Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (2020)

All Health Alert bulletins are from the U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy. For further information see embassy and consulate contact details at the end of the page.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (Nov. 5, 2020)

Communications from the U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (November 5, 2020) for all U.S. citizens living in Italy or planning to travel to Italy

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel (including tourism) to Italy. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers defer all nonessential travel to Italy.

On November 3, 2020, the Italian government issued a decree enacting new health measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19. Valid until December 3, 2020, this decree imposes a nationwide curfew, extends protections in place requiring the use of masks country-wide, permits regional officials to restrict access to public locations, and 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.  For example, movement outside your city of residence/domicile and to/from other regions may be prohibited except for work, study, health reasons or for emergencies.  See link here.  A self-certification form may be required.  Travelers can visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on Italian government decrees.

Given the COVID-19 situation in Italy, the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Consulates General in Milan, Florence and Naples have limited the level of consular staffing and appointments for routine American Citizen Services, including passport and notarial services. In addition, as of November 9, 2020, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy will restrict immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. We continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services as resources and local conditions allow. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. 

All individuals entering consular buildings must wear a face covering in accordance with Italian government decrees mandating social distancing. In additionindividuals who have traveled within the past 14 days to acountry requiring self-isolationor a negative COVID-19 test upon return to Italy will not be allowed to enter the U.S. embassy or consulates in Italy.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (October 23, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel (including tourism) to Italy. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers defer all nonessential travel to Italy.

Given the COVID-19 situation in Italy, and in the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers, the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Consulates General in Milan, Florence and Naples will limit the level of consular staffing and appointments for routine services starting on October 26, 2020. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Italy and intend to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

All individuals entering consular buildings must wear a face covering in accordance with Italian government decrees mandating social distancing. In additionindividuals who have traveled within the past 14 days to acountry 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 in Italy.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy, October 8, 2020

Event: The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel (including tourism) to Italy. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers defer all nonessential travel to Italy.

On October 7, 2020, the Italian government issued a new decree extending the COVID-19 state of emergency to January 31, 2021.  Please visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on Italian government decrees and measures.  Please continue to follow the three W’s: wash your hands, wear your mask, and watch your distance (six feet/two meters).

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories. 

The European Union (EU) which includes Italy currently prohibits non-essential travel (i.e., tourism) into the EU for residents of most non-EU countries.  There are exceptions for residents of a few non-EU countries, but they do not currently include United States residents.  Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government generally follows the EU definitions of essential travel. Categories of essential travel include students, businesspersons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.  Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English.  Also please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa resumed limited regular passport processing on June 17.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (August 7, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers reconsider (i.e., avoid nonessential) travel to Italy.  In addition, the CDC has issued a Level 3 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Italy. 

The European Union (EU), which includes Italy, currently prohibits nonessential travel (i.e., tourism) into the EU for residents of most non-EU countries.  There are exceptions for residents of a few non-EU countries, but they do not currently include United States residents.  Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government generally follows the EU definitions of essential travel.  Categories of essential travel include students, businesspersons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.  Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English.  Also please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

Actions to Take:

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (July 16, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy – July 16, 2020

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories

As of July 1, the European Union (known as the EU, which includes Italy) began lifting the restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU for residents of certain third countries.  The list of third countries does not currently include United States residents.  Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government has modified its entry regulations to allow exceptions for several categories of visitors, including students, business persons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.  Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English.  Also please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa resumed limited regular passport processing on June 17.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (July 10, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.  As of July 1, the European Union (known as the EU, which includes Italy) began lifting the restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU for residents of certain third countries. The list of third countries does not currently include United States residents.  Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government has modified its entry regulations to allow exceptions for several categories of visitors, including students, business persons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.  Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English.  Also please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa have resumed limited regular passport processing.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (July 2, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories

As of July 1, the European Union (known as the EU, which includes Italy) began lifting the restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU for residents of certain third countries.  This does not include United States residents, however the list will be reviewed every two weeks.  Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government has modified its entry regulations to allow exceptions for several categories of visitors, including students, business persons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.  Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English.  Also please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa have resumed limited regular passport processing.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (June 25, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy – June 25, 2020

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.

On June 11, the Italian government released a decree that introduces updated health measures including travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19.  Please visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on Italian government decrees and measures.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa have resumed limited regular passport processing.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (June 12, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.  

