Covid restrictions in Italy: everything you need to know if you’re going to Eurovision in Turin

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 31, 2023

Eurovision 2022 is fast approaching and thousands of visitors from all over the world gather in Turin these days.

We are all excited to party again after two long years of isolation, but let’s not forget that covid is still real, and we all need to be aware of regulations and restrictions to protect ourselves and others.

It can be a bit difficult to navigate the ever-changing regulations in Italy, so here’s a handy guide to the current Covid restrictions if you’re traveling to Turin during the ESC season.

All the rules listed below apply from May 1, 2022.

Before leaving: Green Pass and Super Green Pass

Before even entering Italy, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the terminology concerning Covid certificates: you will most likely be asked to show a green passwhich is the name used in Italy for the covid certificate which comes with a QR code.

The term “green pass” encompasses EU Covid Digital Certificate (issued by all EU countries), as well as Covid certificates issued by Swissthem United States, Canada, Japan, Israelthem UK, India and Brazil.

If you don’t have a Covid certificate, don’t worry: there are other ways to get a green pass.

In general, proof of vaccination is accepted throughout Italy (and considered a green pass) if you are vaccinated with the following vaccines:

Community (Pfizer-BioNtech);
Modern;
Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca);
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson);
Nuvaxovid (Novax);
Covishield (Serum Institute of India), produced under license from AstraZeneca;
R-CoVI (R-Pharm), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca;
Recombinant Covid-19 vaccine (Fiocruz), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca.

If you are not vaccinated, you can obtain a green pass by presenting a negative covid test (antigen or PCR).

You may also hear or read the name great green pass, which is strictly obtained with proof of vaccination. To summarize the differences:

Basic green pass: can be obtained either by proof of vaccination or by a negative Covid test. With a negative PCR test, the green pass will be valid for 72 hours, and with an antigen test for 48 hours.
Super green pass: can only be obtained with proof of vaccination or proof that you have already had Covid and have recovered. This is the equivalent of most Covid certificates issued in Europe.

Don’t worry too much, though: the super green pass was mostly relevant until April 30, when it was required to access most facilities. From May 1, it will no longer be necessary (with a few exceptions that we will list later).

Entering Italy: what do you need?

To enter Italy, you must present a valid green pass in its “basic” form (proof of vaccination, cure or negative test).

As of May 1, you will no longer need a PLF (passenger locator form). The green pass is the only requirement.

Mask Mandate

The mask mandate is probably among the most confusing Covid restrictions in Italy, since its rules and exceptions change from May 1.

Let’s talk first about the type of mask you are obliged to wear it: in Italy, a reusable fabric mask will not be accepted everywhere. In places where wearing a mask is still valid, you are required to wear a FFP2 mask, so we strongly recommend that you buy a stock before you go. FFP2 masks are also available in most pharmacies and supermarkets in Italy.

The “classic” surgical mask can be accepted, but it is better not to risk it and opt directly for the FFP2.

Where should a mask be worn?

You are obligatory by law to wear an FFP2 mask:

in all public transport: buses, metro, regional trains, high-speed trains, ferries and planes;
in hospitals (hope you won’t need it);
in cinemas, theaters and all indoor shows such as concerts, as well as in sports halls (this of course includes Pala Alpitour, so you will need to wear an FFP2 mask at ESC concerts).

From May 1, you will no longer be required to wear a mask elsewhere. Thus, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other public places are all accessible without a mask. The same applies to outdoor eventsincluding those of Eurovillage. Indoor events, on the other hand, still require a mask.

Social distancing

Although there are no strict rules around social distancing, respecting distances is always highly valued in Italy. Make sure you always stay at least 1 meter away from other people, especially in grocery stores and pharmacies.

Covid reigns in the Eurovision bubble

Safety will be a top priority during ESC 2022.

Procedures have been defined down to the smallest detail by Rai and the EBU in order to guarantee a “bubble” of security within which artists, musicians, the press and other professionals can circulate freely.

In a section of the official delegation handbookthe EBU and RAI include a section called “Anti Covid-19 measures”.

It is said: “Inside the Main Room and the Delegation Bubble, wearing the FFP2 mask is compulsory.”

Another section on the delegation bubble — where artists and their teams hang out and relax — lists similar rules and tips: “Use disinfectant gel and wear the FFP2 face mask inside the bubble.”

At the Heads of Delegation meeting in March, the EBU shared the following rules:

“You must: respect at least one meter between people, disinfect yourself and wash your hands often always wear the FFP2 mask inside the room.

As far as the public is concerned, the security model is the same used by Rai for San Remo 2022but this time under the supervision of the EBU.

Before entering Pala Alpitour, security checks will be carried out with anti-explosive dogs and visual inspections. At each show, there will be more than a hundred security guards.

Where to get tested in Turin

You can get a Covid antigen (rapid) test at almost any pharmacy in town. The price is:

€8.00 if you are under 18
€15.00 if you are over 18

Don’t forget to bring your passport as proof of identity. The test result will be available after 15-20 minutes and sent by e-mail to the address you provided.

Some pharmacies do not require reservations, while others do. It is best to call the pharmacy beforehand to confirm. Unfortunately, there is no website where you can book your test. Just Google “pharmacies near me” and call, it’s the easiest way in Italy 🙂

What if you need a PCR test?

There are certain pharmacies and structures where you can obtain a PCR test. On the reservation side, the most recommended is Koelliker Hospital at Corso Unione Sovietica 178. You can book your test online here.

Select “Prenota un esame / visita”, then search for “Tampone molecolare – covid19”, select the desired date/time and proceed with the reservation and payment.

What if you have Covid symptoms?

If you meet covid symptoms, notify your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb host immediately. They will call the authorities and arrange tests for you. Do not go to the pharmacy if you have even mild symptoms, because there is another procedure to follow.

We also recommend that you call the number 1500the Italian line for the Covid-19 emergency, active 24/7.

More resources

We wish you a fun and safe ESC season in Turin!