Safe to Italy: you need to know this

If you are going to Italy this season or later in the year, you have to take a number of things into account. Italy is one of the hardest hit countries by the coronavirus. Since the beginning of June, foreigners have been welcome again, but strict measures still apply.

When can you go to Italy again?

After the Republic Day on June 2 Italy reopened its borders on June 3 to foreigners from the European Union, the Schengen countries and the United Kingdom.

Since June 15, code orange (do not travel if it is not necessary) has been changed to code yellow (travel is possible, but with security risks).

From 16 June it will also be possible to travel through Austria to Italy. Initially, Austria wanted to keep the border with Italy closed, because of the severe corona outbreak in Lombardy and surrounding areas. But that did not benefit the relationship between the Alpine countries.

Switzerland's border with Italy is likely to remain closed until July 6.

How do I get to Italy?

It's best to travel with you own car or a rental car. Renting a car is safe because they are cleaned and disinfected extra well after each renter.

Since June 16 you can get to Italy via France as well as via Austria. You also no longer have to quarantine when you return from Italy.

You can sit within 1 meter of each other in the car if you come from the same household. You must have a warning triangle and safety vests in the car in Italy.

If you are traveling through Germany or Austria, you must include a first aid kit. In Belgium a fire extinguisher is mandatory and in France you have to pack 2 alcohol tests in your luggage. Don't forget the mouth caps this year!

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to drive with winter tires in Italy between mid-May and mid-October. In any case, it is useful to visit the garage before departure for a summer check. With all the hassle around corona, you certainly don't want to come to a standstill along the road.

➡️Travel tip: we have everything you need to take with you (and what is handy to have with you) this article is clearly arranged for you.

How safe is Italy?

Italy has counted a large number of corona deaths, but for people outside the risk groups it is safe to go. Especially if you are outside a lot, now it has been shown that the virus can hardly spread in the open air.

Drinking water is also safe in Italy, although many Italians will prefer bottled water.

Medical care in Italy is of the highest standard. In the unlikely event that you have to deal with healthcare in Italy, then you do not have to worry about the quality. Take paracetamol and any medicines with you from home. Many of these resources are expensive in Italy.

Also check your travel insurance before departure. Without medical coverage you have to fall back on your (basic) health insurance, which only offers coverage up to the price level of the care in your home country.

In terms of crime, Italy is a safe country with declining crime rates. In crowded places you have to watch out for pickpockets and other petty crime, but you should avoid crowded places this season anyway.

➡️Reading tip: these are the best tips to avoid scams and tourist traps in Italy to prevent.

In Italy you are never far from a police officer. The country has no fewer than 456 agents per 100.000 inhabitants (the Netherlands 295, Belgium 333). (source)

Also pay attention to your digital security

In Italy you will find public Wi-Fi in many places. However, these are not safe to use. A hacker can easily sit between your mobile phone or tablet and the router and read along. Not such a problem if you're just checking out some security information or the latest news, but it is if you're dealing with personal data or banking.

We recommend installing a VPN for your online safety while on vacation. This encrypts the data you exchange with the internet. You can also set a virtual location, so that you can also enjoy your Dutch Netflix in Italy (conversely, you can also benefit from Italian Netlfix and television in the Netherlands or Belgium).

One of the best VPN providers is NordVPN, where you can take a trial period of 30 days.

💡Tip: as an extra tip we recommend you important documents put in the cloud. This includes the medical certificate you need to travel through Italy, your passport, any contracts and other important documents. It's not safe to just have these on your phone or your laptop.

What can I do in Italy?

You can again go to museums, theaters, theme parks, beaches, hotels and campsites, but restrictions apply everywhere. For example, you often have to book in advance, also for the beach. Events of more than 100 people – just like in the Netherlands and Belgium – will remain banned for the time being.

You should also keep in mind that there are restrictions on public transport. In closed spaces, wearing a mouth cap is mandatory, as is the rule to keep distance from each other. 

Before you leave for Italy, inquire at your accommodation about what you should take into account on site.

What about mouth caps?

The Italian government recommends wearing a mask everywhere. In Lombardy and Tuscany, face masks are even mandatory outdoors. They are mandatory in closed spaces and in public transport. You do not have to wear a mouth cap in the car when you travel with your own family.

Also in Germany you have to wear a mask in shops and gas stations. In Austria, this has only been mandatory in public transport since 15 June. In France, shopkeepers can ask to wear a face mask.

And the other measures?

Just like with us, you are not allowed to shake hands and you must keep your distance (minimum 1 meter, 2 meters for sports activities). The fines for non-compliance with the measures amount to a minimum of 400 euros, but can amount to several thousand euros.

Note that the Italian regions have a great deal of autonomy in the measures they have put in place. These may be stricter than the national measures.

💡Tip: on the website Italia.it you will find the latest information for tourists about the measures at national level and links to measures that apply to specific regions.

Where can I find the latest information in Dutch?

For the latest information about the corona measures in Italy, it is best to look at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That information is always the latest known official info.

Sources: anwb.nl, italia.it, nederlandwereldwijd.nl