Travel Advisory Update for USA-ITALY Travel (June 2021)

The US Consulate in Milan has updated travel advisories for Italy and information for US citizens living in Italy.

Last updated: June 16, 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 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice citing the high-level of COVID-19 in Italy. The Department of State’s Level 3 Travel Advisory recommends that travelers reconsider travel to Italy due to COVID-19. 
• 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

COVID-19 Testing:

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Italy? Yes
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
  • Please note that response times vary by testing location, the type of test taken, and the method of retrieving test results (i.e., in-person or via correspondence).
  • At present in Italy, antigen tests cost approximately $25, while PCR tests cost approximately $75.
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html
  • Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the nearest Consular Section at:
    CDCWaiverRome@state.gov for the Consular District of Rome or
    CDCWaiverMilan@state.gov for the Consular District of Milan or
    CDCWaiverFlorence@state.gov for the Consular District of Florence or
    CDCWaiverNaples@state.gov for the Consular District of Naples.

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.
  • 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? Yes.
  • Travelers from the United States must provide a negative molecular or rapid antigen test taken within the last 72 hours prior to entering and self-isolate in their home/hotel for 10days. After the period of self-isolation, it is mandatory to take a new molecular or antigen test.  Exceptions regarding the self-isolation and testing requirements include if you flew on a “COVID tested” flight . Please see the Italian Ministry of Health’s website for further details on the exceptions.
  • 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
• All Permits of Stay that expired after January 31, 2020 are valid until July 31, 2021.

Movement Restrictions

• Is a curfew in place? Yes
  • As of May 19, 2021, a curfew remains in effect from 11:00pm to 5:00am. As of June 7, a curfew will be in effect from 12 midnight to 5am, and as of June 21, the curfew will be lifted.
  • 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 23, 2021 decree, movement between yellow and white regions is permitted without the need of a self-certification form.
  • In orange and red zones, movement outside the city of residence or to other regions except for work, study, health of necessity reasons (self-certification form required).
  • Further information is also available on the Italian Ministry of Health’s website.

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
  • Travelers from the United States must self-isolate in their home/hotel for 10days.
  • 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. For further details on exceptions,  please see the Italian Ministry of Health’s 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.
  • 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:

• The Italian National Institute of Health’s website: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/
• 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 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
  • CDC page on COVID-19
  • Italy Country Information