Travel in the time of Coronavirus: when is a trip essential?
Traveling in the time of Coronavirus is not easy. In fact, sometimes it is impossible. Between lockdowns and restrictions, canceled flights and [...]
Traveling in the time of the Coronavirus is not easy. In fact, sometimes it is impossible. Between lockdowns and restrictions, canceled flights and poor finances, people often cannot leave. Or one prefers not to. However, there are those whose streak wonderlust has not lost it, and although he knows where to implement a whole series of precautions, he does not intend to give up leaving. And then there are those who necessarily have to do it, the so-called "essential trips."
In this article:
But what is a essential journey And what does the Italian legislation say? Let's find out together.
What the anti-Covid legislation in Italy says.
La Farnesina advised Italians against traveling outside unless it is essential travel. Not least because, given the high number of European contagions, the introduction of new restrictions while the trip is in progress cannot be ruled out. Even worse when it comes to non-EU travel.
On the Travel Safe two questionnaires are available, one for those who have to leave for foreign countries And one for those who have to return to Italy. "The questionnaire has no legal value. The result of the questionnaire does not guarantee entry into the country, which is left to the assessment of border control officers, both in Italy and in the country of destination. It does, however, provide a general indication of what is provided for by current regulations in Italy. The authorities of the country of destination may still provide for a ban on entry for some or all categories of travelers. This, even if movement abroad is possible under Italian regulations" reads.
Instead, on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Italian Cooperation is available the self-certification form (here) for entry into Italy from abroad.
Until the December 3, 2020, Italians can travel to:
- San Marino and Vatican City
- EU countries (except those that are listed in Schedules C and D), SCHENGEN, Andorra, Principality of Monaco, with no need for justification and no requirement for isolation upon return
- Belgium, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: When returning from these countries, however, it is necessary to fill out a'self-certification and having undergone in the 72 hours prior to return a swab negative result (Alternatively, swabbing can be done within 48 hours of return)
- Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, without need for justification (but there may be restrictions applied by these countries)
However, it is necessary to take into account the epidemiological situation and leave only if travel is essential.
What is an essential journey
Both domestically and to foreign countries, travel is mentioned only in the case of essential travel.
Examples of essential travel are:
- trips to work
- travel for reasons of studio / teaching or for caring for a family member
- visits, medical appointments o surgeries
Thus, there is no definition per se of what essential travel is: the Farnesina does not specify it, the government does not specify it.
From what the guidelines are, however, it is well understood that one cannot travel for vacation or to reach second homes-these are trips that fall into the category of nonessential travel. Travel that, in times of Covid-19, is definitely best avoided (even when not prohibited by law).
