Despite Falling Infection Rates in Ukraine, Italy and Poland Tighten Entry Restrictions for Ukrainians Over COVID-19

Meanwhile, Ukraine has extended its nationwide quarantine until March 31, 2022.

Due to the spread of the new Omicron strain of the coronavirus, Italy will stop admitting even vaccinated tourists from Ukraine starting December 16, despite a decline in overall infection rates.

Poland is also tightening entry restrictions even for vaccinated Ukrainians: now, in any case, a negative PCR test must be presented.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has extended the nationwide quarantine until March 31, 2022, which currently operates in an adaptive format.

Closure of Tourist Entry to Italy

Italy has completely closed tourist entry for Ukrainians due to risks associated with the spread of the Omicron coronavirus strain and tightened entry rules for the country, including from EU territory and for vaccinated travelers.

Under the new rules, from December 16, tourist trips even for vaccinated Ukrainians will become impossible. Entry will be allowed only for citizens of Italy or EU states, family members, or those who have "established relations" with residents of Italy, as well as for those traveling for work, study, sports competitions, etc.

Travelers from EU countries, now including vaccinated ones, must enter with a negative test (antigen — no more than 24 hours before entry, PCR — no more than 48 hours). The same requirement applies to Italians who have traveled abroad.

Unvaccinated travelers must, in addition, undergo five days of self-isolation upon arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers from third countries, including Italians returning home, will need to self-isolate for 10 days. Vaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry, or an antigen test taken no more than 24 hours earlier.

EU Commissioner Věra Jourová has already reacted critically to such restrictions, but Health Minister Roberto Speranza believes that in the current situation they are justified. In Italy itself, 27 cases of infection with the Omicron strain are known.

Restrictions in Poland

The Polish government has tightened restrictions on entry into the country from outside the European Union, including from Ukraine, the State Customs Service of Ukraine reported.

Starting December 15, persons entering Poland from outside the European Union, including from Ukraine, must present at the border the results of a negative SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test, in Polish or English, taken no earlier than 24 hours before crossing the border.

Extension of Quarantine

The Cabinet of Ministers is extending the adaptive quarantine in Ukraine until March 31, 2022. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a government meeting.

"In order to counteract the pandemic as much as possible and protect people's health, the government is continuing the adaptive quarantine until March 31, 2022," Shmyhal said.

According to him, the quarantine will last at least through the first quarter of next year.

"This means that all rules for access to public places with COVID certificates, concerning the wearing of masks and maintaining distance, remain in force," the prime minister added.