Italy is set to tighten restrictions for travelers entering from other European Union countries just ahead of the busy Christmas travel season, as Covid-19 cases surge across the continent.
The government is expected to require that even vaccinated visitors show proof of a negative Covid test, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
It’s set to come into force on Wednesday, the people said, asking not to be named discussing confidential decisions. No final decision has been taken.
The measure would be the latest in a series of restrictions governments across Europe have imposed -- from lockdowns to restrictions on the unvaccinated -- to deal with the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
The pressure to act has been compounded by concern about the emergence of the Omicron variant and its potential impact on the trajectory of the virus on the continent.
EU leaders are meeting this week in Brussels, where they will discuss ways to fight the Omicron variant, particularly by encouraging booster shots. But the mutation is hampering the bloc’s efforts to agree on changes to travel rules aimed at harmonizing the restrictions.
One option on the table is requiring Covid tests for all travelers from outside the EU, including vaccinated European citizens, but several countries have different views on the details of the idea, according to an EU diplomat.
In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Draghi will also extend until March 31 the government’s emergency powers. They streamline the enactment of new legislation in response to Covid and were due to expire at the end of this month.
Draghi has already introduced some of Europe’s tightest restrictions on unvaccinated people. Proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test is required to work, travel or take public transport, while only those who have been inoculated or have overcome the infection can enter restaurants, cinemas and several other indoor venues.
While vaccines appear to prevent severe cases from the Omicron variant, the shots may not be as effective in preventing actual infection, according to initial studies. Italy will also begin vaccinating children aged 5 to 12 starting Wednesday.
The prime minister is banking on an inoculation rate that is close to 90% for people aged over 12 to avoid introducing a blanket vaccination mandate.
