In a drastic move to contain the coronavirus, Italy has imposed a lockdown on the entire country until April 3rd. The Italian government ordered everyone across the country – some 60 million people – to only move around for work and emergencies. Italy has also banned all public gatherings and suspended sporting events, including soccer matches. So, what does this mean for holidaymakers with plans to visit Italy? If you’re wondering whether you can cancel your holiday to Italy, we have some helpful info.
It is not clear yet how this will affect travel between Italy and other countries, although all travellers arriving will be thermo-scanned.
Can I Cancel My Holiday To Italy? What To Know About Coronavirus Lockdown
How bad is the coronavirus situation in Italy?
Over 9,000 people have become infected with the virus in Italy in just over two weeks, with a death toll of 467. This is the highest in the world after China.
#video | No visitors to #Venice as #coronavirus kills over 450 in #Italy
*Empty streets and squares of Venice, as well as the lack of famous #gondola tours through the city’s #canals pic.twitter.com/LilkBDBYCf
— ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) (@anadoluagency) March 9, 2020
Are ski resorts and tourist sites still open in Italy?
Cinemas, museums, theatres, gyms, swimming pools and ski resorts are all closed in the new quarantine zones, while bars and restaurants can only open between 6am and 6pm.
Italy has closed all its museums and archaeological sites, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Can I cancel my holiday to Italy?
This depends on your travel insurance (if you have it!), as it may cover non-refundable cancellation costs for trips to areas where the official government advice is advising against all but essential travel. As of now, the British government advises against all travel to anywhere in Italy.
Check with your cruise operator, hotel or airline to see if they are offering refunds in light of the situation. If you have a holiday booked to Italy in the summer, it may be too early to cancel and you might have to pay cancellation fees. This is because the situation could improve by then and travel restrictions lifted, so don’t cancel future plans just yet.
Are airlines still flying to and from Italy?
Airports remain open throughout Italy. However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. EasyJet is cancelling a number of routes to Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice and Verona airports from now until April 3rd.
I’m in Italy now – can I leave?
British nationals and other travellers remain able to depart Italy without restriction. “The advice is that anyone who arrives from Italy subsequent to the Italian government decision should now self-isolate for 14 days.”
It’s the latest blow to Italy’s tourism industry. Last month, Italian tourism representatives said that $260 million in bookings for hotels and other hospitality had already been canceled.
