We decided to bite the bullet and leave Singapore on 2 October 2021 for Italy to see our family whom we haven’t seen since 2019, and before the kiddo starts primary school. We were also hoping that we could do home quarantine when we got back (at that time, Italy was not in the VTL).

Since we left, there has been much development in terms of easing up travel restrictions in SG. Many are rushing to buy tickets and planning trips, but a lot of people still have queries and some have contacted me for advice about Italy, after seeing us in The Straits Times article (19 Oct).

So I’m sharing our journey and some tips for travelling in Italy.

Essentials To Note For Travelling To Italy:

1- Airlines

The latest VTL lists direct flights on designated flights such as SIA to Europe. But we flew on Turkish Air and transited in Istanbul so because of this, we need to serve one week home quarantine upon our return on 5 November 2021.

The airlines staff at Changi and Istanbul airport asked us for the EU Passenger locator form, PCR tests and Vaccination Certs - all we printed on hand - before letting us on board te flight to Italy.

2- Vaccination Certification

All adults need to be vaccinated for travel. Full Stop. Kids who are not vaccinated are allowed to travel with adults who are vaccinated. We printed our vaccination certs which are accessible on MOH or TraceTogether app.

3- PCR Tests

PCR tests are required for all adults and even kids (age requirements vary) 48 to 72 hours before departure, depending on the destinations and airlines. Our son did it most reluctantly with tears - it is the most uncomfortable part of travelling during Covid. I prepared him by showing him videos and explained why we have to.

PCR tests cost $138 to $200 per person depending on clinics. You can find a comprehensive list of clinics on MOH website. Please call and ask if the clinic do PCR tests for your children’s age and book a slot in advance and bring the essential documents.

Coming back:

We did the PCR tests at a local clinic in Italy for 50€ per person. Please make sure it is the PCR test, not the Antigen Rapid test which is 20€. And we also registered in advance for the PCR tests at Changi Airport: https://safetravel.changiairport.com/en.html#/

But it turned out we didn’t need to do it upon arrival but we did it at the end of our week-long Stay Home Quarantine. ICA will send you an email and text.

In addition please fill up the SG Arrival form within 3 days of arrival on ICA website at: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/

4- EU Passenger Locator Form

This PLF is used by public health authorities to facilitate contact tracing and is essential for all visitors coming to selected countries in Europe, including Italy.

We filled up one form for my husband and accompanying family members. However you need to know your flight seat number to complete the form. You can try out the form at https://app.euplf.eu/#/

5- Green Pass Covid Cert

The green pass is a EU digital COVID certificate and makes it easier to travel to all European Union countries to prove you are vaccinated and Covid-free. Officially this is necessary for public transport, public events, attractions and dining indoors at restaurants etc. More info at: https://www.dgc.gov.it/web/

We had asked our family in Italy to apply for us using our vaccination certs and passports, and were emailed the CODES for the Immuni and iO apps but we had trouble completing the form as we didn’t have the Tessera Sanitaria (Italian health card) required. So we emailed them and the issue was resolved within 24 hours.

The email we contacted was greenpass@asl.bari.it - but there are also ASL in various cities such as greenpass@aslroma5.it

Just say you are applying for the green pass certification from abroad in SG and attach your passports and vaccination certs.

They will email you the Green Pass cert which you can save in your phone and also print a copy (in case phone battery is dead). It is best to have a digital copy and print everything too.

FAQs:

*Is the Green Pass necessary?
Based on our experience, we have been checked five times for the green pass at 2 restaurants and 3 attractions. Other times our temperatures were taken. If you dine outdoors, you don’t need the green pass.

We also weren’t checked during the few times we took the trains (wearing masks is compulsory).

We had Italian friends who went to Italy before us and they didn’t apply for the green pass.

I’d advise carrying your passports and vaccination certs at all times if you didn’t manage to get the green pass.

*Is it safe to travel in Italy?

We feel very safe at the cities and towns we visited all over Italy. People are relaxed and self police themselves. The rate of vaccination is very high in Italy.

You don’t have to wear masks in open spaces and on the streets but some people do. Masks are required for enclosed places like shops, restaurants (when not eating), attending public events, attractions and public transport etc. There are hand sanitizers everywhere and certain places check your temperature.

*How about children?

Small children are not required to wear masks but I do carry a mask for my son if we go to crowded places. We also sanitise, clean with wet wipes or wash our hands frequently because parents know where the kids like to stick their hands into!

Italians are very kids-friendly for example if you need the restaurants to cook something for your kids, like a simple pasta, they will do it within their ability, based on our experience.

*Any travel tips?

Personally I think it is better if you can self drive to avoid crowded trains and buses. It is such a lovely way to experience Italy off the beaten path outside the major cities. Go to Siena, Lucca, Chianti, Perugia, Spoleto, La Spezia, Amalfi, Napoli, Alberobello and so many beautiful places in the south. Follow my Instagram to see places we visited on this trip.
If you are taking the trains, stay in an accommodation that is near the station as it would be easier to find it by foot. If you are driving, there are more cheaper options on the fringe.
Walk more! We like to walk around in the cities as you can see much more and rely less on public transport. Taxis are very expensive.
We try to bring my son to open spaces like the beach, parks and farms for fresh air and nature. Book a full day tour out of the city. For example, you can join a guided tour to vineyards or Agriturismo farms.
I’d recommend different places to visit depending on the seasons. Check the weather in advance before your trip. It rains often during winter and also snow in the north.
Learn a few phrases in Italian to break the ice such as:

Buongiorno - Good day

Buonasera - Good evening

Ciao - Hello or Bye

Grazie - Thank you

Bellissimo - So beautiful

Buonissimo - So delicious

Just download a translation app! 🇮🇹

***Disclaimer:

Please do your own research for your trip as the Covid regulations are always changing and every case is unique. The situation will apply differently for everyone. I am just sharing my own experience and am not accountable for any situation.