Campione d’Italia, Italy

Campione is entirely surrounded on all four sides by Switzerland so there is no immigration control between this enclave and Switzerland, just like the German enclave of Büsingen am Hochrhein. Before January 1, 2020, Campione was in the customs union of Switzerland and enjoyed no customs tariffs, but since then it has moved into the EU customs union and a self-declaration post has been set up for customs control. Rather symbolic as there’s no border agent enforcing the laws.

Although Campione legally belongs to Italy, it is practically a part of Switzerland. Its healthcare, phone numbers, postal service, license plates, state benefits, and most common currency are all Swiss. During the fascist regime, Mussolini built an entrance gate at the border to Switzerland and the Americans stationed military personnel there much to the annoyance of Switzerland.

The Casinò di Campione is something out of a Bond film. Established in 1917 as one of the few places in Italy allowed to run a casino, it was the largest casino in Europe for over a century until it went bankrupt in 2018. The closure of the casino meant that other businesses that depend on tourism income like restaurants and hotels also suffered.

Along the Lago di Lugano, there is a huge carpark for visitors to enjoy the promenade and the former Church of San Zenone, which is now an art gallery. Fear not, the religious can now visit the larger, taller, and super modern new Chiesa di San Zenone just a five-minute walk down the road. When you leave, don’t forget to fill up at the Socar fuel station, it’s got some of the lowest prices in Switzerland.