The entry for Germans and Austrians to Italy, especially to the regions of the northern Adriatic little affected by the coronavirus, is quite different. While Austrians are subject to much stricter measures due to a special regulation according to the decree of February 13, valid until 5. March are subject to much stricter measures, for German citizens the presentation of an entry declaration and a negative PCR or antigen test, not older than 48 hours is sufficient.
Spring temperatures actually attract boat owners
As spring-like temperatures slowly take hold in Italy and the SeaHelp employee in Lignano is allowed to leave his jacket in the office at least during the midday hours when it is almost 20 degrees in the shade, there is of course also an urgent desire among most boat and yacht owners to winterize their vessel for the upcoming 2021 water sports season.
Lignano yellow zone
But the trip to the Italian Adriatic does not turn out to be quite simple after all, even though the preferred region of Lignano is designated as a yellow zone, making it one of the areas less affected by the corona virus.
Declaration of entry and negative PCR or antigen test
As a general rule, entry into Italy is permitted from European Union countries, including Germany, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland; however, travel within Italy is permitted only for valid reasons. Presentation of an entry declaration and a negative PCR or antigen test, which must not be older than 48 hours, is required. Without a negative test result, travelers must go into quarantine.
Austrians: 3 tests and 14 days quarantine until at least March 5
Because of the spread of the South Africa variant of the coronavirus, Italy is tightening rules for travelers entering the country from Austria. Travelers from Austria to Italy, but especially Austrian citizens, must generally undergo a PCR/antigen test and a 14-day quarantine if the travelers have stayed in or transited through Austria for more than 12 hours in the past 14 days. For them, it is expected to apply until March 5, 2021, in addition:
- register via the entry online form,
- carry a negative antigen or PCR test,
- submit to a second test within 48 hours,
- register with the locally responsible health authority (ASL),
- go into quarantine for 14 days and
- get tested again at the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
Last decision is usually made at the border
If checks are carried out at the border on entry, much depends on the good will of the officials carrying out the checks, because the ban on traveling to other regions within Italy also applies until further notice; valid reasons are the exception. Police authorities may therefore prohibit entry into Italy if the stated final destination of the trip is in a region other than where the entry takes place.
Maintenance work on ships not a reason for entry
Incidentally, necessary business trips, which previously included maintenance work on ships in Italian marinas, are no longer considered exceptions to the rule.
In practice: few controls on entry to Italy
Italy would not be Italy, however, if there were not a solution for everything. Travelers report rather rare controls at the borders with Austria. About controls in the country we have so far hardly usable information. Nevertheless, those who “cheat their way through” can face heavy penalties.
Pre-Travel Clearance Form
Austrian vacationers are required to complete a Pre-Travel Clearance Form online, German travelers returning to Austria should not forget the digital entry registration. Further restrictions may result from the regulations of the respective state of residence in Germany.
