The restrictions due to the pandemic, which continued due to the Omicron variant, are already partially removed in several European states. In Italy, one of the favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world, for those coming from non-European countries, from March 1st the same rules already in force for European ones will apply. In addition, on March 31 the state of emergency will end and the gradual path towards the abolition of the normal and reinforced green pass will begin. Overall, therefore, we are moving towards ever greater freedom of movement. Excellent news for the tourism sector which, although recovering from 2020, still needed this additional incentive to take off and return to pre-pandemic results.
Remaining in the European context, it can be said that Great Britain is a separate case. Boris Johnson, in what was the last press conference dedicated to Covid-19, announced that the restrictions are over and the quarantine obligation in the event of a positive test is also void. Already at the end of January all ordinary restrictions had been abolished, from the use of indoor masks (they have never been introduced outdoors) to the obligation of a mild green pass required only for discos and large events. The prime minister stressed that the end of the restrictions does not mean “throwing all precautions to the wind” and appealed to “personal responsibility”, that is relying on correct individual behavior. After all, the vaccination campaign in the UK was a great success, with 91 per cent of the adult population receiving at least one dose, 85 per cent having the booster and 80 per cent receiving the third dose.
Recommendations of the European Union
An important signal comes from the Council of the European Union. In fact, from March 1, 2022, a new recommendation on the temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU will come into force. The Recommendation is not a legally binding instrument and Member State authorities remain responsible for the implementation of its content.
According to this new recommendation, member states should allow free access even to those coming from third countries as long as they are vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the EU or WHO. In addition, people must have received the last dose of the primary course at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival or have had a booster. The restriction should not also apply to people who have recovered from Covid-19 within the 180 days prior to traveling to the European Union. Same treatment also for minors over the age of 6 and under the age of 18 as long as they meet the above requirements.
The recommendation of the Council of the European Union also provides that negative PCR tests can be requested, carried out no more than 72 hours before departure. For children under the age of 6, however, no additional tests or requirements should apply. For more information, please refer to the website of the Council of the European Union.
Stop the quarantine for those arriving from non-EU countries
The strong reduction in tourists from non-European countries was felt a lot throughout the Old Continent. And, given that the Easter holidays are upon us, it is hoped that we will have the “full booked” that has been missing in the last two springs.
In Italy, the government could not fail to intervene, above all it could not ignore the request of the operators in the sector. The new ordinance of the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, which will also come into force on March 1, accepts precisely this appeal. In fact, it provides that for arrivals from all non-European countries the same rules already in force for European ones apply. You will not have to do the quarantine and entry will be allowed under one of the conditions of the basic green pass – certificate of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test. The test will be necessary for unvaccinated tourists and for those who have been vaccinated with drugs not yet recognized by EMA, such as Sputnik.
The measure was taken to encourage tourism as part of the reopening process announced by Prime Minister Mario Draghi: gradually but also decisively, to encourage the return to normality and economic growth. In this regard, the announcement of the Prime Minister, who confirms March 31, 2022, as the date on which the state of emergency started on January 31, 2020, will end in Italy. Some measures in force will lapse, such as the division of the country by colors (only the red zone will remain in the event of outbreaks) as well as the mission of the CTS – Technical Scientific Committee, whose president and spokesperson will be government consultants.
The changes affect various areas (schools, events, stadiums, and so on), but as far as tourism is concerned, there are some that are particularly relevant. From April 1, the green pass will no longer be required for outdoor consumption at bars and restaurants, and by the end of the same month it should also be eliminated indoors. In addition, the mandatory green pass will also expire on March 31 for hotels, festivals, fairs, and congress centers.
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