While some other countries in the EU seem to be relaxing their rules over the Christmas holidays, the Italian Government has announced it will crack down on travel both to and within Italy. Italy has announced a range of new COVID-19 rules and restrictions for the Christmas period in 2020, including a blanket quarantine over the Christmas season in a bid to discourage travel and avoid a new coronavirus wave in the country.
The Italiain Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told a news conference that "we cannot let down our guard," and that the country "must eliminate the risk of a third wave which could arrive in January". Italy's most recent emergency decree details strict travel rules over the Christmas period, measures which apply to Italians who want to travel within the country, and international travel. Let's have a look at some of Italy's new coronavirus travel rules for Christmas 2020 which apply until 15th January 2021 in many cases.
Mandatory quarantine for everyone arriving in Italy during the Christmas period
The entry requirements to Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic have been strict from the beginning of the pandemic, and during the Christmas and New Year, travel rules for Italy, such as entry requirements, will be tightened even further. Until now, travellers from certain countries had to observe a 14 day period of quarantine, whereas during the holidays, anyone arriving in Italy during Christmas or the New Year (between 21st December 2020 and 6th January 2021), will have to quarantine for 14 days. This new measure applies to all travellers entering Italy, regardless of your nationality and whether you are a resident in Italy or are just visiting, and regardless of the method of transport you use.
All travellers from EU countries must present a negative test upon arrival
During the Christmas period, Italy will also extend the pre-travel testing to all European countries including the EU, Schengen Zone countries and the UK. This measure already applies and started on 10th December. Until now, only those travelling from 'high-risk' European countries had to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Domestic travel restrictions
For those who are already in Italy, or those who have already made it to their Italian second home for Christmas, Italy has also introduced strict restrictions on domestic travel. These rules will apply throughout December and early January. From 21st December to 6th January, travel between al Italian regions will be limited to essential journeys which must have some sort of proof, and on the main celebation days, 25th and 26th December as well as 1st January, leaving your municipality (comune) is forbidden, except in the case of an emergency.
Curfew
During Italy's 2020 festive season, a strict curfew will also apply from 10pm to 5am, and hefty fines will be handed out to those who don't obey the rules. This time will be extended it to 7am on 1st January 2021, and there are reports that Christmas Eve "Midnight Mass" will exceptionally be celebrated before 8pm so that people can safely return home before curfew starts.
Rules for US and Canadian citizens
COVID-19 travel restrictions remain unchanged for US travellers. Those travelling to Italy from the USA can only travel for essential reasons or to return to their place of residence, but not as tourists, while Canada has been removed from Italy's non-essential travel list. This means that Canadians who wish to enter Italy during the festive period must show some sort of proof of urgent work or proof of an emergency.
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