Italy: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions and domestic measures as of Aug. 12 /update 61

Event

Italy maintains international entry restrictions and domestic measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 as of Aug. 12.

International Entry Restrictions
All international arrivals who have visited the UK during the previous 14 days must self-isolate for five days on arrival until Aug. 30. Such persons must also test negative within 48 hours before arrival and at the end of the isolation period. The measure has been imposed due to concerns over virus variant strains present in the UK.

Travel is currently permitted from EEA-associated states, the UK, Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the US. Arrivals from EEA-associated states, Canada, Israel, Japan, and the US must possess proof of vaccination against, recovery from, or a recent negative test result for COVID-19; this can be in the form of an EU Digital COVID Certificate or Italian Green Pass. Travelers unable to meet these requirements must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival, self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, and submit to a further test at the end of the self-isolation period. Travelers from Australia, Singapore, and South Korea must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival, self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, and submit to a further test at the end of the self-isolation period.

Travel from other locations is currently prohibited for non-Schengen citizens or family members unless conducted for study, proven work needs, or urgent health or family reasons. Permitted arrivals must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken at most 72 hours before arrival, self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, and submit to a further test at the end of the self-isolation period; some exceptions apply. All permitted arrivals, except those from San Marino and Vatican City, must fill out a digital passenger locator form before arrival. Additionally, transport and health workers in transit through Italy and those staying in Italy for less than 120 hours for work reasons are exempt from testing and isolation requirements. The measures are subject to change with little to no notice.

Authorities have also suspended travel from Brazil, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka due to concerns over COVID-19 variants. Officials will deny entry to individuals who have been in these countries within 14 days before arriving in Italy. Exemptions are in place for Italian residents, who must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Italy, take a second test on arrival, isolate in government-designated hotels for 10 days, and take a third test at the end of the isolation period.

Domestic Restrictions
Italy is maintaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Aug. 12 as part of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Authorities previously extended the national state of emergency until Dec. 31. All regions of the country remain designated as "white," the lowest risk category of the official four-tiered, color-coded COVID-19 tracking system. In white-level regions, most nonessential businesses may operate. Social distancing must be observed. Facemasks must be worn in indoor public spaces, including stores and shopping centers. They may be removed once seated in a catering establishment.

A digital Green Pass confirming the individual is vaccinated against, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID 19 is currently required to access several cultural and leisure facilities in addition to indoor catering services. From Sept. 1, the pass will be required to board flights and coaches, as well as intercity and high-speed trains. For additional details regarding the Green Pass, click here.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Government of Italy Regional COVID-19 Risk Zones
Country Level Status for Entry to Italy
List of Countries from where Travelers Face Restrictions Upon Entry in Italy
COVID-19 Related Hotline Numbers
Self-Declaration Form for Travelers to Italy