Italy to Lift Travel Ban on Southern African Countries
On 14th January 2022, the Ministry of Health in Italy lifted the travel ban imposed on travelers departing from southern African countries. The ban was introduced in late November 2021 due to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
Travelers who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatini, and Malawi can now enter Italy once again. However, these countries fall under the Italian List E and must follow the established entry regime.
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Lifting the entry ban amid Omicron
The Omicron has spread over the European continent and the governments of most European countries do not consider keeping tightened restrictions against the southern African countries necessary.
At the end of the previous year, Italy also strengthened coronavirus-related restrictions both for Italian citizens and foreign visitors.
In spite of lifting the entry ban on the southern African countries, travelers coming to Italy from these territories are still subject to follow strict entry restrictions according to the protocol applied to List E.
Entry restrictions for travelers from Italy's List E
Apart from the current restrictions remaining in force in Italy, all travelers coming from a country included on List E must provide a specific travel purpose, e.g. work, study, health.
Passenger Locator Form
Foreign visitors and those who visit Italy after staying in one of the previously-banned southern African countries are required to complete an online application for a digital Passenger Locator Form.
This online health form helps the Italian authorities to track the potential infections and take appropriate protective measures.
After submitting an online application, every traveler receives a unique QR code that is checked upon entry to Italy.
Testing
Moreover, all travelers must perform a pre-arrival PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entering Italy and 24 hours in advance, respectively.
Children younger than 6 years of age are exempt from the testing requirement.
Quarantine
Travelers to Italy who have been previously stayed on the territory of southern Africa are obliged to undergo a 10- day self-isolation that must be ended with an additional test to be made at the end of the quarantine.
