Question: ‘We’re travelling to Italy soon. Will we need to wear a mask on the plane or when we arrive, and what type of mask do we need?”

After repeated changes to the rules on when and where face masks must be worn in Italy, many readers with plans to travel to Italy in the coming weeks have written to The Local to ask for clarification.

READ ALSO: Q&A: Your questions about travel to Italy and Covid rules answered

While the mask-wearing rules were eased in some settings such as bars and restaurants from May 1st, they were not removed altogether – with Italy’s Covid measures remaining stricter than many other European countries.

If you’re flying to Italy, you’ll need to be aware that masks will remain obligatory for passengers on flights to and from Italy and at Italian airports until mid-June, as the Italian government confirmed on Friday, despite the end of an EU-wide requirement on Monday, May 16th.

This is because Italy’s current rules specify that higher-grade FFP2 masks should be worn on all forms of public transport, including buses, trams, regional and high-speed trains, ferries, and planes until June 15th.

National regulations take precedence, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed when announcing the end of the EU rules.

READ ALSO: Where do you still need to wear a mask in Italy from May 1st?

Until the same date, masks also remain a requirement at Italy’s cinemas and theatres, hospitals and care homes, indoor sporting event and concert venues, schools and universities.

And they’re still a common sight in many other venues, despite no longer being mandatory.

Some readers living outside of the EU have noted that they are able to get hold of an FFP2 mask, as these are not sold in their home country.

Because FFP2 masks are not widely available in most countries outside of Europe, Intercontinental flights to Italy should allow other types of higher-grade masks to be used in place of FFP2. 

For example, current guidance from Italian national carrier ITA airways says: “it is mandatory to wear FFP2/KN95/N95 face masks on board all flights.” 

If in doubt, passengers are advised to ask their airline for advice before travelling.

The Italian government does not appear to have issued any specific guidance on the use of KN95/N95 face masks once you’re in the country, however.

While there have been media reports of passengers being turned away from using public transport in Italy if they attempt to board while wearing a surgical or cloth mask, no reports mention passengers being denied boarding when wearing an N95 mask.

READ ALSO: Why are so many Italians still wearing face masks in shops?

In any case, travellers should be able to easily pick up some FFP2 masks upon arrival in Italy.

They are readily available at pharmacies and general stores around the country, and prices are not as high as they were earlier in the pandemic, with a pack of ten now usually costing around 7-8 euros.