Italy holidays: Covid entry requirements, the Green Pass and passport validity rules explained

Summer is just around the corner and thousands of Brits are preparing for some time away in the sunshine. After two years of pandemic restrictions, many of us are excited to be jetting off abroad for a much-needed holiday.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for British tourists every year and the country is very much open to holidaymakers and tourists this summer - but there are various entry requirements in place.

Among them, people visiting Italy currently need to have a "Green Pass" - also known as a digital Covid certificate - to show they have been vaccinated or have fully recovered from having Covid-19. Additionally, every visitor must be wearing a specialist FFP2 mask in order to enter the country and must have had their passport for less than 10 years, with at least three months left on their passport by the date they plan on leaving.

Read more: Spain holidays: Entry requirements, vaccine and boosters, passport validity and new drinking rules explained

Here is the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the time of publication. Rules and regulations change frequently, so it's always worth checking the latest updates before you travel.

To visit Italy, you currently need a "Green Pass," also known as an EU digital Covid certificate, to show you have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. You can obtain a Green Pass, which is valid for 48 hours, by testing negative to a rapid Covid-19 test from a local pharmacy or test centre, the UK Foreign Office says. A Green Pass is also required for people to accompany non-Covid patients to a hospital or specialist medical centre.

Alternatively, you can get a "Super Green Pass" to show you have been vaccinated or have