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The severe consequences that coronavirus brought with it hit the countries hard and fast, including Italy. The country was one of the most affected countries, but is now emerging out of its difficult lockdown situation and is ready to welcome tourists back again to enjoy its beautiful vineyards, memorizing architecture, and lively culture.
Its nationwide lockdown imposed in March 2020 put the enchanting country off-limits for the world. However, recently on May 5, 2021, the country’s Prime Minister, with the approval of its Health Minister, has announced the plan to open its borders under firm precautionary measures.
So what should you prepare for and what is expected of the visitors in the country? We have compiled all the essentials below concerning how to travel to Italy in 2021:
The Allowed Countries
No one had thought that they would be able to relish the remarkable beauty of Italy this summer. But as the COVID 19 cases descend, things have taken a positive turn. The arrivals and departures are being strictly regulated with zero possibility of sneaking into the country without permission.
The countries allowed are divided into two lists:
1| European Countries
Most European Countries are lucky enough to get permission from the Italian government to enter the country even for non-essential purposes. These fortunate countries have been exempted from 5-day quarantine as well.
The countries specifically include:
Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Spain, and Switzerland.
The tourists from these countries would be required to provide evidence showing their complete recovery or vaccination record for the COVID 19.
United Kingdom: Tourists from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland are required to quarantine upon arrival and go through a COVID test within 48 hours. Then stay in quarantine for a further of 5 days and then conduct another test. These orders are to be implemented until July 30. The entrants from Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and Channel Island are also subject to these regulations.
Israel: Israel nationals are allowed and exempted from quarantine conditions but are still required to provide their negative corona test results.
2| Non-European Countries
The non-European countries allowed are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, and United States. Coming from the countries mentioned above obliges you to take the test within 72 hours and register with the local health authority. 10 days of quarantine is also a must.
Chance For Quarantine Free Entrance
- American and Canadian citizens traveling by Covid-tested flights are offered a quarantine-free facility whether they have been vaccinated or not.
- The tourists from Canada, America, and Japan can enter the country without quarantine if they have been vaccinated by the EU-approved vaccine 14 days earlier or if they provide a recovery certificate or proof of negative test results.
Brazil, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka: The Italian residents traveling from Brazil are required to conduct 3 tests after their arrival. The first is to be conducted within 72 hours, the next after 48 hours, and the third one after 14 days of quarantine.
Italy has allowed its residents from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to return to their homes with 10 days of quarantine.
Essentials Documents To Travel To Italy During the Pandemic
If you are planning your trip to Italy, you will have to abide by the restrictive measures, which may vary for each country. The government keeps on updating these restrictions, and one should refer to the Italian government’s health department decree before confirming their plans.
The common requirements that each traveler is expected of include:
- The digital European Passenger Locator form must be complied with by every entrant.
- Providing the EU Digital Certificate upon arrival. This certificate is issued by the tourist’s local health authorities.
- Negative test results must be taken no more than 72 hours earlier by molecular or antigenic swab.
- Inform the Prevention Department Local Health Authority.
- Arrange private transport to reach their destination in Italy.
- Proof of accommodation whether the stay is in a hotel or at a relative.
- Before traveling from any foreign country, everyone is required to provide their airline or Italian law enforcement authorities with the self-declaration form.
Self-Declaration Form
The Italy Self Declaration Form is a statement produced by the traveler himself declaring himself as infection-free from COVID 19 virus, hence eligible to enter the country. He must sign the document making it legal and authentic.
What is EU Digital Certificate?
The certificate is proof that a person has either been fully vaccinated at least 14 days earlier or has received his negative test result, or has recovered from the virus.
To maintain its authenticity, the QR code on the certificate stores all essential information. This certificate can be stored on your mobile phone or printed on paper.
Obligations for Minors
Children under 6 do not need to provide their COVID test results upon entrance but will be required to isolate if needed. The minors below 18 are also exempted from the isolation process if they are accompanied by the adults having a COVID green pass or certificate.
Travel Insurance is a necessity.
Another essential before traveling to Italy is travel insurance. The pandemic has taught us that things can get ugly pretty soon so being prepared is a smart move. Your insurance must cover the pandemic and epidemic conditions so that you could be at ease in case your trip got canceled due to any unforeseen circumstances.
Accepted Vaccines
The Italian government only approved the vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency. According to the Ministry, the certified vaccination procedure should be completed through the following:
- AstraZeneca/ Vaxzevria
- BioNTech/Pfizer
- Moderna
- Johnson and Johnson.
The Present Condition Of COVID 19 (Last Updated: August 8, 2021)
Although the pandemic badly struck Italy, its smart policies helped them fight and win the battle gracefully. The vaccination campaign is in place to stop its spread, under which 30.8 million people have already been fully vaccinated so far. Due to strict measures, Italy is now able to welcome tourists once again.