After my success answering Annec's question, its my turn. However, I’m not clever enough for an ‘Italian’ question – so I’ll go for one with a ‘Greek’ connection insteadI’m a ‘sad’ man who likes numbers.
In particular, see the bit about date of paper certificate.
I'd suggest you take a few photocopies of any paper certificates. They do show "COPY" faintly in a box, but you can't see it easily, and they still work.
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Italian Embassy.
It was soooo good to have now managed to get to Italy, albeit for only a short break.
Have now completed the return journey to UK.
Again, not a single border check (Switzerland, Germany or France) on the return.
All we had to do at Eurotunnel, after our passports were checked by French Border Police, was take our online uk Passenger Locator Form and our (paper) Covid Passes to a desk in the Terminal, where details were put on computer by very accommodating staff.
We were then given our Boarding Pass tag and went through uk Passport Control when called for loading on the train.
All pretty easy - except for tunnel problems, (one track not in use - technical difficulties) so 1 hour delay. Felt sorry for people travelling to France as the delay on uk side was about 3 or 4 hours - cars were queueing on the A20 to enter the terminal.
Calais, Metz, Nancy, Mulhouse, into Germany to avoid Basle (Lorrach route), Lucerne then Gotthard Tunnel. Then down West side of Lake Maggiore to Gravelona Tocce. Covid test in Brissago, just before Italian border.
Have just travelled down to Piemonte from UK by car. Thought you might like to know how it went.
1. Arrived at Eurotunnel - hadn't uploaded paperwork, (too old and 8yr old granddaughter was too busy to do it for me). Told to go to Document Verification desk, to check we had the correct hard copies of the necessary documents. When there, we were asked if we had our Covid Pass certificates and our signed copies of the Declarstion d'Honour, for entering France. We said we had, and waved the paperwork. It wasn't checked at all, but we were given the Boarding Tag for the car.
2. Entry to France - NO CHECKS
3. French Hotel- Covid Pass scanned- all OK
4. Entry to Germsny - NO CHECKS
5. Entry to Swizerland (Basle by-pass route) - NO CHECKS
6. Swiss Hotel. Tried to scan our Covid Passes (3 different versions, including App) - None would register. Hotel staff said, don't worry, you obviously have been vaccinated", so you can stay.
7 Getting Covid Test for entering Italy - test went OK- took about an hour. Swiss pharmacist couldn't understand why anyone double jabbed needs a test to enter Italy.
7. Entry into Italy - NO CHECKS. (NO staff at border post)
So, in essence, if , whatever state of Covid Status you have or don't have, you've an even chance of getting to Italy with no proper checks if you drive.
Haven't used the Frejus Tinnel route, but have used the Simplon Pass route as it puts us in the right part of Northern Italy. Lovely route, especially in Summer, but Pass is open all year round.
In theory, if you spend less than 36hrs in Switzerland, you don't need any paperwork, but as the entry form is short and simple it's probably best to take paper copies (separate ones for outward and return journey).
Similarly, if you do my Basle by-pass route, the same applies for Germany.
I'm getting my entry test for Italy in Switzerland, as I do two hotel stopovers on the way, so can't do a 48hr test in the UK before we set off.
Remember, also, you need the UK Passenger Locator Form for your return
Comments posted
Latest advice
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
In particular, see the bit about date of paper certificate.
I'd suggest you take a few photocopies of any paper certificates. They do show "COPY" faintly in a box, but you can't see it easily, and they still work.
Also photocopies of Passports, just in case
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/eu-pet-passports-how-make-21462647.amp
Interesting response, Clueless in Italy.
I've been reading some web entries about holiday home owners [non-resident] in France. easily getting their dogs an EU Passport
May try my luck with a friendly vet in Italy on our next doggie visit. - its worth a punt.
Governmrnt Website says:-
ITALY
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Italian Embassy.
Similar comment for France
So check with embassies
Why not upgrade(?) to a photo driving licence? Don't need an IDP then.
(World be highly surprised if anyone checks your licence, unless you have an "incident")
It was soooo good to have now managed to get to Italy, albeit for only a short break.
Have now completed the return journey to UK.
Again, not a single border check (Switzerland, Germany or France) on the return.
All we had to do at Eurotunnel, after our passports were checked by French Border Police, was take our online uk Passenger Locator Form and our (paper) Covid Passes to a desk in the Terminal, where details were put on computer by very accommodating staff.
We were then given our Boarding Pass tag and went through uk Passport Control when called for loading on the train.
All pretty easy - except for tunnel problems, (one track not in use - technical difficulties) so 1 hour delay. Felt sorry for people travelling to France as the delay on uk side was about 3 or 4 hours - cars were queueing on the A20 to enter the terminal.
Calais, Metz, Nancy, Mulhouse, into Germany to avoid Basle (Lorrach route), Lucerne then Gotthard Tunnel. Then down West side of Lake Maggiore to Gravelona Tocce. Covid test in Brissago, just before Italian border.
Have just travelled down to Piemonte from UK by car. Thought you might like to know how it went.
1. Arrived at Eurotunnel - hadn't uploaded paperwork, (too old and 8yr old granddaughter was too busy to do it for me). Told to go to Document Verification desk, to check we had the correct hard copies of the necessary documents. When there, we were asked if we had our Covid Pass certificates and our signed copies of the Declarstion d'Honour, for entering France. We said we had, and waved the paperwork. It wasn't checked at all, but we were given the Boarding Tag for the car.
2. Entry to France - NO CHECKS
3. French Hotel- Covid Pass scanned- all OK
4. Entry to Germsny - NO CHECKS
5. Entry to Swizerland (Basle by-pass route) - NO CHECKS
6. Swiss Hotel. Tried to scan our Covid Passes (3 different versions, including App) - None would register. Hotel staff said, don't worry, you obviously have been vaccinated", so you can stay.
7 Getting Covid Test for entering Italy - test went OK- took about an hour. Swiss pharmacist couldn't understand why anyone double jabbed needs a test to enter Italy.
7. Entry into Italy - NO CHECKS. (NO staff at border post)
So, in essence, if , whatever state of Covid Status you have or don't have, you've an even chance of getting to Italy with no proper checks if you drive.
(I did have all paperwork required - of course)
Haven't used the Frejus Tinnel route, but have used the Simplon Pass route as it puts us in the right part of Northern Italy. Lovely route, especially in Summer, but Pass is open all year round.
In theory, if you spend less than 36hrs in Switzerland, you don't need any paperwork, but as the entry form is short and simple it's probably best to take paper copies (separate ones for outward and return journey).
Similarly, if you do my Basle by-pass route, the same applies for Germany.
I'm getting my entry test for Italy in Switzerland, as I do two hotel stopovers on the way, so can't do a 48hr test in the UK before we set off.
Remember, also, you need the UK Passenger Locator Form for your return