Elisa Ruggieri
How to safely travel to Italy in 2020. Tips, national rules, regional rules: everything you need to know to travel to Italy this year, after the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the all Covid-19 pandemic media coverage, the image of Italy, as well as the Italian tourism sector, have been severely damaged. We have been depicted as plague infectors when we suffered major losses because of the pandemic. Anyway, now that the emergency is – hopefully – over, you may wonder how to safely travel to Italy in 2020.
From the 3rd of June, movement within regions in Italy is allowed – not only for work, health, and emergency reasons but also for leisure. However, regions have different rules on masks, gloves, and safety procedures.
Tips to travel to Italy in 2020
In general, masks wearing is still compulsory in shops. In grocery stores and supermarkets, you also need to wear gloves – they are usually provided by the stores.
In bars and restaurants, you need to wear masks until you are seated, then you can take it off but remember to wear it again if you go to the restroom or the counter.
In public spaces, you only need to wear if there are other people around. If you are walking alone and there is no one near you, you can take it off but have it ready in case you meet someone.
As for social distancing, you need to keep at least 1 meter from people at all times.
Italy is as safe as it can be. Hotels, B&B, private homes for rent have strict rules on hygiene, social distancing, and safety protocols so you should not worry too much about it. You just need to follow the rules which are clearly displayed in rooms, at the reception desk, in the restaurants, etc.
What you can do to be safer? Not much. Just always keep your hands clean and wear masks around people.
On public transports, you will see where you can sit. Signals have been hanged on seats to keep social distancing.
Official rules to travel to Italy
As stated on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website, rules are different according to the country of origin. Movement is allowed from:
- Member States of the European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Hungary);
- Member States of the Schengen Area (non-EU countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland);
- The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- Andorra, Principality of Monaco
- San Marino and Vatican City
From the 3rd of June, people travelling to Italy from any of these countries are not requested to observe an isolation period of 14 days, unless they have been in a different country from the ones mentioned above 14 days before arrival in Italy.
For example, a person coming from France on the 14th of June who has arrived in France from the US on the 4th of June will be subject to isolation, however, if he arrived in France on the 30th May he won’t have to observe any isolation.
Movement from countries different from the ones mentioned above is only allowed for work, emergency or health reasons. People are allowed to return to their homes (domicile or residence).
People travelling to Italy from countries or territories different from the ones mentioned above have to observe a 14 days isolation period at their homes or a different house chosen by the person or, if missing, by the regional authorities.
However, there are exceptions to this last rule. You can check the exceptions on the Foreign Affairs official website
Different regions, different rules
Even though these are the general rules – valid in the whole of Italy – some regions have stricter rules.
Sardinia
Sardinia requires people entering the region – Italian and foreign people – to declare their entrance in the region. Until the 12th June they can do so by filling out a paper form, from the 13th June they will have to do it online.
Sicily
Sicily requires people entering the region – Italian and foreign people – to register online. Even though it is not compulsory, it is highly recommended.
Apulia
People entering Apulia will have to register their entrance online as well as keep records of all the people met during their stay for 30 days.
Lazio and Campania
People will have their temperature checked and if they have a temperature above 37.5 they will not be allowed to enter the region.
The other regions do not seem to have any special regulations; however, you may contact the regional tourism boards if you have any doubt.
Where to travel to Italy in 2020
It goes without saying that the safest places are the ones where fewer people are. Mountains, countryside, less known places are the best destinations to travel to in 2020. Do not forget that Italy has some of the most beautiful mountains in the whole of Europe: the Dolomites. We also have wonderful countryside locations in Toscana for example – think of where the movie ‘The Gladiator’ was shot – or in Veneto with the Prosecco vineyards or in the southern part of the country for example in the Gargano area (Apulia). And then we have what we call “borghi”, little villages – often secret gems out of the tourist circuit – offering true Italian experiences and hospitality.
We look forward to having you in Italy and if you have any question about visiting, do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to help.
