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The things you still can't do in Italy

The Local Italy
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The things you still can't do in Italy

While Italy has dropped many of its lockdown restrictions, daily life is far from back to normal. Here's what the government won't yet re-allow.

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Travel between regions or abroad

While you're free to move around your own region, venturing any further is only allowed in cases of absolutely necessity – such as returning to your place of address, going to a medical appointment or doing urgent work. 

The same rules apply to international travel into or out of Italy. Find more information on the current regulations here.

The restrictions on travel within Italy are scheduled to end from June 3rd, when you'll once more be free to cross between regions for any purpose. At the same time, Italy will open its borders to travellers arriving from (or going to) countries in the European Union or Schengen Area, as well as the UK.

For more information on the upcoming changes, see here.

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Throw parties (or picnics)

In line with social distancing, you're supposed to avoid any kind of large gathering – public or private. That includes picnics and barbecues outdoors, large dinners at your home, or parties in restaurants or hired venues.

You're free to see friends, family and anyone else, but the government recommends you wear a face mask and keep at least a metre apart. It hasn't specified how many people can meet up at once, but if you're in public, bars, restaurants, cafés and/or police will be enforcing social distancing guidelines.

READ MORE: What are Italy's new rules on going to bars and restaurants?


Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP

Forget your face mask

You'll find that covering your face has become compulsory in many public spaces in Italy, including transport, shops, restaurants and museums. Read more about the rules here

Some places may also require you to wear gloves – for instance, clothes shops where you're likely to be touching merchandise.

Failing to respect the rules may result in you being refused entry, so make sure you take your PPE with you whenever you're out in public.

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Eat out without a reservation

Restaurants may have reopened for service, but don't assume you can show up spontaneously. Eateries have been advised to go reservation-only to avoid overcrowding.

The same applies to hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, and even museums and libraries that have started reopening too.


Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Go to the gym or pool

Sports facilities aren't set to reopen until May 25th, and even then will operate at reduced capacity due to social distancing precautions.

Meanwhile playing team and contact sports like football and basketball remains officially forbidden. All sport competitions, including Italy's Serie A football league, are suspended until at least June 15th.

Attend a play or concert

Theatres, opera houses and all other performance venues in Italy remain closed until June 15th. 

When they reopen, audiences will be capped at 250 for indoor venues and 1,000 for outdoor performances, while spectators will have to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.

Go to the cinema (or get popcorn)

Cinemas are also closed until June 15th. As well as seating few spectators per showing, they'll be barred from selling popcorn or drinks.

CALENDAR: What will Italy reopen next under new lockdown rules?


Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

Go dancing

Nightclubs and dancehalls are closed indefinitely, including for private parties.

Have a spa day

Spas and thermal baths are also closed for the time being, with no reopening date yet announced.

Organize a march

While the government has not outlawed public protests, it says they must be 'static': i.e. socially distanced sit-ins that remain in one place. 

Any other kind of march, such as a parade or funeral procession, is obviously not allowed either.

Go to school (or send your kids there)

Italian schools and nurseries will remain closed until September, the government decided back in April.

However, summer camps and other programmes for children will be allowed to start up from June 15th.

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