The Signature
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Italy is the first European country to fully reopen its borders to EU countries, lifting quarantine restrictions for tourists. However, many European nations are adopting patchwork regulations and keep their border closed as a safety health precaution. (Photo by eunews.it)
Italy Lifts Travel Restrictions Ahead of Other EU Countries By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs une 3rd was the date that everyone was waiting for. After nearly three months of lockdown, the Italian government lifted restrictions on interregional and international travel within the Schengen area. The shutdown of most economic activity in response to the Coronavirus pandemic led to devastating economic effects such as layoffs and permanent closures. Prior to the easing of restrictions, several rallies were held in many Italian cities, including Rome and Milan, to criticize how the government handled the Covid-19 emergency. The largest protests were organized by the center-right parties and the anti-establishment Orange Vests movement. Starting on June 3, tourists from the 26 members of the European Union and Schengen area have been allowed to travel to Italy without the 14-day quarantine restriction upon arrival. But which countries are part of the Schengen Area? Besides Italy, it includes the following EU nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Non-EU States that have signed the Schengen Agreement are: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
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and Switzerland. Italy has also allowed travel to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, the Republic of San Marino and Vatican City State. According to the guidelines from Italy’s Foreign Minister, “from June 3, if you are traveling to Italy from the Schengen area, you will no longer be required to self-isolate for 14 days unless you stayed in another country prior to traveling to Italy. Travelers from countries which do not belong to the Schengen area, such as the United States, will be allowed to enter Italy only for essential travel (proven work, urgent health needs or to return to your residence in Italy) and will still be required to self-isolate for 14 days under the supervision of Italian health authorities, either at home or a facility designated by the Regional Civil Protection.” For those travelers required to enter mandatory selfisolation upon arrival in Italy, the Foreign Minister advises the following: • You are only allowed to reach the address where you have chosen to self-isolate, by the shortest possible route and without using any means of public transport other than the means used to travel to Italy (for example, if you fly into Fiumicino "Italian News" cont’d on Page 9
