Italy to Lift Travel Ban for European Citizens on June 3

After more than two months of lockdown, Italy plans to lift its coronavirus travel ban for European travelers just as the summer tourism season gets under way.

The Italian government plans to allow travel from European Union countries beginning June 3, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced late Saturday. Europeans will now be able to travel to Italy without imposing a two-week quarantine. Italian citizens will also be able to travel freely within the country starting that same day.

There is no date yet as to when Italy will allow other international visitors, but the news is the first step to returning to normal tourist activity for the country. 

“We’re facing a calculated risk in the knowledge that the contagion curve may rise again,” Conte said. “We have to accept it otherwise we will never be able to start up again.”

According to the decree, all sectors of the economy still shuttered can reopen in June, as long as proper safety guidelines, social distancing, and hygiene rules are adhered to. Shops and restaurants are reopening their doors on May 18; and will be followed by gyms, swimming pools, and sports centers on May 25; and cinemas and theatres on June 15.

Italy hopes to stimulate its economy, including its tourism industry, which is worth 13% of Italy’s gross domestic product. Italy’s national hotel federation said that by April, occupancy dropped by 99% for foreigners and 96% for Italians.

On Saturday the country announced 153 deaths tied to coronavirus — the lowest number of daily fatalities since March 9.

Italy currently has the fifth-highest number of confirmed infections globally with over 233,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. It has the third-highest death toll, behind the U.S. and the U.K., with over 31,000 confirmed deaths.