Escapeseeker

 I am ready to return to bask in Italy’s glorious sunshine, to visit the places that hold so many special memories for me, but most of all, I am looking forward to once again reconnecting with my Italian friends who are like family to me.  What the unprecedented challenges brought on by the global pandemic has taught me–we must savor every day we are granted–to see and do and embrace the wonderful people with whom we share our earthly space.  Like many of you, the green light to travel again could not come soon enough.  With my newly-renewed, hot off the press, crisp, 50-page passport in hand, along with my “proof of vaccination” card, I’m ready to cross the big pond!

#proofofwanderlust

 

There’s no relief quite the feeling you get when your new passport finally arrives in the mail ready to be filled with stamps from all over the world! My previous passport was set to expire in 6 months, plus there was only one unstamped page remaining.

The landscape of travel has changed immensely, and it may never return to the way it once was. The most important advise I can give you–be prepared before you go. Please permit me to share with you the voluminous findings I have discovered as I prepare for my first Covid-era visit abroad, in hopes that I’ll save you some of the anguish I have experienced–and replace it with peace of mind and joyful anticipation as we prepare to Get Ready,  Set, Go!

The Important Steps To Take Before You Go

Once you determine where you want to go, get the latest facts, directly from each respective country what their entry and exit requirements are.  For example, for Italy, here are the details you need to know before you go:

Traveling To Italy:  Italy applies health-related restriction measures to incoming travelers, which may vary depending on your country of origin.

Before entering Italy, from any country of origin and for any travel reason, the digital European Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) must be compiled.

Travellers from EU countries, the Schengen area, Great Britain and Israel can enter Italy without any quarantine obligation, provided that:

• they fill in the Passenger Locator Form before entering Italy
• on arrival, present a negative result for a molecular or antigenic swab taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry into Italy
• notify arrival to the Prevention Department of the Local Health Authority (toll-free numbers and regional information)

Entry and transit in Italy are forbidden for persons:

• who, in the previous fourteen days, have stayed or transited in Brazil (see exceptions)
• who arrive from or have stayed in the previous fourteen days in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (see exceptions)

Travelers from all other countries may be required to:

• fill in the Passenger Locator Form before entering Italy
• present a negative result for a molecular or antigenic swab taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry into Italy
• notify arrival to the Prevention Department of the Local Health Authority (toll-free numbers and regional information)
• reach the final destination in Italy only by private means of transport
• undergo fiduciary isolation and health surveillance for 10 days
• at the end of the 10 day isolation, take an additional molecular or antigenic swab

Travelers arriving from some non-EU countries can enter Italy without undergoing fiduciary isolation and health surveillance provided they use COVID-tested flights (refer to the specific section).

You can find out the conditions of entry into Italy from your country with a couple of clicks at viaggiaresicuri.it You will be asked to indicate:

• Country of origin
• Country(ies) you have travelled through in the last 14 days
• Possession of EU citizenship or citizenship of a country in the Schengen Area
• Possession of registered residence in Italy as a long-term resident or kinship with a long-term resident residing in Italy

At the end of this process, you will be informed if there are any restrictions in place for travel to Italy from your country, the documentation you will have to present and the conditions applied on your arrival.

National information line 1500 was activated by the Italian Ministry of Health to answer questions from the public about the novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The hotline is open 24/7.
Travelers can contact the Ministry of Health at the following numbers:

• from Italy: 1500 (free toll number)

• from abroad: +39 0232008345 – +39 0283905385

For more information, visit the specific Ministry of Health web page for travellers.

COVID-TESTED FLIGHTS

Passengers traveling on COVID-tested flights authorized by the Ministry of Health can enter Italy without having to comply with health surveillance and fiduciary isolation obligations.

Passengers traveling on “COVID-tested” flights are required:

• to present a certificate to the airline on boarding and its control personnel testifying a negative result for a molecular or antigen swab test taken no more than 48 hours prior to boarding
• to fill in the Passenger Locator Form to be presented before boarding
• take another molecular (RT PCR) or antigenic swab test on arrival at the destination airport

Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Alitalia offer COVID-tested flights from the USA to Italy.  For further information and a list of routes operating COVID-tested flights, consult the Ministry of Health website.

FACE MASK AND DISTANCING

Throughout Italy, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places indoors. The mask is also mandatory outdoors, except in cases where you are isolated from people who do not live together. In Lazio it is mandatory to wear a mask outdoors in any situation.

Those who are not required to wear masks:
– people who are carrying out sports activities
– children under the age of 6
– people with disabilities or conditions incompatible with the use of a mask; carers or care workers are not obliged to wear masks, in the event that the mask makes it impossible to interact between carers/care workers and persons with disabilities. The use of the mask is also recommended inside houses, in the presence of non-cohabiting people.

It is mandatory to maintain the safe distance of at least one metre from non-cohabiting people.

Some squares or streets may be closed to the public throughout the day or at certain time slots to avoid gatherings. Access to these squares or streets is allowed only to reach open shops and private houses.

It is recommended to limit travel, by public or private transport, for reasons of work, study, health, for reasons of necessity or to take advantage of services not suspended.

