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UPDATE: What is Italy’s Covid-19 digital ‘green pass’ and how do you get it?

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UPDATE: What is Italy’s Covid-19 digital ‘green pass’ and how do you get it?
Photo: ERIC LALMAND/BELGA/AFP

As Italy expands the use of its Covid-19 health certificate, here's what you need to know about getting it.

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Italy's health document has moved to a digital (and printable) format and, from August 6th, it's a requirement at many venues and businesses as well as for international travel within Europe,

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But what exactly is it, and how do you claim it?

According to the health ministry's official green pass website www.dgc.gov.it the pass is made available “automatically and free of charge” if you are in Italy and one of the following applies:

  1. You have had at least one vaccine dose or the single-dose vaccine;
  2. You have tested negative via a molecular or rapid swab test within the previous 48 hours;
  3. You have recovered from Covid-19 within the previous six months.

After vaccination or testing, a code should be sent to you automatically allowing you to access the green pass, the website says. (Find detailed instructions on accessing the pass below).

In the case of vaccination, the pass is available 15 days after your first dose.

Certificates contain a scannable QR code, and are available in Italian as well as English, French or German.

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Photo: Gianluca CHININEA / AFP

How do you get an Italian ‘green pass’?

Italy's health pass is only available to people who were vaccinated, recovered or tested in Italy.

This means that for tourists the only way to access it is via testing, and the pharmacy or clinic will be able to print out your certificate including the QR code to be used as a green pass.

Not all visitors will need it. Italy recognises equivalent passes from other EU countries and has said it will recognise official health documents from five non-EU countries – the US, UK, Canada, Japan and Israel.

If you live in Italy, you can use an online portal to claim your Italian pass..

Here are the steps involved in getting and using your digital certificate, according to the official website:

After vaccination, a negative test result, or recovery from Covid-19, your green certificate will be automatically issued in a digital and printable format via a national platform run by the health ministry.

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  • Once it's available to download or access, you’ll receive an SMS or email containing an authentication code (known as an AUTHCODE) with further instructions.
  • You’ll be able to use this code to access the certificate via either the official website, the IO public administration app or the Immuni contact-tracing app, or by accessing your electronic health records (Fascicolo Sanitario Elettronico, available on your regional health system’s website). If you’re not able to retrieve your certificate online, you can ask for help from your doctor or pharmacist.
  • To login, you’ll need a digital identity document (SPID digital ID or electronic ID card (CIE), or your tessera sanitaria (health card) if you have one, along with the authentication code sent by email or SMS.

READ ALSO: How to use your Italian ID card to access official services online

  • Your certification will include a scannable QR code, which is what you’ll need to show. You can either print out the document with the QR code, or show it directly from your smartphone or tablet.
  • When the QR code is scanned, for example at an airport or when entering an event venue, this is done using the VerificationC19 app which the health ministry says “respects users’ privacy”. The person verifying your code may also ask you to show a valid identity document.

It should be possible to claim your certificate 15 days after your first dose of a vaccine (including the Johnson & Johnson single shot), within 48 hours of your second dose, the same day as you receive a negative test result, or within 24 hours of being confirmed recovered from Covid-19.

Certificates will remain valid until you get your second vaccine dose (if applicable), for nine months after you are fully vaccinated, six months after you recover, or 48 hours from when you get tested.

What if I don’t have a tessera sanitaria?

While most login options require a tessera sanitaria (public healthcare card) and in some cases a SPID digital ID or electronic ID card (CIE), the new site also includes an option for people who are not enrolled in the Italian public health system and therefore do not have a health card.

People without a tessera sanitaria can request their certificate using an official ID alongside the authentication code they will receive from now on when they are vaccinated, tested or confirmed recovered in Italy. 

Find more details about claiming the 

More information

Find further details on the official website (currently only available in Italian).

You can also call 800 91 24 91 (freephone) or email [email protected] for assistance.

For more information about the current coronavirus situation and health measures in Italy please see the Health Ministry’s website (in English).

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Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

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Anonymous 2021/08/10 15:44
I have been unable to get a rapid covid test leading to a green pass as the testing agencies say they are unable to proceed without a valid Italian ID. Another example of Italy having two rules, what they say -v- what they do.
Anonymous 2021/06/21 20:01
I had my second Pfizer last Friday, 18th June. Today I received a text with the code for downloading the Green Pass, but the document only shows that I've had one dose (and the certificate is only valid until you've had the second one). I'm guessing the system hasn't caught up with vaccinations given in the last few days, but does anyone know if a second code is sent out after the second dose? Thanks.
Anonymous 2021/06/20 17:24
As the problems with the different vaccines are still going on: scientifically, geo politically, and logistically, and there was no opportunity for me, at 80, to have a vaccine, I went to the Serenissima Republica di San Marino. Within two days I had an appointment for the first vaccine and had the second one 4 weeks later. Albeit with staying two times for 3 nights each and €50,00 for two vaccines. Well organised and professional, appointment on the minute! So after just 4 weeks, at last’peace of mind’. A very good experience, but with a price tag. The Sputnik vaccine is scientifically proven by now, to a high degree, by the Lancet and other papers and scientists (research now also in Rome and Bologna,) The roll out by the European Medical Association has started and is going on. I parafrase scientifical articles writing about 98% protection. Besides, The Serenissima Rebublica San Marino is worth visiting, one of the oldest Republics in the world, it is not in the EU nor in Schengen and has an incredible history, very interesting and a “mozzafiato view’

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