Italy relaxes rules for many travelers from Brazil; however, tourists still banned

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The new rules will come into force on October 26 and remain in place at least until December 15. According to the order signed by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, Brazil and India will be on par with most other non-European countries.

This means that, as of October 26, Italian citizens, citizens of member states of the European Union or of the Schengen Area who have transited through Brazil in the 14 days prior to arrival will be allowed to enter Italy.

The same rule will apply to holders of long-stay permits in Italy and their relatives; people who can prove a stable relationship with Italian, EU, or Schengen Area citizens, or with individuals legally residing in Italy; and athletes, coaches, judges, and journalists of sports competitions. Travel will also be allowed for reasons of work, health, study, or “absolute urgency.”

In addition, these people must fill out an online passenger tracking form, and present a negative result from a Covid-19 antigen or molecular test performed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy.

A 10-day isolation period must be completed at the address indicated on the online form, which can only be reached by private transport, and a new molecular or antigen test must be performed at the end of the quarantine period.

The new rules do not yet apply to tourists coming from Brazil.

BAN

The entry of people who have transited through Brazil in the 14 days prior to arrival has been banned in Italy since July 2020, but has been relaxed somewhat in recent months.

Currently, there are exceptions for study reasons; for people with a permanent residence in Italy; for individuals who have spouses or underage children living on Italian soil; and for “matters of absolute necessity authorized by the Ministry of Health.”

Also in these cases, travelers must present a negative result from a molecular or antigen test performed within 72 hours prior to arrival, undergo a new test after landing in Italy, comply with a 10-day quarantine, and undergo a further test at the end of isolation.