Edoardo Bonatti
25 giugno 2018
As the pandemic winds down in Italy, the country is looking to pick up where it left off, especially when it comes to tourism. Summer is approaching, and tourists may visit the country, while, however, still following some precautionary measures.
Since June 3, Italian borders are officially open again at least for everyone coming from the EU, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen area. They will not have to undergo quarantine if they do not sojourn in another country not included in the aftermentioned categories in the previous fourteen days. For example, someone from the United States entering Italy via France will not be required to self-isolate if more than fourteen days have passed since entering the EU or the Schengen area.
Unfortunately, travellers coming from other states are still prohibited from entering Italy except for proven work needs, matters of absolute urgency, or for health reasons. Those entering Italy for such reasons will have to fill a self-certification form stating their necessities and confirming that they are healthy.
If you are in Italy due to work reasons, you will be able to stay up to five days (or 120 hours) without the obligation of home quarantine.
In any case, travellers will be denied entry if they were Covid-19 positive in the fourteen days prior to leaving their country, showed even a single symptom of Covid-19 eight days before travelling or were in close contact with a confirmed positive case in the previous fourteen days.
However, once in Italy, tourists will find a country well past the peak of the epidemic and lockdown restrictions. The backbone of the Italian cultural offering, such as museums theatres and concerts, is now available to everyone to enjoy following simple precautions. Tourists may be expected to book their visit well in advance, to wear their mask, and avoid close interpersonal contact but will find these measures unobtrusive and easy to comply with. Tourist accommodations, restaurants, and public tourist areas such as beaches are open and accessible all over the country. Some other establishments provided that the Region found their activities compatible with the trend of the local epidemiological curve will be open, namely wellness centres, spas, cultural and social centres.
As it stands, tourists will find those dance halls, discotheques, and similar places, both outdoors and indoors are the only places still under strict lockdown.
The EU recently launched the Reopen the EU web platform to support a safe relaunch of travelling and tourism across the continent. The website will provide international travellers with real-time information on borders, travel restrictions, public health and safety measures, and other useful info on national tourism offers.
If you are afraid of staying in densely populated cities or crowded beaches, now may be the right time to explore the forgotten beauty of small Italian villages. Their remote and often picturesque locations and low population density blend cultural and natural appeal with a low risk of contracting the virus. The government earmarked approximately 70 million euros to revitalise these small towns, especially those in southern regions, ensuring that these alternative tourist destinations will be able to welcome the tourist influx in the coming months.
Sources: Ministero della salute, European Commission
