in Italy.

-N 95 masks are required on all public transportation.

-Masks are also required in vehicles when the people inside do not live together. This includes taxis, private transport, and our support van.

-Locally, certain regions, cities or towns might mandate masks in more places or situations.

-You must wear a mask in all places where it is required, and when told to do so by authorities.

-If you choose, you can wear a mask in places where it is not required.

Is travel insurance necessary?

We always recommend travel insurance, and this year coverage is more important than ever. Many travel insurance companies now have plans that cover positive COVID-19 diagnoses and trip interruption.

We have been working with Travel Guard for several years now, and have found them to be fair and honest to us and to our guests during this emergency. You can read Travel Guard's COVID-19 Information HERE. If you have your own preferred insurance provider, please secure coverage through them; the important thing is to be covered! If you do decide to use Travel Guard, we ask that you purchase your plan using This Link.

What else?

-We have a special webpage that's loaded with info to help you pack and prepare for your trip: GET READY!

-We encourage you to read everything, and pay special attention to the Packing, Tipping, and What to Expect sections.

-Please look everything over and if you have a question that we haven't covered feel free to email or call us.

-For trip-specific pre-departure info (meeting place & time, contact info, etc.), we will send out an email closer to your departure date. Guides will be out during the month of August doing final checks for tours and once they return we will update you on what you need to know.

Have fun!

The additional paperwork, hassles at the airport, and social distancing measures will all be worth it once you're enjoying your first aperitvo overlooking a lively piazza or you're riding through the Italian countryside.