Traveling in autumn has its charm; fewer people travel, prices are cheaper, and if you go north, you might even catch the aurora season (a dream for many, right?). But… this year you need to be careful because Italy has tightened its travel policies with several countries (including Poland, Austria, Denmark, Argentina, and Costa Rica) and is applying extra checks, temporary closures, and quite strict measures at its borders.

So, if you travel this autumn, you’ll need to pay attention to your airline’s app, but here we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Poland

Poland is currently the most complicated country on this list. Since late September, it has been closing and reopening border crossings with Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, mainly for security reasons (after the Russian-Belarusian military exercises).

They have reopened Terespol-Brest and Kuznica Bialostocka-Grodno, but the atmosphere remains quite tense and controls are stricter than ever.

Remember that to enter Italy, travelers will need a valid passport, an identification document, and mandatory migration registration if staying longer than 90 days.

If you arrive in Poland from outside the EU, we recommend carrying copies of your documents because thefts in border areas are increasing.

And if you travel with your pet, remember it is mandatory to have a pet passport, microchip, and an up-to-date rabies vaccine.

Costa Rica

It has tightened its health controls due to infectious outbreaks, so they are requiring mandatory medical insurance and recommending avoiding rural areas with medium or high risk.

Denmark

More random checks at airports and on roads. In Copenhagen, authorities advise being cautious at night, especially in the Nørrebro and Husum areas due to a rise in crime levels.

Argentina

Argentina requires a sworn travel declaration and proof of international medical insurance. In addition, there are warnings about demonstrations in Buenos Aires and other large cities that could become dangerous or uncomfortable for tourists.

Austria

Austria warns about thefts in crowded areas, such as the Christmas markets in Vienna or Salzburg.

Other advice

The Italian Ministry gives some very basic recommendations for traveling to Italy:

Check borders and airports before departure.
Keep your documents and belongings under control at all times.
Register your travel plans with your consulate.
Get international medical insurance (especially important if you’re going to Latin America).
And if you go north for the auroras… remember to check the weather first!

Europe returns to internal border controls

Many countries have reinstated border checks within the Schengen area itself, and although it affects tourism, it is for security reasons (especially in the eastern zone). But remember that most routes and connections are still operating normally.

If you’re going to see the auroras…

Here are some basic recommendations if your dream this autumn is to see the lights that kiss the sky, as Koda would say!

Choose your destination well, this is the most important thing. The best places are near the Arctic Circle: Norway (Tromsø), Finland (Rovaniemi or Inari), Sweden (Abisko), Iceland, Canada (Yukon, Newfoundland), or Alaska (Fairbanks).
Go during the season (September–April) because the nights are longer and the skies are usually clearer. Avoid full moon nights!
Check apps like My Aurora Forecast, SpaceWeatherLive, or the NOAA Aurora Forecast website. The higher the geomagnetic activity (Kp index), the more visible the aurora will be.
Stay away from light pollution and look for a dark sky.
Dress warmly and be patient; bring thermal clothing, waterproof boots, and a hot drink.
Prepare your camera, bring a tripod, high ISO, and long exposure, but remember to look more than you photograph because auroras are meant to be experienced, not just captured.

Remember that traveling is the best thing, but you have to be prepared for any unexpected event at the airports!