Italy abolishes travel ban imposed against southern African countries

Rome: The Italian Ministry of Health has announced that the country has decided to abolish the travel ban that has been imposed against southern African countries since late November.

According to an ordinance issued by the Ministry, travellers who reach Italy after staying in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe will no longer be subject to the entry ban.

“The Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, has signed a new order to cease the special travel restriction measures for people incoming from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini. For these Countries is applied the ongoing established regime for States and territories under List E,” the statement of the Italian Ministry of Health reads.

The entry ban against the southern African countries was previously imposed to halt the further spread of the Omicron variant. However, since the Omicron is now widely spread within the European Union and the Schengen Area, the authorities believe that it is no longer needed to keep strict restrictions against only some specific countries.

Despite the fact that eight southern African countries are no longer subject to the travel ban, everyone reaching Italy from their territories will still be required to follow strict entry rules, as the countries will now be part of Italy’s List E, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

In line with the current entry rules that Italy has, all those who travel from a country placed on List E need to provide a specific reason for their trip. The specific reasons category includes work, health, study, and other purposes.

Regarding the entry rules, foreigners, as well as returning travellers who enter Italy after staying in one of the eight southern African countries, must complete a digital Passenger Locator Form.

Apart from that, everyone must undergo a pre-entry PCR or rapid antigen test. The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Italy, and the rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours before entry.

The authorities explained that the testing requirement applies to everyone, except for children under the age of six.

In addition to the above-mentioned rules, those entering Italy from the southern African countries must stay self-isolated for ten days as well as undergo a second test at the end of the quarantine period.

Previously, Italy introduced strengthened COVID-19 rules for everyone, including tourists. The authorities announced that only vaccinated and recovered persons would be able to access several public places and services, including hotels, restaurants, and public transport, among others.