Italy has removed the requirement for vaccinated non-EU visitors to take pre-departure tests before travelling to the country.
The move is in line with an EU recommendation made earlier this week and comes into effect from March 1.
Visitors from countries within the EU did not have to show proof of a negative test to enter.
Unvaccinated arrivals can continue to visit provided they show a negative Covid test result. This can be a rapid antigen or lateral flow test taken within 24 hours, or a PCR test taken within 48 hours.
Health minister Roberto Speranza published an order, stating: “From March 1 for arrivals from all non-European countries, the same rules will be in force as already provided for European countries.
“One of the conditions of the green pass will be sufficient for entry into Italy: vaccination certificate, recovery certificate, or negative test.”
The UK’s NHS Covid Pass will be accepted as proof of vaccination, and all over 18s still need to complete Italy’s Passenger Locator Form.
Children under six are exempt from testing and proof of vaccination and may accompany parents with the right documents.
But Italy is yet to confirm if it will give an expiry date on the validity of vaccination certificates, as other EU nations France, Austria, Spain and Greece have done.
Elsewhere, Tunisia has removed the requirement for children under the age of 18 to present a pre-departure negative Covid test or a vaccine certificate from Saturday, February 26.
Fully vaccinated visitors aged 18 and over can enter if they present eligible vaccine certification before travel and on arrival.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated and older than 18 years can either present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours, or a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours. Non-vaccinated adults will also be subjected to five-day self-isolation at their accommodation.
Random testing at Tunisian airports will remain in place for adults. If they test positive, they must self-isolate for five days, or seven days in case of persisting symptoms
The Tunisian Passenger Locator form has been removed until further notice.
Source: Travelweekly.co.uk