As Italy recognised the India-made AstraZeneca vaccine by Oxford University, Covishield, Indian vaccine cardholders can apply for a green pass in Italy, the Embassy of India in Italy said on September 24.
The Embassy of India in Italy tweeted, “As an outcome of G20Health Ministers’ meeting btw Hon’ble @mansukhmandviya& Italian Health Minister @robersperanza coupled with @MEAIndia persistent efforts @MinisteroSalute recognises India’s Covishield. Indian vaccine CardHolders are now eligible for GreenPass @SerumInstIndia.”
The move came as an outcome after a meeting between Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his Italian counterpart Roberto Speranza.
On September 22, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed challenges associated with vaccine accessibility and smooth travel with his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio, responsible for foreign affairs in PM Mario Draghi’s cabinet, which is the current G20 chair.
Taking to Twitter, Dr Jaishankar said, “Discussed challenges related to vaccine accessibility and smooth travel. Look forward to joining him at a discussion on Afghanistan tomorrow.”
16 European Union (EU) member countries have recognised Covishield so far. This would ease citizens to avail the EU Digital Covid Certificate or “green pass” that aims to facilitate free movement as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on.
If you could not return to Italy as the EU country didn’t recognise Covishield earlier, you can now fly back to Italy. Before your travel, know the conditions and perks of green passes.
A green pass will let you:
- Travel between regions of different colour tiers for tourism
- Travel between European Union states
- Attend conferences and large public events
- Go to weddings, ceremonies and discos.
- To enter all public venues: restaurants, museums, exhibitions, cultural sites, theatres and cinemas, gyms, indoor sports centres, spas and pools, and other venues.
- To use the following types of public transport: Domestic flights, Ships and ferries connecting different regions, except for ferries crossing the Strait of Messina, Intercity, Intercity Night and High-Speed Trains, Coaches and buses connecting different regions, Coaches and buses on hire with driver.
You can issue a green pass when:
- A vaccine has been completed and is valid for six months
- A health expert or doctor can declare you have recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months
- A test has been administered within the last 48 hours
However, you do not need to apply for a green pass if you return to your residence.
