Italy Travel Restrictions: What Travelers Need To Know

Italy was one of the first countries to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and has subsequently worked hard to get the disease under control. At this point, the country has largely reopened, which means that travelers can enjoy the fantastic food, culture, and history that makes Italy such an electric destination. 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. For the most up-to-date info on Italy travel, connect with an Italian local. Learn more.

Table of Contents

• Is It Safe To Travel To Italy Right Now?
• Italy Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival
• What To Expect On A Trip To Italy
• Why Travel To Italy Right Now
• Work With A Local To Plan Your Trip To Italy

Is It Safe To Travel To Italy Right Now?

As COVID travel restrictions go, Italy has lifted most of them and travel feels much like it did pre-pandemic. But is Italy safe to visit? 

When the coronavirus pandemic first emerged in 2020, it hit Italy especially hard with a devastating first wave in March 2020. Like most places, Italy has seen more waves of COVID over the past few years. But strict travel restrictions and a vaccination campaign that has resulted in 80% of the country fully vaccinated as of September 2022 have helped keep the virus at bay as much as possible.

At this point, the CDC gives Italy a Level 3 rating, which means that cases are high. They recommend that all travelers get vaccinated before going to Italy. 

So what kind of COVID travel policies does Italy have in place? And what should travelers expect when they arrive in cities like Rome, Venice, or Naples? 

Italy Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers may visit Italy (although the CDC recommends vaccination before travel). Neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated travelers need to present a negative COVID test. 

Right now, the only nationwide requirement to keep in mind is that FFP2 masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare settings. Individual businesses are also allowed to require masks at their discretion.

What To Expect On A Trip To Italy

Travel in Italy feels almost like it did pre-COVID. More people wear masks (and they’re still required in some places). It’s smart to pack COVID rapid tests and be mindful of the local case levels. If you happen to get COVID during your trip, you’ll need to self-isolate for 5 - 14 days. 

But day to day, you can take a passeggiata in the evenings, go for a cappuccino at a corner cafe in the mornings, visit museums, and enjoy long leisurely meals like you could before the pandemic. 

That said, things could change at any time and it’s important for travelers to respect local rules and regulations. We recommend checking in with a local on the ground to learn about current Italy travel restrictions and get the best tips on things to do in Italy. 

Why Travel To Italy Right Now

Things to do in Italy range from exploring the rich history in Rome to feasting on seafood in Venice, soaking in the art scene in Florence, or simply sitting down and ordering some handmade pasta. 

Plus, you’ll find some fantastic places to stay in Italy. If you love old cities, history, and good food, you can’t beat going to Rome. If you’re looking for rolling countryside and heart-stopping sunsets, then maybe you’ll want to go to Tuscany. Then again, it’s hard to beat the glitz and glam of Milan.

All in all, travelers will still be able to plan an Italy trip that fits their travel style. If you’re looking to get out of the cities and avoid crowds, Italy has tons of places to visit that you’ll like. But if you’re ready to see the world again and dive into an Italian city, then you can find that, too. 

Work With A Local To Plan Your Trip To Italy 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. Local knowledge can always enrich a trip, but it’s especially crucial at a time when covid travel restrictions are in flux. 

So as you plan your trip to Italy, reach out to an Italian local. They can help explain what you should expect when you visit their hometown. 

Of course, that means that they can let you know about things like mask mandates. But they can also tell you which restaurants are still open, which ones from online “top ten” lists have closed, which places locals love, and what places have good outdoor seating. 

Basically, they can let you know what it’s like in Italy right now. And they can help you plan a trip that fits your travel style and your risk tolerance. 

Ready to have a local plan your trip to Italy? Connect with a local today to learn more. 

Curious about other destinations? Check out our articles COVID-19 travel restrictions in Puerto Rico, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, France, and Cuba. Or better yet, talk to a local in the destination you want to visit.