Although holidays might not be an option for Britons right now, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continuing to advise against all nonessential travel, European countries emerging from lockdown are setting out new entry requirements for visitors. Italy is the latest to welcome back tourists – including Britons.
However, those with plans to cross the country’s border must meet a strict criteria.
In line with Italy’s new entry requirements, the UK FCO has issued a major new warning to British nationals.
On its website, the FCO states: “Many travellers arriving in Italy are no longer required to self-isolate or report their address to health authorities.
“You will only need to self-isolate if you are arriving in Italy from outside the EU, the UK or other countries listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or;
you have spent less than 14 consecutive days physically located in your country of departure.”
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“We know how popular Italy is for Brits and hope we can inspire them to start to plan and book an Italian holiday this year.”
While the lack of quarantine may sound like good news for Britons, flights between the UK and Italy are running thin.
According to the FCO “many airports in Italy are closed or operating a significantly reduced schedule”. The only flights operating daily between the UK and Italy are between London Heathrow and Rome Fiumicino.
However, although Italy has opened its doors to Britons, following the relaxation of many of its lockdown regulations, the UK government does not want the nation to jet off just yet.
The FCO is currently advising “British nationals against all but essential international travel.”
It adds: “This advice is being kept under constant review.”
Along with the travel advisory, as of Monday, June 8, the UK government will set out a new mandatory 14-day quarantine period for any international visitors to the UK, making normal holidays near-impossible.
Anyone caught breaking the rules could face a fine of £1,000, according to Home Secretary Priti Patel.
The FCO also updated its advice for Britons who may already be in Italy.
“If you are a British national resident in Italy, we advise carrying proof of your residence in Italy when transiting through airports or other transport hubs,” it warns.
“If you’re travelling through Italy as a visitor, you must carry your passport and an onward ticket at all times.”
The Italian government decided to relax some of its coronavirus measures on June 3, reopening parks, allowing for church services including weddings and funerals, and reopening restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, museums, libraries and beaches.
Travel is also permitted between Italian regions.