Updated on December 4, 2020
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Avoid all nonessential travel to Italy due to COVID-19
Country-Specific Information:
- Italy has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Italy. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers defer all nonessential travel to Italy.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No
– U.S. citizens may exit or depart Italy to return to the United States at any time.
– Current travel restrictions on entry into Italy are linked to several factors, including one’s country of departure and purpose of travel.
– Non-essential travel (i.e., tourism) to Italy from most non-EU countries (including the United States) is prohibited. Essential travel is allowed and includes students, businesspersons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.
– The Government of Italy periodically updates these restrictions based upon changing conditions, and all travelers should refer to current Italian health decrees when making travel plans.
– English-language guidance on current entry and exit requirements is maintained on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
– All persons traveling to Italy from any foreign location are required to provide their airline or Italian law enforcement officials with a self-declaration form prior to travel.
– Regional governments in Italy may also impose restrictions on travelers from certain foreign countries, and travelers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination.
– Transiting through Italian airports is allowed, but those traveling from certain listed countries are not permitted to leave the airport while transiting. The list of those countries can also be found on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
– For additional information on travel to and from Italy, please see: https://www.esteri.it/mae/it. - Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
– If applicable, testing requirements and testing options are prompted by an individual’s presence in or transit through particular countries. This country-specific guidance is available on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. - Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
– On December 3, 2020, the Italian government issued a decree modifying some of the health measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19 enacted on November 3. Valid until January 15, 2021, this decree confirms the nationwide curfew, the mandatory use of masks country-wide, and still requires the closure of facilities such as gyms, museums, swimming pools, cinemas, and theaters, amongst others. During this time, it is important to remain aware of restrictions in place within your region.
– Travelers can visit this website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on Italian government decrees and measures - Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes, in some high and medium risk regions, movement outside your city of residence/domicile and to/from other regions may be prohibited except for work, study, health reasons or for emergencies. A self-certification form is required. In addition, travel between different regions is banned (even between regions that are considered at low risk) from December 21 to January 6, and on December 25, 26, 2020, and January 1, 2021, any movement between municipalities is also prohibited. For more details, please see: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/homeNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
– All travelers arriving in Italy from abroad must self-isolate for 14 days unless they are traveling from an exempted country or for a purpose that falls under current exceptions. A list of these countries and exceptional purposes for travel can be found on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. This link also provides current guidance on procedures to be followed upon arrival and entry into a period of self-isolation.
COVID-19 Testing:
- COVID-19 testing procedures in Italy vary by region, and individuals should consult regional health authorities for further guidance. Generally, as a first step individuals may see either a private physician or visit an authorized private laboratory to perform a nasal swab test (oropharyngeal test). In the event of a positive response to the nasal swab test a physician must prescribe a molecular test, which can only be taken at public health facilities. There is no charge for residents enrolled in the National Health System, while the cost for non-residents or non-enrollees is approximately 70 Euros.
- The following links provide additional information regarding COVID-19 Monitoring & General Information and COVID-19 Regional Telephone Information Hotlines from the Italian Ministry of Health.
- Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy website for further information on medical assistance in Italy and lists of English-speaking physicians
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
– Public transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but with reduced frequency. Travelers should check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.
Consular Operations:
- In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy will limit the level of consular staffing and appointments for the following routine U.S. citizens services beginning on October 26, 2020: passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notarial services, and federal benefits assistance. U.S. citizens should visit the corresponding pages to make appointments for these services. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Italy and intend to return to normal operations as soon as possible. For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s U.S. Citizen Services webpage.
- The entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the Schengen Area, including Italy, within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation 9993. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy are offering certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including limited appointments for individuals exempt from or who may qualify for a National Interest Exception to Presidential Proclamation 9993. While the Embassy and Consulates aim to process cases as soon as practicable, there are likely to be increased wait times for completing such services due to substantial backlogs. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased until December 31, 2021. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv or (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment. For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s Visa webpage.
- All individuals entering consular buildings must wear a face covering in accordance with Italian government decrees mandating social distancing. In addition, individuals who have traveled within the past 14 days to a country requiring self-isolation or a negative COVID-19 test upon return to Italy will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Italy.
Local Resources:
- https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/ (the Italian National Institute of Health’s website available only in Italian).
- Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
- Other links:
– COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
– CDC page on COVID-19
– Italy Country Information
