Italy will be welcoming quarantine-free travel from the European Union, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Israel from tomorrow. Moreover, additional nations can enter the country without having to adhere to stringent measures.
Testing remains key
Italian Minister of Health Roberto Speranza signed the ordinance for this provision this week. Notably, despite the dropping of quarantine requirements for these nations, presenting a negative molecular or antigenic swab with a negative result upon arrival will remain mandatory. The test needs to be taken 48 hours before entering the country.
Wider initiatives
Along with this announcement, authorities shares that they are extending the testing of "COVID-tested flights.” These are in service at the airports of Rome and Milan, and also at Venice and Naples.
“On COVID tested flights, passengers are subjected to a molecular or antigen test before departure and upon arrival at their destination and, if the result is negative, they are authorized to enter and transit in the national territory without the need to comply with the obligations of health surveillance and fiduciary isolation,” the Italian government shared in a statement (translated from Italian).
“Until now, COVID tested flights only covered the route between the United States and Italy but, in the new ordinance, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.”
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The industry will be keeping a close eye
Delta Air Lines has been one of the operators busy performing these COVID-tested flights. The Atlanta-based carrier flies five times a week from Atlanta to Rome, daily from New York to Milan, and three times a week from New York to Rome. Amid the recent announcements, the airline is expanding its service to Italy this summer.
Last summer, Italy became a hotspot for vacationers looking for some sun. For instance, the nation was one of the few easy to access countries from the United Kingdom on the government’s quarantine-free travel list. So, this summer, it looks like it will once again become a favorite once again.
Even though Italy isn’t currently on the UK’s green list, the fact that visitors can enter without having to quarantine is a big bonus. Many of those working from home won’t mind having to quarantine on the return. Furthermore, virus cases are continuing to drop in Italy. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise to see it switch from amber to green in the coming weeks.
Altogether, this week's update is a huge plus for airlines flying to Italy. Low-cost carriers across Europe will undoubtedly be planning ramp-ups to cities across the country.
What are your thoughts about Italy’s travel update this week? Are you looking to fly to the country this year? Let us know what you think of the announcements in the comment section.