It is also recommended to download the Immuni app, created by the Ministry of Health and the Minister of Technological Innovation to limit the spread of Covid-19.

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The means of public transport can operate with 50% of passengers.

TRAVELING BY CAR

It is possible to travel by car without limitations together with spouses, cohabitants and stable relationships.

Non-cohabiting people

You can travel by car with up to 3 non-cohabiting people including the driver. Everyone in the car must wear a mask.
The passenger seat next to the driver must remain free. Passengers must sit on opposite sides of the rear seat leaving the centre seat free. If the car has several rear rows, it can accommodate a maximum of two passengers per row seated on opposite sides of the seat, leaving the center seat free.

 

TRAVEL AROUND ITALY

To ensure the safety of residents and tourists, the Italian government has introduced a classification of regions based on the colors white (minimum risk), yellow, orange and red (maximum risk).

Each color corresponds to specific precautionary measures which regulate the freedom of movement within the region, movement between regions, and the opening of businesses, restaurants and cultural sites.

Movement between different regions in the white and yellow zones will be permitted.

Movement between different regions in the orange and red areas is allowed only for reasons of work, healthcare or proven urgency, with a self-certification indicating the reason for the move, or upon presentation of a COVID-19 green certification.

 

COVID-19 GREEN CERTIFICATIONS

The COVID-19 Green Certificate is only valid in Italy and certifies:

• that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19
• that you have recovered from COVID-19 infection
• that you have tested negative in a rapid molecular or antigen test

Vaccination certification is valid for nine months after completion of the vaccination cycle: if the vaccine envisages two doses, the nine-month validity period therefore begins with the administration of the second dose. Certification is also issued after the first dose; in this case, validity begins fifteen days after administration and expires upon administration of the second dose.
Certification of full health recovery is valid for six months. Certification of COVID-19 negativity is valid for 48 hours.

Green certification is required to move from one region of white or yellow to another region of orange or red color in the absence of work, health or proven urgency. In some cases you may need to have a green certificate in order to access particular events or shows, including sporting events in stadiums.

Certification is required for all subjects over two years of age.

You can apply for a COVID-19 green pass: through the health centre, doctor or health worker who administered the vaccine or the pertinent Regional Health Service; through the Local Health Authority (ASL), the health centre where you were hospitalized following COVID-19 infection or, if you were not hospitalized, your general practitioner or paediatrician; through the public or private health centre or pharmacy where you took the molecular or rapid antigen test (swab).

Italy recognizes as valid the green passes issued by other European Union member states.

 

DIGITAL GREEN CERTIFICATE (DGC)

The Digital Green Certificate (DGC) allows all travelers to move around freely within the European Union.

For travelers who wish to enter Italy, it will only be possible to use the DGC certificate after the creation of the Italian platform, which will be made official in coming weeks. Until such date, the instructions in the “Traveling in Italy” section at the top of this page must be followed.

 

MEASURES VALID IN “WHITE ZONE” REGIONS

Measures valid in Abruzzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Molise, Sardinia, Umbria, Veneto.

There are no time restrictions for travel.

The obligation to wear masks and maintain a safety distance of 1 meter still apply.

Bars, pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlors and pastry shops are open. They must display a sign indicating the maximum number of people allowed inside simultaneously.
Consumption at table is always allowed. There is no limit to the number of people who may sit at the same outdoor table. Up to a maximum of 6 non-cohabiting people may sit together indoors; there are no limits to the number of people for 2 families who decide to dine together at the same table.

The following venues are now open to the public:

• indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• outdoor and indoor sporting events
• trade fairs, conferences and congresses
• fitness and spa centers
• theme and amusement parks
• private parties, including those associated with civil and/or religious ceremonies,
• outdoors and indoors
• gaming halls and betting shops, bingo halls and casinos

For all other activities, measures valid in the yellow zone apply to the white zone (see the specific section).

 

MEASURES VALID IN “YELLOW ZONE” REGIONS

The rest of Italy is currently in the “yellow zone”.

 

MOVING OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

You may only go outdoors between 05:00 to 24:00.

As of 21 June 2021, there will be no time limits regarding mobility.

PUBLIC PLACES

Bars, pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlors, pastry shops shall remain open. They must display a sign indicating the maximum number of people allowed inside at any particular time.
Consumption at table in restaurants is allowed both outdoors and indoors. No more than 4 people may sit at the same table, unless they co-habit. Home delivery of food is always allowed and also, until midnight, takeaway catering, with a ban on consumption at the premises or in the vicinity.

There are no time limits for restaurants in hotels and other hospitality establishments, as long as the service is limited to customers staying on the premises.
Bars, restaurants and similar businesses remain open within service and refueling areas along motorways, in hospitals and at airports.

Discotheques and dance halls are closed.

Arcades, betting centers, bingo halls and casinos will re-open to the public on 1 July.

