As Italy gradually recovers after the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is looking to get back underway this summer 2020. Italy has already reopened its borders to some international visitors, but not to everyone. Here's a quick guide as to who can travel to Italy at the moment.
Who can travel to Italy now?
The first border restrictions in Italy were lifted on 3rd June 2020 where visitors from several countries were allowed unrestricted access to the country for tourism and other purposes, including no quarantine requirements. The countries that have been allowed to visit Italy from 3rd June are:
- The 26 other member states of the European Union
- The UK
- Other Schengen Area members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
- The Vatican, Monaco, San Marino and Andorra
Under the same terms, Italian residents who travel abroad are also not required to observe a 14 day quarantine period when they return to Italy.
When will tourists from other countries be allowed to travel to Italy?
Tourism is currently permitted within Europe, however all other non-essential travel to Italy from anywhere outside Europe hasn't been allowed since 17th March and remains forbidden.
The European Union is now lifting restrictions across Europe and the majority of Member States have approved a list of 15 countries, known as the "safe list". This list is made up of 15 non-EU countries that are considered safe due to their COVID-19 epidemiological situation. Therefore, travellers originating from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay, have been permitted to enter Europe as of 1st July 2020. China is also provisionally included on this list but only under the condition that the Chinese authorities approve a reciprocal deal. The USA has notably been left off the list.
Italy has however decided to opt out of this measure and continues to ban non-EU travellers. Therefore, Italy will not be receiving any visitors from these "safe" non-EU countries for the moment in a bid to prevent any further mass outbreaks of the coronavirus in the country. Along the same lines, Italy is also maintaining the compulsory 14-day quarantine period for all travellers who have arrived from a non-EU nation, and this applied even if they have travelled through or stopped in another Schengen Area country en route.
Is it possible to travel to Italy from outside the EU in case of emergency?
There are several exceptions in which it is currently possible to travel to Italy from outside the EU (where the compulsory 14-day quarantine period must still be observed).
- If you are a resident in Italy but are currently outside the country and outside the EU, then you may return to your place of residence in Italy.
- Those travelling to Italy from outside the EU for proven work or urgent health needs will also be allowed entry at Italy's borders.
Before travelling to Italy, it's a good idea to do your research by checking with the embassy of your country in Italy for the latest advice and restrictions. Up-to-date travel advice for each EU country can also be found by consulting the Reopen EU website, a new digital tool launched by the European Union with the most recent information on the health and travel situation from countries across Europe.