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo and Genoa will resume limited regular passport processing on June 17.  Please note that although some passport processing centers in the United States have resumed operations, customers may still encounter significant delays in receiving their passports.  Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (May 27, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.  Although passport processing centers in the United States have suspended operations due to COVID-19, travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

For Actions to Take and Assistance see below.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (April 29, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  

On April 26, the Italian government released a new health decree.  It clarifies that as of May 4, travel within the same region for work, health reasons, emergencies, or visits to immediate family members or relatives is allowed as long as social distancing protocols are respected (use of face coverings/protective masks and maintaining distance between persons of at least one meter).  Movement between regions is prohibited except for justifiable work purposes, health reasons, emergencies or if returning to one’s residence.  Self-declaration forms are still required.  As of May 4, individual outdoor exercise and access to public parks are permitted as long as social distancing measures are respected.  For more details please see the Italian Civil Protection’s website; please also note that some regional decrees may be more or less restrictive than the national decree.  

For Actions to Take and Assistance see below.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (April 22, 2020)

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.  Please see CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.  Although passport processing centers in the United States have suspended operations due to COVID-19, travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

The Italian government has confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the country.  Please review and follow the health decrees issued by the Government of Italy, including the need for social distancing, restrictions on movement outdoors, and the requirement to carry a self-certification document along with proper identification.  The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.   

For Actions to Take and Assistance see below.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy (April 15, 2020)

Event:  International commercial flight options currently exist in Italy. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  The U.S. government has no plans to arrange repatriation flights in Italy at this time.  

Here is the latest update from the US Embassy in Rome regarding the U.S.. Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy – March 24, 2020

Location:  Italy

Event: U.S. Mission Italy has suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.

The CDC advises travelers to avoid nonessential travel to Italy and the State Department currently recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel. See CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should arrange their departure now unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  There are still daily direct flights including Alitalia from Rome to New York City, and to the United States via some other airports in Europe.Travelers should coordinate directly with the airlines for the latest schedule and flight information.  Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel or transit restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.

The Government of Italy has implemented additional measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Individuals should always carry a self-certified document to explain the purpose of their movement consistent with these measures.  Supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, post offices, and other essential services remain open.  On March 20, the Italian government issued a decree that ordered the closure of all parks, gardens, and playgrounds throughout Italy, although individuals are allowed to exercise or walk pets in the vicinity of their home.  On March 22, the Italian government released a decree that further restricted movement by requiring that persons provide justification and documentation to authorities for any travel between cities.

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy – March 15, 2020

Location:  Italy

Event: Due to reduced staffing, only emergency American Citizen Services and emergency visa services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Consulates General Milan, Naples, and Florence.

The CDC advises travelers to avoid nonessential travel to Italy and State Department currently recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel. See CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the United KingdomIreland, and the European Schengen area. The Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Schengen area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.  See the  DHS website for further details.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.  See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-3-health-advisory-issue.html.  In areas of Italy with large numbers of COVID-19 cases, the local healthcare system is under severe strain.  In the city of Milan and Lombardy region, health care authorities are unable to guarantee adequate care for COVID-19 or other emergency cases.   

Public transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but transport links within Italy and to international destinations are increasingly limited.  Travelers should check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel.  For further information on the status of Italian regional airports and train schedules, see www.enac.gov.itwww.trenitalia.com, and www.italotreno.it  Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice. 

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy March 4, 2020

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy March 4, 2020

Location:  Italy

Event:  The Government of Italy has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  As of 12:00 AM March 3, all passengers on U.S.-bound flights whose temperature is higher than 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit are not being permitted to board.  Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairsfor additional information on these new measures.  Travelers who are not permitted to board should follow the instructions of the Italian authorities.

Actions to Take:

·         Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.

·         For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.

  • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
  • Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.

·         Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.

·         Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S. 

·         Seek medical care right away if you believe you may have COVID-19 (or similar symptoms) or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 in the last six weeks.  

·         Review 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.

Actions to Take:

·        Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.

·        Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.

·        For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.

·        Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.

·        Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.

·        Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.

·        Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.

·        Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.

·        Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).

·        Visit the Department of State’s webpage for U.S. travelers in Europe: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html

Assistance:

·        U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy

Via Vittorio Veneto, 121

+39 06 46741

USCitizensRome@state.gov

https://it.usembassy.gov

·        U.S. Consulate General Milan, Italy

Via Principe Amadeo, 2/10

+39 02-290-351

USCitizensMilan@state.gov

·        U.S. Consulate General Florence, Italy

Lungarno Vespucci, 38

+39 055-266-951

USCitizensFlorence@state.gov

·        U.S. Consulate General Naples, Italy

Piazza della Repubblica

+39 081-583-8111

USCitizensNaples@state.gov 

·        State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

·        Italy Country Information

·        Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.

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