Easter abroad: Italy imposes quarantine (and double swab) upon return

Vacation abroad? Upon return the quarantine is mandatory, even for travel in the European Union.

This was announced on social media by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, who thus confirmed rumors circulated in recent hours. "I have just signed an order that provides for arrivals and returns from European Union countries. starting buffer, 5-day quarantine and further swabbing at the end of 5 days. Quarantine is already in place for all non-EU countries." These were the minister's words, which sparked outrage among tour operators.

Quarantine is mandatory (even for those returning from the Canary Islands)

In recent days, the tourism sector seemed to have breathed its first sigh of relief. Although Italy has in place the ban on movement between regions (extended until April 30), the government had confirmed the possibility of going abroad for the Easter vacation. Even for those living in the red zone. A major controversy had ensued, for those - unable to join their parents in another Italian region - saw others leaving for the Canary Islands. Or for any other open destination. It seemed a paradox, for some. For tour operators, however, it was a first and faint light at the end of the tunnel (not to mention that, a good portion of Italians, have been waiting for months to travel again).

Now, Speranza's words create a bit of a stir. Those who will return from a European Union country, or decide to spend the Easter vacation there like any other weekend, will have to undergo a 5-day quarantine and two swabs (one before re-entry, one from the 5th day of self-isolation). A decision that has thrown tour operators into despondency. As also said by Astoi Confindustria president Pier Ezhaya: "Quarantine on return from the EU? So we all lost. It seems to mean: We make it more difficult to go abroad".

That the government's decision was dictated precisely by the controversy in recent hours over the closure of regions in the face of reopening with foreign countries? That's what insiders think. Also because, looking at flights, with only the Two 180-passenger charters per day one can hardly speak of a mass exodus. The fact remains that allowing travel abroad and not on Italian soil was still a bit of a paradox, as well as a snub to domestic hoteliers.

I have just signed an ordinance that provides for arrivals and returns from European Union countries swab on departure, 5-day quarantine and further swabbing at the end of 5 days.
Quarantine is already in place for all non-EU countries.

- Roberto Speranza (@robersperanza) March 30, 2021

The Balearic Islands boom

Moreover, Italians are not the only ones who crave escapism. If England has threatened to fine with £5,000 penalties anyone who leaves the country, from Germany is booming bookings to the Balearic Islands. The government lifted the quarantine requirement for returnees from the Spanish archipelago, removing it from high-risk airlines, and immediately Germans booked flights to Majorca.

Has the quarantine also been imposed by Germany? Currently, no. To re-enter the country, only a negative swab is required to be taken within 48 hours prior to the flight.

The (updated) list of countries with re-entry quarantine requirements

A 5-day quarantine is mandatory upon return from:

Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco.

On return from Austria, the United States and the United Kingdom, however, the mandatory quarantine is 14 days (with the understanding that tourist travel to the U.S. remains prohibited).

 

 

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