U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy

04/07/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/07/2021 01:07

COVID-19 Information

Last updated: 04/07/2021

*** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

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.

COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Italy approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
    • For additional information on COVID-19 vaccination in Italy, please see the Italian National Institute of Health's website.
  • 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.
  • Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

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 April 1, 2021, the Italian government issued a new decree containing anti-Covid measures in effect from April 7, 2021, through April 30, 2021. During this period a curfew remains in effect from 10:00pm to 5:00am and Italy will be divided in 'orange and red' zones only with all applicable restrictions within the color-coded system.
    • The Italian government provides answers to frequently asked questions on the COVID measures in effect at the following site: FAQs.
    • During this time, it is also important to remain aware of restrictions in place within your region.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
    • Under the April 1, 2021 decree, movement between regions is prohibited except for work, health or necessity until April 30, 2021. It is permitted to return to one's residence, domicile, or home outside of the region.
    • Further information is also available on the Italian Ministry of Health's website.

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
    • Travelers departing on COVID-tested international flights between the United States and Italy are not currently subject to quarantine upon arrival in Italy. Please check with your private carriers with respect to availability.
    • On April 2, 2021, the Ministry of Health issued an order extending quarantine measures outlined in its March 30th order as well as the Italian government's March 2nd decree through April 30, 2021. All travelers otherwise arriving in Italy from abroad must self-isolate for a period ranging from 5 to 14 days depending on their country of origin 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.

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:

  • 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 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/nivor (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment. For further information, please visit 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 | 7 April, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Health, Health Alert, quarantine, travel restriction, virus