RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Italy is removing the entry restrictions for tourists from outside the European Union. Tourists from third countries (outside the block) will be accepted again, including Brazilian travelers. The measure will come into effect on March 1.
The information came after the recommendation of the end of travel restrictions by the European Union. The Italian Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, informed that already next week, the same rules imposed for citizens of European countries will be imposed for travelers from anywhere in the world.
“As of March 1, for arrivals from all countries outside Europe, the same rules will be in force as for European countries,” said Speranza.
Italy will only require the vaccination certificate or cure of the disease within the last 180 days. For those who are not fully vaccinated or did not get COVID in the last few months, a negative test will be required, done within 72 hours before departure. A negative test will not be necessary for travelers vaccinated with the accepted doses or cured of COVID.
Italy currently accepts immunizers from the following companies:
- Pfizer/BioNTech;
- Moderna;
- Janssen;
- AstraZeneca;
- Novavax.
So far, it has not been informed whether more vaccines will be included on the list. However, it is worth remembering that immunizers approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) should also be accepted, according to the recommendation of the European Union. In addition to the above immunizers, the WHO has released the vaccines from Sinovac (Coronavac), from Sinopharm, from Bharat Biotech, and Covovax from the Serum Institute.
However, unlike the immunizers authorized by the European Medicines Agency, pre-entry testing and quarantine may be required for the tourist vaccinated with the other doses approved by the WHO.
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
The European Union had requested that its member countries also allow the entry of children and adolescents aged between six and 18 years, as long as they meet the conditions set for adults (being immunized or cured of COVID in the last 180 days).
If they do not meet these conditions, they can travel with a negative PCR test performed at least 72 hours before departure. It is not clear whether additional testing after arrival and quarantine will be required in this case.
As with adults, it is worth remembering that if the child has been accepted with the other WHO-approved doses, they may also have to meet quarantine or testing requirements before entry. Only children under six are exempt from testing and additional requirements.
It is the first time that Brazilians are again being accepted in Italy in two years. Since the pandemic broke out in the first quarter of 2020, non-essential travel by Brazilians and any tourist from outside the EU was not allowed.