Italy has reopened for tourism this year after a long year of battling the covid-19 pandemic. The country has put the proper guidelines in place to ensure a safe experience for travelers coming from around the world. Traveling to Italy right now especially is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You are going to be able to visit some of the most famous wonders and sites in the world without the crowds. This article is going to give you everything you need to know about traveling to Italy right now as a United States citizen.
Before you Travel
There are a few things that you need to do and know before you travel to Italy. It is important to stay on top of the different travel requirements. Stay on top of the EU here.
- Fill in the Passenger Locator form before entering Italy. You must pre-register for this. There needs to be one for each adult. Children can be added to an adult form.
- Upon arrival in Italy, you need to provide proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 (from approved EMA list) and a negative PCR or Antigen test performed 72 hours prior to entry into Italy.
- A negative test is not required for children ages 6 and under. Children under 18 years of age when accompanied by an adult with a covid-19 green pass are exempt from isolation.
- Pick respected travel partners that have your well-being in mind. Gray Line Rome and Carrani Tours are great options because they are local companies with great procedures in place and can guide you through this changing environment.
- Get to the airport at least 3 hours early in both directions. Airports are still understaffed and customs long are very long right.
What to Expect in Italy
Once you are in Italy it is important to know that different locations can have different rules. Overall this is what you can expect:
- Masks need to be worn in indoor locations (museums, restaurants, etc)
- Social Distancing in facilities like museums and sports arenas
- Limited Capacity in some venues. This is why it is important to work with local tour companies like I mentioned above with Grayline Rome and Carrani Tours.
Where to get a Test to come back to USA
It is important to schedule this before you travel or when you first arrive to Italy. Your travel agent and hotel can help you find a location. Walk-up clinics can have long lines and eat into your vacation time. The United States currently requires a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Additional Tips to Having a great trip to Italy
Traveling anywhere right now requires a bit more planning than normal. These are some tips that will help you have a great trip to Italy.
- Print out your documents and have them on hand. This prevents issues with QR codes not pulling up and having technological issues.
- Get travel insurance. There are some companies who cover covid-19 issues.
- Schedule all tours and hotels before you travel.
- Pack multiple masks and sanitizer to have on the go.
- You may see information about the ‘Green Pass‘ as a vaccination pass needed for attractions. US Citizens can bring laminted vaccine cards.
I hope that you take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit Italy. You can see some of the most popular destinations in the world without crowds. If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out. As of right now this is everything you need to know about traveling to Italy right now.
Check out my Rome, Italy Travel Guide here!