With its crystal clear waters and the amazing seashore, Scilla is an excellent seaside destination in Calabria: defined “the Pearl of the Violet Coast” because of the color of its waters, on top of the beach is the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Strait of Messina. The large free beach of Marina Grande – also known as “Siren Beach” – is flanked with beach resorts where you can rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds, and where kids can have fun with slides and carousels.With its crystal clear waters and the amazing seashore, Scilla is an excellent seaside destination in Calabria: defined “the Pearl of the Violet Coast” because of the color of its waters, on top of the beach is the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Strait of Messina. The large free beach of Marina Grande – also known as “Siren Beach” – is flanked with beach resorts where you can rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds, and where kids can have fun with slides and carousels.With its crystal clear waters and the amazing seashore, Scilla is an excellent seaside destination in Calabria: defined “the Pearl of the Violet Coast” because of the color of its waters, on top of the beach is the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Strait of Messina. The large free beach of Marina Grande – also known as “Siren Beach” – is flanked with beach resorts where you can rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds, and where kids can have fun with slides and carousels.

BEACHES

Access to free beaches and equipped beaches is allowed.

Beach resort facilities may request reservations in order to access beaches. Measurement of body temperature is envisaged at the entrance. Each beach umbrella must have a free space of at least 10 square meters around it. The minimum distance between each deckchair or sun lounger must be at least one and a half meters. Individual sports such as beach tennis, swimming and surfing are allowed, provided that social distancing is observed. Masks are mandatory in common areas (bars, restaurants, etc.) as well as indoors. They are not mandatory on the beach provided you are at a safe distance from other persons.

On free beaches, the distance of at least one meter from other people must be upheld. When setting up umbrellas and deck chairs, the same indications as for beach resort facilities must be followed.

 

SWIMMING POOLS AND WELLNESS CENTERS

Outdoor swimming pools can be accessed by a limited number of people and preferably on booking.

Indoor swimming pools and wellness centers will be open from 1 July.

 

SHOPS

The shops shall remain open, and must display a sign indicating the maximum number of people allowed inside at any particular time.
Shopping centers may also remain open at weekends and on holidays and pre-holidays.

 

The Baglioni Resort Sardinia, located to the north of San Teodoro, is the newest gem of the Baglioni Hotels & Resorts Italian Collection.

Opened on June 1st 2021 on Sardinia’s dreamy north-east coast, the Resort is immersed in a sublime natural landscape without peer in the entire Mediterranean and stands in the Tavolara marine reserve near one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Lu Impostu.

The Baglioni Resort Sardinia, located to the north of San Teodoro, is the newest gem of the Baglioni Hotels & Resorts Italian Collection.

Opened on June 1st 2021 on Sardinia’s dreamy north-east coast, the Resort is immersed in a sublime natural landscape without peer in the entire Mediterranean and stands in the Tavolara marine reserve near one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Lu Impostu.

https://www.baglionihotels.com/branches/baglioni-resort-sardinia-san-teodoro/

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

The accommodation facilities are open, subject to compliance with social distancing, and as per protocols and guidelines adopted to prevent or reduce the risk of contagion.

 

MUSEUMS AND PLACES OF CULTURE

Museums and other cultural institutions are also open on weekends. From Monday to Friday the admissions are limited to a maximum number of people (which varies depending on the capacity of the museum), in compliance with health prevention measures. For weekend visits you need to book online or by phone.

 

CINEMA, THEATERS AND CONCERTS

It is possible to attend the shows in cinemas, theatres, concert halls and other venues, including outdoor venues. The maximum number of spectators must not exceed 50% of the maximum authorised capacity, and in any case, may not exceed 1,000 people for outdoor performances and 500 people for indoor performances. The seating plan must ensure a distance of at least one metre between spectators.

 

SPORTING EVENTS

Outdoor sporting events are open to the public. Indoor sporting events are open to the public as of 1 July. Indoor sporting events are open to the public as of 1 July. The maximum number of spectators must not exceed 25% of the maximum authorized capacity, and in any case may not exceed 1000 people for outdoor venues and 500 people for indoor venues. Seating must ensure a distance of at least one metre between non-cohabiting spectators.

 

TRADE FAIRS, CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES

From 15 June, trade fairs are allowed. From 1 July, it is also possible to organize conferences and congresses, subject to compliance with precautionary health measures.

 

THEME PARKS AND AMUSEMENT PARKS

Theme and amusement parks will be able to reopen to the public as of 15 June.

 

For detailed information at local level, please consult the websites of the Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces, as well as contact the respective editorial offices.

Abruzzo – Basilicata – Calabria – Campania – Emilia-Romagna – Friuli Venezia Giulia – Lazio – Liguria – Lombardy – Marche – Molise – Piedmont – Puglia – Sardinia – Sicily – South Tyrol – Tuscany – Trentino – Umbria – Valle d’Aosta – Veneto

Postscript:  It may seem overwhelming at first as you prepare–but I promise you, it will be absolutely worth it!

It’s time to liberate ourselves and reignite, fuel our passion for travel!

HERE’S TO RECLAIMING AND  LIVING OUR LIVES TO THE FULLEST! Remember, no matter where you go, be the kindest person you know. And, I promise, the world will open up to you.

With kindness and gratitude,

Mel aka The ESCAPESEEKER