France and Italy Now Requiring Proof of COVID-19 Vaccine for Some Activities

If you're thinking of traveling to France or Italy in the near future, you may need to verify your COVID-19 vaccination status.

If you're planning to travel internationally soon, you'll want to be aware of some new travel rules. Both France and Italy are implementing further restrictions to help curb the spread of the Delta variant. Now, you may need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recent virus recovery, or proof of a recent negative test if you plan to travel to either of these countries and take part in certain activities. Find out more about what to expect.

Countries are hoping to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus

In the past, we've discussed France's reopening rules and regulations for Americans. At the time of writing, France is allowing vaccinated Americans to visit. They're also allowing Americans who are unvaccinated but show proof of COVID-19 recovery between 11 days and six months from the date of arrival. Additionally, Americans who present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 72 hours before their departure flight are welcome.

Before hopping on a plane, be sure you understand current restrictions if you plan to dine out, go to nightclubs, or visit museums. That's because having a COVID-19 health pass will now be required for certain activities while in France. This will impact locals and tourists alike.

You'll need to carry a COVID-19 health pass in France

The country recently announced that COVID-19 health passes must be presented to visit:

• Concert halls
• Stadiums
• Cinemas
• Cultural venues
• Museums

But even more recently, the country approved legislation requiring a COVID-19 health pass for domestic travel and all restaurants as well as requiring healthcare workers to get vaccinated or risk suspension.

While this pass has already been required in many places, beginning in early August, it will also officially be required to dine indoors or take long-distance plane or train rides within the country.

The pass shows whether an individual has been vaccinated, tested negative over the previous 48 hours, or has recovered from the virus within the last six months. Both paper and digital passes will be accepted. At this time, these rules apply to all adults, but beginning Sept. 30 will apply to everyone 12 and older.

American travelers who plan to visit France should bring their CDC cards with them. They can present it to a French doctor or pharmacist to enter the details into the French system. Doing this will create a QR code, which can then be used to create a paper or electronic health pass through the TousAntiCovid app. The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France plans to update its website if other ways to obtain a COVID-19 health pass become available.

Italy will also require proof of vaccination for some activities

Italy is another destination welcoming American tourists. Americans can enter the country by presenting proof of vaccination, showing a medical certificate that details proof of recovery from the virus within the last six months, or submitting a negative molecular PCR test or rapid rest taken within 48 hours of departure to Italy. But some additional rules are coming.

The country will require individuals to present a green pass to participate in certain activities like visiting museums and cultural sites, entertainment venues, gyms, movie theaters, and dining indoors. These passes will be required beginning on Aug. 6, 2021. At this time, there is no guidance on how foreign tourists can obtain a pass. Travelers can check the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy website for ongoing updates as more news becomes available.

Green passes will show if someone is vaccinated, has recently recovered from the virus, or has tested negative within the last 48 hours. In the future, a green pass may also be required to take any transit within the country.

It's essential to be aware of these rules so that you're well prepared for your trip to France or Italy. As always, COVID-19 regulations and restrictions can change quickly, so be sure to stay up to date on the news and recheck restrictions before leaving the United States.

Prepare for extra travel costs

Travel is a significant expense, but your next vacation may cost even more. As we've mentioned previously, if you plan to travel at all during the pandemic, prepare for additional travel costs. Examples of extra costs include the following:

• COVID-19 testing
• Quarantine costs (if you test positive for COVID-19 when traveling abroad or if you're visiting a country that requires you to quarantine at a cost)
• Higher accommodation and transit costs due to an increase in travel
• International travel insurance

You can prepare for these expenses by budgeting extra money into your vacation fund. Take a look at these tips to travel safely while on a budget. And if you're beginning to make travel plans, we recommend using a rewards credit card. You can use your credit card to book reservations and earn valuable rewards on your spending. For more information, these are some of the best travel rewards credit cards available right now.