Travelling to and from Italy during the Coronavirus outbreak: a list of country restrictions

Keep in mind that the situation is evolving and the rules for travelers can change in no time

Just a week ago, tens of thousands of tourists came to Italy to visit the famous carnivals, for shopping or to enjoy the many beautiful places across the country. Now the situation has changed drastically, and the coronavirus outbreak is redesigning the logistics of travel.     

When the danger of infection spread grows, travelling becomes extremely complicated. What is important to underline here is that the situation is constantly evolving and the rules for travellers can change in no time.

In Italy

The only Italians who cannot move within the national territory are those staying in the "red areas".  For them, there is a territorial limitation aiming to contain the contagion. They can only move freely within the red area.

Trains, flights and buses on the territory of Italy operate regularly. The trains have introduced emergency measures, such as increased disinfectant cleaning activity and distribution of disposable filter masks and gloves for all passengers and staff.

European Commission

Members of the EC staff who have been in the red areas (Lombardy and Veneto) in the past 15 days have been forced to work from home until further notice. Those who have only passed through this territory must contact the Commission's medical services or work from home for two weeks.

Kuwait

The country has taken the most drastic measure at the moment. All flights to and from Italy, South Korea and Thailand are suspended. In addition, all foreigners who have visited the three nations in the past 14 days cannot enter Kuwait. Quarantine has been prepared for the returning Kuwaiti residents.

Bulgaria

National carrier Bulgaria Air has cancelled all flights to and from Milan until 27 March. Passengers on cancelled flights can receive a full refund or change the travel date at no additional cost.

United Kingdom

The British government invites UK citizens who are returning from the Italian regions affected by the coronavirus to go into voluntary quarantine. The same measure also applies to tourists from northern Italy, for whom it is not recommended to go to the UK.

Spain

The country recommends not to travel, if not strictly necessary, in the Italian regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, as well as in Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China.

France

The French government has urged citizens to postpone travel to Northern Italy. Those returning from Lombardy and Veneto must spend two weeks in quarantine.

Update, 28 February:

Romania

Wizz Air, the biggest operator on the Romanian air transportation market, has temporarily cut flights to Italy by 60% due to Covid-19 virus outbreak. The restrictions will be in effect for the period between 11 March - 2 April 2020. The flight schedule could return to normal after the beginning of April.