Italy travel restrictions: Everything you need to know about tests and the Super Green Pass

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi has announced that the country will end its COVID-19 state of emergency on 31 March.

The aim is to "reopen everything as quickly as possible" he told Italian media in Florence.

After more than two years of restrictions the announcement means that Italy's emergency measures will be gradually lifted from 1 April.

Without giving specific dates, Draghi confirmed that the use of the 'green pass' health certificate will be scaled back and the need to present proof of vaccination status at many venues will also be steadily removed.

“We will gradually put an end to the enhanced green certificate obligation, starting with outdoor activities including fairs, sports, parties and shows,” he told reporters.

Rules on quarantine will also be eased in April, though no specific dates were given.

Visitors from the EU and Schengen zone need to show either proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test. The test can either be a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours before arrival or a PCR test taken within 48 hours. Tests must be from a certified provider and home test kits are not allowed.

This is a simplification of the previous rules, which required travellers from the EU and Schengen zone to show proof of vaccination or recovery and a negative test result. There was a five-day quarantine period for anyone who was unable to provide both, but this has also been scrapped.

Passengers flying to or from Italy must also wear an FFP2 mask at all times while on board.

The government will review all rules again on 15 March 2022.

From the 1 March, travellers to Italy from outside the EU are subject to the same rules as those from European countries. This means non-EU travellers will need to present