Italy no longer requires a Health Pass
From 1 May, Italy lifted the requirement to wear masks in indoor spaces, including supermarkets, workplaces and shops. However, wearing masks remains compulsory on public transport, in cinemas, and in all health facilities and nursing homes.
Italy has also scrapped the Health Pass (also known as the Green Card, which provides proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 or a recent negative test), which was required to enter restaurants, cinemas, gyms and other crowded places. However, the Green Card is still required for hospitals and nursing homes.
As of May 1, travelers to Italy will no longer have to fill out the EU Passenger Locator Form – a complicated online test when checking in at the airport. (Photo: liveinitalymag)
Italy suffered a huge loss of tourism revenue in 2020 due to Covid-19. In 2021, it has only partially recovered - welcoming 23.6 million tourists, up 4.4% compared to 2020, but only about 41% compared to the record number of nearly 100 million tourists in 2019.
Greece lifts most Covid-19 restrictions
Greece is lifting all Covid-19 restrictions on both domestic and international flights, except for the requirement to wear masks at airports and on flights, according to the Greek Civil Aviation Authority.
Previously, passengers and tourists traveling by plane needed to present proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test result, or recent recovery from the disease.
Greece is lifting all restrictions on domestic and international flights, requiring only staff and passengers to wear masks at airports and on flights.
In fact, the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations was implemented in Greece before May 1. On the famous tourist island of Mykonos, tourists flooded the beaches, bars and restaurants on the weekend before the Orthodox Easter holiday (April 24).
Some tourism business owners said that their business at this time is the best in the past few years, and that progress is expected to continue through the extended May Day holiday.
On the popular tourist island of Mykonos tourists have flooded the beaches, bars and restaurants over the weekend.
Restrictions on the number of customers in indoor spaces have also been lifted in Greece, but masks are still required in indoor spaces and on public transport. Experts also recommend wearing masks at crowded events.
Before the pandemic, Greece welcomed 31.3 million tourists in 2019. In 2021, Greece welcomed 15.2 million tourists - an increase of nearly 8 million compared to 2020, but still less than half the pre-Covid-19 level. Greece is now hoping that 2022 will be a new record year for tourism.
