Published: 13/01/2021 By The Abode Team
If you need to travel to Italy soon, or are just wondering when a vacation might be possible, there is a great deal to consider.Italy's travel rules have become increasingly complex. There are various restrictions to be aware of which depend on the country you are travelling from, as well as your personal circumstances. Right now, the fastest and most reliable way to check whether you'll be able to travel from your country, and what rules you'll need to follow if you do, is to use the Italian Foreign Ministry's interactive questionnaire. The questionnaire is available in English and is kept up-to-date with full details of the changing Italian government travel rules.
Here is an overview of recent rule changes affecting certain countries.
European travellers need to get tested
All travellers to Italy from countries within the EU or Schengen zone need to get tested for coronavirus under rules which stay in place until at least January 15th. It's not yet known what the requirements will be after that date. EU travellers need to get a test within the 48 hours before departing for Italy, rather than getting tested on arrival as was previously required. People who arrive without proof of a negative test result will have to quarantine for 14 days.
UK travellers face new restrictions
It is currently very difficult to travel to Italy from the UK due to coronavirus restrictions as well as Brexit, as the end of the transition period on December 31st brought an end to free movement for UK nationals. Added to that is the fact the UK is now classed as a "third country" and so is now also subject to the EU's coronvirus ban on non-essential travel. In addition, Italy has restricted flights and entry from Britain due to the rapid spread of a new coronavirus strain. Entry to Italy is not allowed if you have been in or transited through the UK within the past 14 days, with the exception of those who are legally resident in Italy - whether or not they are Italian citizens - and those with essential reasons for travel, such as for work.
There are also far fewer flights than normal operating on UK-Italy routes, with many cancelled following the Italian entry ban,
Rules for Americans remain unchanged
People travelling from the United States, as well as other countries including India, Russia, and China, remain the same as they have been for months: you can travel for essential reasons or to return home, but not as a tourist. If you are eligible to travel, you'll have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Italy.
Canadians can no longer visit Italy as tourists
Italy in December revised its list of countries outside Europe whose residents are allowed to visit for non-essential reasons, including for tourism. Canada has been removed from the list. Residents of Canada, as well as New Zealand, Thailand and other countries, must now prove they have an urgent reason such as work, health, study or family emergencies in order to enter Italy. Citizens of these countries who live in Italy remain free to return to their Italian residence. Residents of any of these countries are free to visit Italy, but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Travel within Italy restricted
Domestic travel will remain restricted throughout early January, the government confirmed on January 5th. From January 7th-15th travel between towns or regions will be limited to essential journeys only, meaning tourism is not possible.
The rules are due to be updated in the next emergency decree, by January 15th,
Quarantine requirements
Upon arrival, you will have to complete a form (available from your airline) giving your contact details and the address in Italy where you plan to quarantine. You will need to organise your own transport from the airport without taking trains, buses, coaches or other public transport to reach your destination. Once you're at your place of quarantine, you should not go outside unless there's an emergency, nor can you invite anyone over or socialise with other housemates (unless you're quarantining together).
You are also required to inform the local health service, or ASL, so that they can monitor you. Depending on where you are, you should be able to do this by phone, email or by filling in a form online: consult your region's website for more information.
The only exceptions are for people who had to leave Italy for essential reasons, including work, health, study or emergencies.
If you left Italy for any other purpose, such as tourism, you'll have to quarantine whatever your reasons for returning to Italy, the Health Ministry's website states. For more information on international travel to and from Italy, see the Foreign Ministry's website and check the restrictions in your destination country with the appropriate embassy.