The reopening of tourism from Italy to Kenya is still a puzzle.
It currently belongs to the 'E' band of countries identified by the Italian government as unsafe and where it is therefore forbidden to travel for tourism.
This ban has been extended by resolution of 16 May until next 31 July, but the official list of countries in each grouping marked by letters, which determines their different levels of safety, is expected today.
Let's see why.
Yesterday, Sunday 16 May, the Council of Ministers decided to extend the state of emergency on Italian territory until 31 July 2021, extending the Decree Law of 22 April 2021 (No. 52) "as a result of the continuing health risk related to the spread of diseases caused by viral transmissible agents, with particular reference to the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the associated disease, COVID-19.
As stated in the new Farnesina statement, which appeared on the 'viaggiaresicuri' website, the DPCM continues to be based on five lists of countries for which different measures are envisaged.
Kenya currently remains on list 'E', which provides for the restrictions to which we are already accustomed since last August, when Kenya reopened to international tourism. Travel for tourism is prohibited, and only residents, Kenyan citizens and certain categories of workers are allowed to travel. On the basis of what has happened and precise requests from non-resident owners of property in Kenya to the prefectures, it is possible to travel to Kenya even by electing it as a temporary residence, having a house of one's own or a long-term rental contract.
But even this has to be checked every time, because the (sometimes very bland) controls can vary and disregard advice or instructions from other offices, especially if not documented.
In any case, there is still no certainty about Italy's closure to Kenya for tourism until 31 July, because as the Council of Ministers' communiqué itself reminds us, the list of countries may vary from time to time on the basis of an order by the Minister of Health in agreement with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The rules for returning from Kenya remain the same for now, as amended last month: the obligation to have a swab carried out at least 72 hours before departure, self-certification on arrival and ten days of quarantine at the end of which another swab will be carried out and in case of negativity you can leave your residence or elected domicile.