Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza has signed an ordinance on Tuesday established on an experimental basis and with precise safety protocols, the go-ahead for travel to six non-European tourist destinations without the need for quarantine as a COVID-19 precaution either on arrival or return.

Italians will be allowed to travel to the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt (but only Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam), Dominican Republic and Aruba on what the ministry called controlled tourist itineraries. These popular destinations for Italians seeking winter sunshine mark an exception from other places outside the European Union, which require quarantine on return to Italy.

Everyone leaving for the selected countries must have a ‘Green Pass’ showing COVID immunity – either due to vaccination or previous infection – and must also present a negative swab at least 48 hours before departure, according to the order signed by Minister Roberto Speranza. Once back in Italy, people will not be required to undergo quarantine if they have presented another negative test, conducted not more than 48 hours before boarding their plane.

Tour operators and travel agencies will also have to comply with these measures and regulate the stay in foreign accommodation facilities, excursion and transfers to evaluate the adequacy of the safety protocols. Lastly, according to the order, tourists who wish to travel to these six countries are also obligated to take out an insurance policy that provides for a protected medical repatriation and health care on the spot.

Prior to the pandemic, Italy was one of the top 3 markets to the Maldives.