Is it possible to have a carefree vacation in Italy despite the corona pandemic? The current corona rules and what travelers should consider.
Rome – finally lying on the beach in Italy, relaxing, enjoying the dolce vita and stopping to think about Corona – the vacation plans of many people in Germany are likely to look similar. In 2019 more than 12 million tourists traveled from Germany to Italy – but is a vacation in the popular Mediterranean country in the midst of the corona pandemic possible? A look at the current Corona situation in Italy and an overview of everything that travelers to Italy need to know.
Italy was affected by the corona pandemic very early on, with infections being a focus especially in the north of the country. With 60.4 million inhabitants in Italy, over 4.3 million corona infections and more than 127,900 deaths have been reported so far (as of July 23, 2021; source: CSSE at the JHU). But now the situation in Italy is under control, the vaccinations against the corona virus are making good progress, in mid-July 2021 a good 61 percent of the residents received at least one corona vaccination, around 45 percent of the residents are double vaccinated.
Italy vacation despite Corona: This is the current situation in the country
From the perspective of the Federal Foreign Office, Italy is no longer a risk area, and numerous precautionary measures against Corona have now been lifted in the country. For example, there is no longer a requirement to wear a mask outdoors. There are no longer any risk zones within the country – the entire country currently consists of “white zones”, in which there are only a few corona restrictions.
But there are also concerns in Italy about the Delta variant. Although the numbers in the country are still low, there are special regulations for people coming from Great Britain (see “Entry”). Within four weeks, the corona variant was detected in 61.5 percent of the cases (status: 23.07.2021; source: gisaid.org).
Italy vacation despite Corona: how high is the incidence?
The incidence in Italy is 39.8 (as of July 23, 2021, JHU) – well below the critical mark of 50 infections per 100,000 inhabitants and at a similar level to the corona numbers in Germany. However, the value has been rising again for some time.
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Entry into Italy: which corona rules have to be observed?
Even if the corona situation has clearly eased, there are a few things to consider when entering Italy from the EU and the Schengen area. A negative corona test (PCR or antigen test) is required, which must not be older than 48 hours. Fully vaccinated and convalescent patients with appropriate evidence do not need a test, including children under six years of age. In addition, people entering the country must fill out an entry form. If you want to enter South Tyrol, you have to fill out a special form.
Anyone who has stayed in Great Britain in the past 14 days before entering the country must show a negative test result in Italy, go into quarantine for five days and then take another corona test. The background is the fear of the delta variant of the corona virus, which is rampant in Great Britain.
Entering Italy: What about transit through Austria or Switzerland?
If you drive from Germany to Italy by car, you will either drive through Austria or Switzerland. But that’s not a problem at the moment: As the ADAC reports, transit through Austria is generally permitted. And transit through Switzerland is also possible. It is possible to travel through Italy from the EU and Schengen countries for up to 36 hours without a test.
Vacation in Italy: which corona rules apply in the country?
Because the number of corona infections is currently rising again slightly, the corona rules in Italy have been tightened again. The following rules apply in the country:
- Keep your distance: a meter or more
- Mask requirement: In closed rooms in public places and on public transport, self-made masks can also be worn (mouth and nose must be completely covered, the material must be multilayered)
- In the car: If people from several households sit in one car, mask requirements and distance rules apply. According to the ADAC, the passenger seat must remain free, a maximum of two people can sit per row, the seat between them must also remain free. This regulation may be different in some provinces. In the event of a violation, high fines are due, and further travel can be prohibited, according to the ADAC.
- On the train: You must wear a mask when traveling by train
- In restaurants, bars etc .: Anyone who wants to enter the interiors of restaurants, bars or sports facilities in Italy in the future needs a health pass: The so-called green pass is to be introduced from August 6, as the government in Rome on Thursday evening (July 22, 2021 ) announced. The nationally valid document provides information about corona vaccinations, past infections and corona tests. It should be issued after the first – and therefore still incomplete – immunization against the coronavirus.
Italy vacation: which corona rules apply on the beach?
Lying on the beach in Italy and recovering from Corona stress – that is possible, but there are also Corona rules there that you have to adhere to: Some beaches require registration. Furthermore, a fever may be measured before entering the beach. A minimum distance of 1.50 meters must be maintained between the loungers.
Current corona information
The Federal Foreign Office and the Italian tourism authority provide current information about Corona in Italy.
You also have to wear a mask in closed rooms or common areas such as beach bars or toilets. In addition, there is a general rule of one meter or more from other people.
Returning from vacation in Italy: This applies to the return journey to Germany
Those who return to Germany from their vacation in Italy do not have to register and – when traveling by land – do not have to have a negative corona test in their luggage. This applies because Italy is currently not a corona risk area. There is also currently no quarantine when returning to Germany if you are entering from Italy.
However, if you come from Italy by plane, you have to show a negative test at check-in in Italy (except for those who have been vaccinated, recovered and children under 6 years of age) in order to be allowed to board the plane.
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