COPY LINK

EUROPE

TRAVEL: Italy extends quarantine for EU travellers until mid-May

People visiting or returning to Italy from other parts of the EU must continue to quarantine on arrival, the government has announced.

Published: 29 April 2021 15:13 CEST

TRAVEL: Italy extends quarantine for EU travellers until mid-May

Passengers at Rome's Fiumicino airport. Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

The quarantine requirement for travellers from the European Union or Schengen Zone will remain in place until at least May 15th, according to the Italian Health Ministry.

The health minister signed a new ordinance on Thursday extending the rules currently in place for arrivals from European countries, who must take a coronavirus test and self-isolate for five days.

The ordinance also tightened the rules for arrivals from coronavirus-hit India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

First introduced on March 31st, the quarantine rule for EU travellers has now been extended three times amid still-high case numbers in Italy and other European countries.

It requires people arriving from any other member of the EU or Schengen Zone to test negative for coronavirus no more than 48 hours before arriving in Italy, then spend five days in quarantine regardless. They must then take another test after self-isolating.

EXPLAINED: Which travellers have to quarantine in Italy and for how long?

Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

There had been hopes that the government may announce a relaxation of the travel rules this week, as the health ministry’s last ordinance set travel restrictions in place until April 30th.

Tourism within the EU remains possible under Italy’s international travel restrictions, but is discouraged by the Italian Foreign Ministry which urges people to avoid any overseas trips unless absolutely necessary.

Find the latest official information about the current restrictions on travel to Italy on the Foreign Ministry’s website here. (in English).

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.

Become a Member to leave a comment.

What to expect when travelling to Italy this spring

Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Italy, and with Covid travel restrictions now a thing of the past, international visitors can look forward to a hassle-free trip this year.

READ ALSO: Nine of Italy’s best events to catch in spring 2023

But while Covid’s unlikely to disrupt your plans, upcoming transport strikes and potential drought restrictions could throw some curveballs your way, and it’s always best to plan accordingly.

With this in mind, here’s what to expect on your trip to Italy this spring.

Covid rules

There are no longer any Covid-based requirements for entering Italy from abroad, or for accessing goods and services within the country.

Anyone who tests positive for the virus is required to isolate for up to five days, but can leave as soon as they test negative.

Under current Italian law, those who leave isolation after five days without a negative test should wear an FFP2 mask in public until the tenth day from the onset of symptoms or first positive test result.

Anyone who comes into close contact with someone who has tested positive should wear an FFP2 mask indoors or in crowded spaces up to the fifth day from the last point of contact.

Masks are required in hospitals until April 30th, 2023.

While masks are otherwise no longer mandated in Italy, you’ll still see plenty of people wearing them on public transport and in shops, and in some places you may see signs asking you to put one on as a courtesy to the staff.

Transport strikes

Italy has recently been hit by a series of nationwide transport strikes by workers protesting high living costs and job insecurity. Airports, trains and local public transport services are all affected.

Several nationwide and local strikes have been announced for late March and April, including an air traffic operators strike on the afternoon of April 2nd and a nationwide train strike from Trenitalia staff on April 14th.

READ ALSO: Calendar: The transport strikes to expect in Italy this spring

Staff at Milan’s main public transport operator, ATM, will strike on March 31st and April 19th.

Keep checking The Local’s strike coverage for the most up to date information on transport strikes.

Weather

In the first half of 2022, along with much of the rest of Europe, Italy experienced a record-breaking heatwave and drought, with temperatures more than 10°C above the norm.

Scientists fear Italy may experience further severe drought this spring, in which case some areas could experience water shortages and be subject to restrictions on filling swimming pools and other non-essential uses.

READ ALSO: Why Italy is braced for another major drought this spring

If you’re a regular visitor to Italy, temperatures may be higher than you’re used to for the time of year: check the forecast before coming and pack accordingly.

Url copied to clipboard!