The majority of people will probably answer “traveling” when asked what they miss the most during the pandemic. It was a form of leisure for many, something that they do normally when given the opportunity. It was also commonly done for work-related reasons. Traveling to different places was simply considered normal–the daily commute, time of traveling, and form of transportation were all normal. Long waiting lines or crowded areas were also ordinary. Hence, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, everyone experienced a state of shock, fear, and uncertainty. Normal made its way to a “new normal.” Compliance was both necessary and required in order to prevent the risk of acquiring and spreading the disease, which included the wearing of face masks, social distancing, cashless shopping, working or schooling from home, and so on. Due to the crisis, strict measures and guidelines have also been implemented in most country. Travel restrictions have been put in place–entry to some countries will only be permitted depending on your reason for traveling and/or the country you are coming from. Even certain regions inside a country have their own travel provisions attributable to their varying quarantine guidelines. Regardless of the country or region, travelers will also be subjected to quarantine procedures.
An ordinance was invoked by the Ministry of Health of Italy last June 18, 2021 (valid until July 30, 2021) stipulating which countries were allowed access to enter Italy so long as individuals had 1) already completed their vaccination cycle based on one of the four vaccine options approved by the European Medicines Agency (Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNtech); Moderna; Vaxzevria, and Jansen (Johnson & Johnson)), 2) does not show any COVID-19 symptoms, and 3) obligated themselves to swab 48 hours prior to the departure.
Countries of the European Union and from Japan, Canada, and the United States of America
Under Italian law, travel to or from these countries is permitted without the need for a specific reason. For people coming from the European Union, compliance guidelines have been specifically provided. Presentation “COVID-19 Green Certificate issued in accordance with Decree-Law №52 of 22 April 2021 and EU Regulations 2021/953 and 2021/954 (EU Digital Covid Certificate Regulations) showing that 1) one has completed the prescribed anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination cycle at least 14 days ago, 2) one has recovered from COVID-19 (the certificate of recovery is valid for 180 days from the date of the first positive swab), and 3) one has taken a negative molecular or antigen swab test in the 48 hours prior to entering Italy. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the pre-departure swab test.” Prior to entering Italy, the digital passenger locator form must be completed. Moreover, the same guidelines have been set for those coming from Japan, Canada, and the United States, except that limitations on regional travels within Italy were set.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
In the same way, no specific travel reason is needed from people coming from these countries. Specific compliance guidelines were required 14 days before entering Italy: (1) Produce a green certificate proving that you have taken a negative molecular or antigen swab test in the 48 hours prior to entering Italy, (2) Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the pre-departure swab test, (3) Fill in the Digital Passenger Locator Form before entering Italy. The form replaces the self-declaration made to the transport operator, (4) Notify the prevention department of the local health authority of your entry, (5) Undergo self-isolation and health surveillance for 5 days, and (6) Undergo an additional molecular or antigen swab test at the end of the 5-day isolation period.
India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
People coming from these countries are prohibited from entering Italy if they came from or stayed in these countries in the preceding 14 days, unless they are Italian citizens registered as residents in Italy before April 29, 2021, or Italian citizens registered on the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad (AIRE). In addition, they may also enter or re-enter Italy given that they have authorization from the Ministry of Health and in compliance with a specific procedure: “for humanitarian or health reasons that cannot be deferred” and “the persons referred to in Art. 51, paragraph, 7 letter n) of the Prime Ministerial Decree of 2 March 2021.” They must also comply to (1) Compulsory presentation of a certificate of negative molecular or antigen test performed 72 hours prior to entry. (2) Compulsory molecular or antigen test upon arrival at the airport. (3) Compulsory isolation, regardless of the test result, at a COVID Hotel or other place indicated by the health authority or civil protection for a period of ten days. (4) Compulsory molecular or antigen test at the end of the quarantine period. (5) Have accomplished the digital passenger locator form before entering Italy.
Rest of the world
Those countries that have not been specified cannot travel to or from Italy unless they have a valid reason. In particular, it should only be related to work, health reasons, study reasons, and absolute urgency, and return to one’s domicile, home, or residence. Traveling for leisure or tourism is not permitted. Furthermore, compliance guidelines have been imposed 14 days prior to entering Italy: (1) Undergo a molecular or antigenic swab carried out within 72 hours prior to entry into Italy, and the result of which is negative, (2) Complete the digital Passenger Locator Form, which replaces the previous self-declaration, (3) Undergo fiduciary isolation and health surveillance for 10 days. This provision applies only to entries into Italy after the entry into force of the Ordinance of April 16, 2021, (4) undergo an additional molecular or antigenic swab at the end of the 10-day isolation period. Those who entered Italy before April 18, 2021 must complete the 14-day isolation period and does not need to undergo any further testing, and (5) Reach their final destination in Italy only by private transport notify the prevention department of the health authority responsible for the area of your entry.
Italy’s tourism was certainly not exempt from facing the crisis brought about by the pandemic. With these specific and lengthy measures, traveling to Italy and other areas of the world makes the reality and challenges of traveling evident. Every individual has to comply with these guidelines while also adhering to the “new normal” practices. In 2019, Italy had a peak record of over 64.5 million international tourists and is one of the most traveled countries. Needless to say a significant drop in tourism occurred in 2020. Italy recorded a decrease of significant decrease in tourist arrivals in 2020 over the previous year. As much as people want to freely capture the beauty of the Colosseum or the Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, experience the gondolas, or delight in authentic Italian cuisine, they may still be occupied with or recovering from the impact of the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has led to a time of reflection; allowing us to reevaluate our identity along with the people and the things that matter most to us. –Michael Canzian
Originally posted on https://michaelcanzian.medium.com/michael-canzian-on-the-reality-of-traveling-to-italy-in-2021-eba2ce7126f9