Italy was one of the first countries outside of China to experience shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then it has reopened to international travel and is once again one of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations.
Of course, there are still restrictions to be mindful of and some things are different if you visit Italy in 2021 compared to 2019. Below, we explain what this means in reality and what to expect when traveling there this year.
Travel Restrictions
Travel between countries in Europe is mostly open once again. However, getting in and out of EU is still tricky for many passengers around the world.
Nationals from outside the European Union such as those from the United States, Canada, or Japan, have been given clearance to enter the country as long as they can prove they are COVID-free or vaccinated against COVID. However, for much of the rest of the world traveling to Italy can prove a challenge right now.
For example, it is not possible to travel to Italy from Mexico or many other countries, without a suitable reason, such as if you are an Italian resident, citizen, or can prove you are traveling for an urgent reason.
Also, those that can visit Italy for tourism right now can expect to comply with a number of important health measures both before and on arrival. These include the following:
- Filling in a passenger locator form
- Possessing an EU Digital COVID Certificate showing you’ve recovered, tested negative, or have been fully vaccinated for COVID
Vaccine Passes inside Italy
Aside from mandatory indoor mask-wearing and social distancing measures, visitors to Italy need to have a Green Pass or “certificazione verde,” to dine indoors, enter bars, or cultural sites such as museums or galleries, or attend concerts.
Like the EU Digital COVID Certificate, it shows that visitors are COVID-free thanks to either testing negative, being fully vaccinated, or after recovering from the virus.
However, most visitors from countries such as Israel, Japan, Canada, the US, or the UK, can provide their nationally issued vaccine certificates as proof of this status, without having to register for the Green Pass.
Significant Changes in Venice
The volume of tourism to Italy, which is the fifth most visited country in the world, has led to questions over the sustainability of such high visitor numbers. This is especially the case in Venice.
The famed lagoon city is planning on taking the unprecedented step of charging a fee for day-trippers, meaning you’ll need tickets to visit the historic center unless you’re staying in a local hotel. However, this is not set to come in until summer 2022.
However, one big difference between visiting Venice before and after the pandemic outbreak is if you can arrive by cruise ship. Since COVID hit the city and the Italian government have outlawed large passenger ships from entering Venice’s lagoon.
As a result, if you are a cruise passenger, don’t expect to drop anchor in Venice this year.
Most Popular Post Pandemic Destinations in Italy
There are still a lot of good reasons to visit Italy post-pandemic. The country is one of the cultural and historical landmarks of Europe and is home to beautiful sites and some of the best food in the world.
However, the 5 places that deserve your attention most as a tourist destination are the following:
- Rome: Once the center of the ancient world and today the modern capital of Italy, Rome is the place to go if you want to see historical Roman architecture like the Colosseum or the remains of the Forum.
- Milan: One of the world’s fashion, industrial and cultural capitals, Milan is a city that blends modern city life with its beautiful historic cathedral and its rich mix of boutiques for some of the best shopping in Europe.
- Venice: The famous city of canals, which was once a major medieval world power is a place unlike any other to see amazing sights, hear live opera singing, or enjoy delicious local food.
- Naples: The true home of pizza and a great place to experience Italian culture in the big city. It’s also just a short trip from Pompei and many of Italy’s best island destinations.
- Florence: Florence is sometimes called the art capital of the world and it’s no surprise with beautiful renaissance architecture and famed museums such as the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia.
Traveling for tourism is getting easier slowly but surely, but isn’t yet quite as simple as it was before the pandemic. However, by getting prepared for what you might expect on arrival you can plan your trip to Italy perfectly.
