These days we are witnessing a "scandal" about how some passengers vaccinated with COVID-19 were refused boarding on flights to Italy because they did not have a negative PCR / antigen test, done in maximum 48 hours before the flight. The idea has been circulated that Italy applies exceptions to this rule for all COVID-19 vaccinations, which is NOT true.
At this time, according to the rules established by the Italian Ministry of Health, there are no exceptions for those vaccinated with COVID-19. On May 14, 2021, the Italian Ministry of Health issued an ordinance that will apply between May 16, 2021 - July 30, 2021.
Vaccines of COVID-19 are not exempted from the rule of entry into Italy
According to the normative act, the persons who were or transited the Romanian territory (Romania being included together with other states on list C of annex 20 of the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of March 2, 2021) have the obligation to present to the carrier at boarding or any person designated to carry out checks the negative result of a molecular test (PCR type) or antigen capture for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, performed with a maximum 48 hours before entering Italian territory.
As of May 16, 2021, the following categories of persons are exempted from the obligation to present the negative result of a molecular test (PCR type) or antigen capture for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection:
- means of transport crews;
- navigating personnel;
- persons moving to and from the States and Territories listed in List A (Republic of San Marino, Vatican) in Annex 20 to the Decree President of the Council of Ministers of March 2, 2021;
- persons entering Italy for the purpose of a short stay (up to 120 hours in total) for reasons of work, health or absolute urgency, with the obligation to leave the national territory at the end of the term or, failing that, to submit self-isolation and health surveillance measures;
- persons entering Italy for the purpose of transit for a maximum period of 36 hours by private means of transport, with the obligation to leave the national territory at the expiry of the period or, failing that, to submit to measures of self-isolation and health surveillance;
- cross-border workers entering and leaving Italy to go to work and return to their home or residence;
- personnel from companies headquartered or seconded in Italy who return to Italy after travel abroad for work, for a maximum period of 120 hours (5 days);
- officials and agents, whatever they may be called, within the European Union or international organizations, diplomatic agents, technical-administrative staff of diplomatic missions, consular officers and employees, Italian or foreign military personnel and police forces, and firefighters in exercise of office;
- pupils and students taking courses in a state other than that in which they have their domicile, residence or residence and in which they return daily or at least once a week.
CAREFUL! For the categories of persons not included among the exceptions listed above, it is mandatory to present the negative result of a molecular test (PCR type) or antigen capture for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, performed no later than 48 hours before entry. on Italian territory. As can be seen, nothing is said about those vaccinated with COVID-19.
Children up to 2 years old are exempt from the rule
Upon entry into the territory of the Italian Republic, children up to 2 years of age are exempted from the obligation to present a certificate confirming the performance of a buffer-type molecular diagnostic or antigen capture test with a negative result for SARS-virus infection. CoV-2.
Anyone arriving in the Italian Republic is required to complete a digital passenger location form and prove this to the carrier or any person designated to carry out checks. This digital form replaces the completion of the declaration on one's own responsibility, previously required for entry into Italian territory. However, the possibility of completing the declaration on one's own responsibility remains available in the event of technological impediments.
We recommend that you get information from reliable sources, official websites of the authorities, sites in the destination country, contact the authorities when you have ambiguities. Inform yourself correctly and constantly because some travel rules may change from day to day. Check information from several sources, preferably official sites, such as mae.ro. If you plan to travel TO Romania, check the sites stirioficiel.ro, cnscbt.ro and everything related to the official and trusted area. Otherwise you risk staying on the ground.