U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy

01/14/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/14/2022 08:03

COVID-19 Information

Last updated: 01/14/2022

*** Effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers 2 years or older (citizens of all nationalities, including U.S. citizens, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. Please visit the CDC webpages for more information on the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

*** Effective November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States. Please visit the CDC webpages for more information about extremely limited exceptions to this policy, and contact your nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an exception.

Country-Specific Information:

  • Italy has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country and advising Americans to "avoid travel to Italy". Similarly, the Department of State's Level 4 Travel Advisory recommends that Americans avoid all travel to Italy.
  • Regions in Italy are divided in a color-coded system ranging from white (very low risk) yellow (low risk), orange (high risk) and red (very high risk) depending on transmission rates, availability of hospital and ICU beds, and other parameters. Different restrictive measures apply to each zone.
  • Essential services such as food stores, pharmacies, newsstands, and tobacco shops remain open throughout Italy. For current measures assigned to each region, please visit: http://www.governo.it/it/articolo/domande-frequenti-sulle-misure-adottate-dal-governo/15638#zone
  • Effective August 6, 2021, the "Digital Green Certificate/Green Pass" is necessary to access some locations and participate in certain social activities. The Italian Ministry of Health issued an ordinance on July 29, 2021 stating that an Anti-COVID-19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognized vaccine from competent U.S. health authorities (CDC "white cards") will be considered the equivalent of the Italian Green Pass where this requirement exists. Alternatively, you can provide a negative molecular PCR or rapid antigen test result taken within 48 hours before using or a medical certificate issued by competent US authorities confirming recovery from COVID within the previous 6 months. Certificates are accepted in Italian, English, Spanish or French and can be both digital or in paper copy.
  • The Italian government issued other decrees on December 23 and December 29, 2021 with more restrictive rules. The new rules define a "Super" Green Pass which will be granted only to people who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID. Individuals will be able to continue receiving a "Basic" Green Pass by testing negative to coronavirus. From January 10, 2022 until March 31, 2022 the Super Green Pass is required to stay in hotels and B&Bs, to use all public transportation including local buses, metros and trains, to board airplanes and high-speed trains. In addition, most social activities such as museums, indoor and outdoor dining and service at the counter, theaters and sporting/entertainment events will only be allowed for Super Green Pass holders. For more detailed information, please see the Italian Ministry of Health's website. The validity of the Green Pass is decreased from 9 months to 6 months starting from February 1, 2022.
  • Beginning on December 25, 2021 until January 31, 2022 the use of masks outdoors is mandatory on the entire Italian territory.
  • From December 25, 2021 until March 31, 2022, the use of more protective FFP2/KN95 masks is mandatory to participate in all indoor and outdoor cultural and recreational events, and on all transportation.
  • The Italian government extended the Covid-19 state of emergency until March 31, 2022

COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Italy approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
  • Are vaccines available in Italy for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
  • Which vaccines are available in Italy? Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca. In addition, the Sputnik V is available in the Republic of San Marino.
      • COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed by the Government of Italy at a regional level. According to the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, the National Vaccination Plan guarantees that vaccinations will be available to all people present/resident in Italy, whether or not they have a valid Permit of Stay as long as they are registered with the Italian National Health Service. Citizens will have to follow the instructions and schedule of their region of residence, and further information from each region is available at the following link: http://www.regioni.it/regioni-online/. For additional information on COVID-19 vaccination in Italy, please see the Italian National Institute of Health's website.
  • Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • U.S. citizens may travel to Italy for any reason, including tourism.
    • Current travel restrictions on entry into Italy are linked to several factors, including one's country of departure and purpose of travel.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Beginning on December 16, 2021 and valid until January 31, 2022, travelers from the United States may enter Italy if they present a negative molecular PCR test result carried out within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test result carried out within 24 hours of arrival AND one of the following:
        • An Anti-COVID 19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA) -recognized vaccine. At present, EMA recognizes the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca. The date of the final vaccine dose must be at least 14 days prior to travel. Travelers vaccinated in the United States can prove this via the "white card" bearing the CDC logo.
        • A medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID dated no more than six months before departure.
    • Passengers unable to present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation
    • Passengers are required to complete the online EU Digital Passport Locator Form.
    • The approved languages for the above certificates are Italian, English, Spanish, and French. Certificates can be in digital or paper format. For additional information on travel to and from Italy, please see: the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website
    • Transiting through Italian airports is allowed, but those traveling from countries on Lists D and E of the Italian Ministry of Health's website are required to remain within a designated area of the airport during transit.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
    • Please see the Italian Ministry of Health's website for details on exemptions.
    • Children six years and older accompanied by a parent/caregiver must always take the pre-departure Covid test; children under 6 years of age are, in any case, exempt from the pre-departure Covid test and from quarantine upon arrival.
    • 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 Health's website.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
    Travelers entering Italy may be subject to random swab tests. Individuals who test positive will need to self-isolate between 7-21 days, depending on the specifics of the case. The self-isolation will occur either in Covid hotels or at private accommodations at the traveler's own expenses, as decided by Italian health authorities.

Movement Restrictions

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? In some instances
    • Travelers from the United States unable to present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation.

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.
    • FFP2/KN95 masks are mandatory on all public transportation.

Fines for Non- Compliance:

  • Italian police can impose monetary sanctions for non-compliance with Italian anti-COVID-19 measures regarding social distancing, movement restrictions and mask mandates.

Consular Operations:

  • What ACS services are being offered?
    • 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 S. Embassy Rome's U.S. Citizen Services webpage.
  • What visa services are being offered?
    • 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 10143. 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 10143. 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/nivor (+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:

By U.S. Mission Italy | 14 January, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Health, Health Alert, quarantine, travel restriction, virus