When it comes to Italy green pass Covid tests, only certain types are valid. If you are not vaccinated or have not been infected with Covid and fully recovered, you will have to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within the past 48 hours in order to have the equivalent of the Italy green pass.
If you are a tourist to Italy from the US, Canada or the UK and you have proof of full vaccination from your home country, you won’t need to take this test for the Italy green pass.
Listed below are the two types of Covid tests valid for the Italy green pass: molecular and rapid antigen. This information comes from the FAQ section of the Italian government’s website on the EU Digital Covid Certificate in Italian.
Molecular test (Test molecolare)
A molecular test detects the presence of genetic material (RNA) of the virus and is performed on a sample of respiratory secretions, usually a nasopharyngeal swab.
Rapid antigen test (Test antigenico rapido)
This test is carried out with a nasal, oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab and reveals the presence of components (antigens) of the virus within 30 to 60 minutes. Your results may be issued later than that due to laboratory processing times, but generally should be available within two hours.
Regardless of which test you choose, all tests must be carried out by health professionals or trained personnel who certify the type of test, the date on which it was carried out and the result.
Covid tests not valid for Italy green pass requirements
Given the above criteria, the following Covid tests are not valid for Italy green pass requirements:
- Rapid self-tests (autotest rapidi)
- Saliva tests (test salivari) – unless it is a molecular saliva test (tampone salivare molecolare RT-PCR)
- Serological tests (test sierologici)
Where can I get a Covid test in Italy for the green pass?
Many pharmacies and private laboratories offer antigen and molecular Covid tests valid for the green pass.
The Italian Red Cross is offering free antigen tests in many of the major Italian train stations, including Termini station in Rome, Santa Maria Novella station in Florence, and Milano Centrale station in Milan.
Covid tests are available at Rome’s Fiumicino airport at Terminal 3 Arrivals from midnight to 4 pm each day for arriving and departing passengers at a cost of €20 for rapid antigen tests (results in roughly a half hour) and €69.88 for molecular tests (results in 36 hours, pick up in-person at airport). Travelers can book Covid tests at Fiumicino airport online.
In Rome, you can book a Covid test online that is valid for the green pass at the following private laboratories at a cost of €22 max for an antigen test and €60 max for a molecular test:
How much do Italy green pass Covid tests cost?
The Italian government has established fixed prices for rapid antigen Covid tests valid for the Italy green pass in participating pharmacies and regionally authorized private health facilities. This measure is in effect until September 30, 2021.
In participating pharmacies and facilities, the price is 8 euros for adolescents ages 12 to 18 and 15 euros for everyone over age 18. Consult the list of participating pharmacies in Italy here.
Private laboratories may charge more for these tests or for other types of Covid tests that are valid, such as molecular tests.