ATTENTION: Coronavirus in Italy

The Coronavirus is an evolving situation that is affecting all areas of life. As a Rome and Italy focussed site, we will try to keep you as up to date on all the issues that affect the visitor to Rome as we can.

We recommend that you follow the reputable news sites and government pages specifically for the most up to date advice on visiting Italy.

5 January 2022

At this stage we think it is best to guide you to the official website for the Ministry for Health in Italy. This site will help you understand the rules and restrictions in place in Italy and how to visit safely.

Covid-19, travellers advice

10 May 2021

Most of Italy is now in the 'yellow zone', which means lighter restrictions are in place as they are deemed 'lower risk' areas. Sicily and Sardinia remain in orange zones, but there are now no more areas in high risk red zones. Italy has begun to loosen its restrictions and is looking to open up to travel for the summer season. Importantly, yellow zones mean that museums and art galleries are allowed to reopen as well as shops, cinemas, theatres, restuarants, bars and ice-cream shops. It will be outdoor dining only though.

There is still a 10pm-5am National curfew in place, but non-essential travel can return between yellow zones.

24 March 2021

Another lockdown was brought into effect on 15 March as is scheduled through to 6 April. This includes Rome, Milan and Venice. The country will be divided into zones with various restrictions in place. This is to reduce the transmission rate of the third wave currently affecting most of Europe.

12 November 2020

Italy is working in a zoned system, much like the UK. It is not in a nationwide lock-down as the UK is currently. It's zones have graually increasing restrictions. It has strict social distance and mask rules as well as curfews in place.

From a visitors point of view, there are strict curfews in place. Bars, restaurants and cafes are open from 5am-6pm. After 6pm and until 10pm it is only takeaway service. All types of shops remain open. Beaches are open as are schools although older children are being taught online.

Gyms, pools, spas and wellness centres are all closed. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls are closed. Museums and cultural sites (including outdoor sites) are closed.

This means pretty much all the attractions and museums we feature on our site are currently closed.

This remains until 3 December 2020.

6 July 2020

On 3 June, Italy reopened its borders to tourists from the EU, UK and Schengen area, Andorra and Monaco citizens. Borders with San Marino and Vatican City also opened on this date.

Any traveller coming from the above countries does not need to quarantine upon arrival unless they have been in any other country in the 14 days before reaching Italy.

Cruises on Italian ships are still suspended. Italy also opted out of reopening its borders to non-member states on 1 July.

Various attractions are now open across Rome and Italy. You will have to book your ticket in advance to make sure numbers are controlled and follow all the social distance and hygiene measures put in place across Italy.

10 March 2020

In addition to the advice and situation as outlined below. The whole of Italy has effectively now been put into quarantine until 3 April.

This means that if you are in the country, you should only travel if you have a valid reason and ideally avoid it altogether if possible. The Italian authorities are asking everyone in Italy to help in this fight against the spread of the virus by limiting movement and contact with the sick.

The UK has now advised that only essential travel should be taken to Italy and you will be challenged on your reasons for going/arriving in Italy. Anyone currently in Italy will be expected to self isolate for 14 days on their return to the UK.

9 March 2020

The Council of Ministers announced on 8 March 2020 that all museums and attractions are to be closed until 3 April, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Any place where it is considered lots of people will gather is part of the closure. This includes museums, cinemas, theatres, gyms, swimming pools, events and more.

Affected attractions from a visitor’s perspective are too numerous to mention but include highlights such as:

• Colosseum
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
• Attractions in Venice
• The Uffizi Galleries and other attractions in Florence
• Duomo in Milan

There are also quarantined zones in Northern Italy which are in effect in lockdown. These large areas include Milan, Venice and Lombardy.

1 June 2020

St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum and the Vatican Museums open again.

Some estaurants, pubs, bars, shops, hairdressers, salons and beaches open

International border closed to visitors.

3 June 2020

Italy to reopen its borders on June 3 to EU, UK, Schengen area, Andorra and Monaco citizens.