Italy lifts Covid travel ban on arrivals from southern Africa
The Italian government on Friday removed the travel ban in place for eight southern African states, which was imposed in November in response to the spread of the Omicron variant.
Italy has removed travel restrictions for those who have visited South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland.
The measure had been in place since November 26th and applied to all those who had been in any of these states within the previous fortnight.
The decision to scrap the ban was confirmed by Italy's health minister Roberto Speranza, who signed an ordinance on Friday - when the change also came into force.
"Considering the evolution of the epidemiological situation at national and international level, it is necessary, after consulting the General Directorate for Health Prevention, to stop applying the measures provided for in the aforementioned Order of the Minister of Health of November 26th 2021," the text reads.
Arrivals from the eight countries however remain subject to tight entry restrictions under Italy's travel 'list E' rules, the health ministry confirmed in a statement.
This means tourism is not allowed and people can only enter the country for the following specific reasons:
- work
- health reasons
- study reasons
- absolute urgency
- return to one's home or residence.
Arrivals from List E countries are also required to take a PCR or antigen test before travel to Italy and undergo a ten-day isolation period and further testing once in Italy. See full details of the rules here.
See further information about travel to Italy from any country on the Italian government's 'Viaggiare Sicuri' website.
Comments
See Also
Italy has removed travel restrictions for those who have visited South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland.
The measure had been in place since November 26th and applied to all those who had been in any of these states within the previous fortnight.
The decision to scrap the ban was confirmed by Italy's health minister Roberto Speranza, who signed an ordinance on Friday - when the change also came into force.
"Considering the evolution of the epidemiological situation at national and international level, it is necessary, after consulting the General Directorate for Health Prevention, to stop applying the measures provided for in the aforementioned Order of the Minister of Health of November 26th 2021," the text reads.
Arrivals from the eight countries however remain subject to tight entry restrictions under Italy's travel 'list E' rules, the health ministry confirmed in a statement.
This means tourism is not allowed and people can only enter the country for the following specific reasons:
- work
- health reasons
- study reasons
- absolute urgency
- return to one's home or residence.
Arrivals from List E countries are also required to take a PCR or antigen test before travel to Italy and undergo a ten-day isolation period and further testing once in Italy. See full details of the rules here.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.