Covid-19

The entire world is in the throes of battle against the Coronavirus (Covid-19), and many travellers have contacted us about the situation in Capri and on the Amalfi Coast, wondering whether or not to book a holiday in the area for this summer or to depart for a holiday that has already been booked.
At the moment, the situation is very uncertain and it is impossible to predict how it will evolve over the next few weeks. We will share updated information on this page about the situation on the ground and try to share some advice based on our experience as local residents.

If you need assistance for bookings already confirmed via our site, please contact us at help@capri.com; we will be happy to offer you assistance and advice based on your specific question or situation.

The Situation on the Ground on Capri and the Amalfi Coast

Last update: 23 March, 2020

The Italian government has declared the entire country a "Red Zone", meaning that no one can enter or leave Italy unless they have a pressing reason and all movement within the country is limited to cases of extreme necessity. Everyone who is in Italy at this time, including permanent residents and temporary travelers, must remain inside their homes and accommodations. Movement and circulation is allowed only in cases of immediate necessity (work, doctor visits, food shopping) or to return to your home country or city. Schools are closed until 3 April, though this date will probably be moved to later in the year.

Emergency measures and closures that most affect tourists planning to visit Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast at this time include:

• Museums, including sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Vesuvius, Villa San Michele, Vila Lysis, and Villa Jovis are closed.
• The Blue Grotto is closed.
• Spas and beauty salons, gyms and wellness centers, cinemas, theaters, and all stores (aside from grocery stores and pharmacies) are closed.
• All visitors who disembark on Capri and the other islands in the Bay of Naples must undergo temperature screening.
• Bars, cafés, and restaurants are closed.
• The only business open at the moment are grocery stores, pharmacies, and stores that sell basic necessities.

All flights between the US and Europe are grounded from 13 March for 30 days and most airlines have announced drastic reductions in scheduled flights.

Given the evolution of the COVID-19 situation over the past few days, travelers who were planning a visit in March and April must cancel or reschedule. We can’t predict how the situation will evolve over May, but we must stay abreast of the news and prepare for a summer season unlike any before. Right now, the highest priority is following the government restrictions carefully to best contain the spread of the virus so we can get back to normal life (and travel!) sooner rather than later.

Many local hotels and restaurants have updated their cancellation policies to make them as flexible as possible, given the uncertainties in travel right now.

Covid-19 on Capri and the Amalfi Coast FAQ

What will the Coronavirus situation be over the next few months?

No one knows for certain how the Covid-19 situation in Italy will evolve in the next few weeks, not even the experts. Most mathematical models suggest a peak in cases at the beginning of April, with a gradual slowing afterwards as the weather becomes warmer and seasonal viruses tend to dissipate.

Should I cancel my trip to Italy?

At the moment, any trips to Italy scheduled before 4 April must be cancelled or rescheduled for later in the year. Flights between the USA and Europe have been grounded until 13 April.
For those planning to visit Italy in May, we recommend keeping an eye on how the situation evolves over the next few weeks and checking with hotels, tours, service providers, and travel agencies you've booked with to see how their cancellation policies work. Most businesses that work with travel and tourism are doing their best to be flexible and offer free cancellations, modifications, and voucher credit for those who need to reschedule their trips.

What happens if I get sick in Italy?

Italy has universal national health care, free for everyone. In some cases, there may be a small copay for services (rarely above a few hundred euro), depending upon the care needed, but no one in Italy, resident or visitor, can be denied health care. If you believe you may have contracted Covid-19, DO NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL or you may unwittingly spread the virus to others. Simply call the emergency numbers 1500 or 112 for assistance and information on how to proceed. Regardless, as for all travel, we suggest stipulating a travel insurance policy that covers health care and cancellations before departure.

So, what is your advice?

The health of the world is at stake, so right now we suggest cancelling any travel plans you may have and staying home. From May, our advice is to keep monitoring the situation worldwide, make sure to check cancellation policies, stay on top of the travel restrictions in your country of residence, and - when the virus has run its course - finally enjoy the trip of your dreams in Italy.

Capri and the Amalfi Coast have welcomed visitors since the times of ancient Rome, and will be here better than ever when the world is ready to travel again!