Italy: Mandatory self-isolation introduced for travelers arriving December 21-January 6; other COVID-19-related restrictions tightened December 4 /update 27

Event

Due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rates, authorities in Italy are tightening international entry restrictions as well as other domestic measures from Dec. 4.

Existing international entry restrictions will remain in place until at least Dec. 10. Travelers from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, and the UK must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigenic test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Alternatively, individuals may opt to take a test at the airport, or self-isolate and arrange to take a test within 48 hours of arrival at airports without testing capabilities; a positive result will require the traveler to quarantine until two consecutive negative tests have been recorded. Travelers from most other EU countries, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican City, are permitted to enter Italy without restriction. Travelers from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay are also permitted to enter but must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Beginning Dec. 10 through at least Dec. 20, all travelers returning or arriving from all EU countries must present a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigenic test no older than 48 hours upon arrival; those who do not possess a negative test will need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Those arriving from a non-Schengen country must self-isolate upon entry. From Dec. 21-Jan. 6, all travelers arriving in Italy, including travelers from EU countries, must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. All international arrivals, except those from San Marino and Vatican City, are required to fill out a self-declaration form prior to arrival that must be presented to authorities upon request.

All travel from Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Kosovo, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Serbia is prohibited, except for Italian residents and their immediate families, and for government workers. Travel is prohibited from all other countries, except when conducted for study, proven work needs, or urgent reasons such as health; all such arrivals are also required to register and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Transport and health workers, individuals in transit through Italy, and those staying in Italy for less than 120 hours for work reasons are not required to self-isolate.

Non-essential travel between regions in Italy will be banned Dec. 21-Jan. 6 to prevent people from traveling for the holidays. A stricter ban on travel, which will in addition prohibit traveling between towns and municipalities will be in place Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. Travel in those periods will be permitted for those returning to their residence or home. A nationwide 2200-0500 curfew will remain in place; individuals must stay at home during this period unless performing essential tasks. Anyone leaving their homes for essential reasons will be required to fill out a self-declaration form. Other nationwide restrictions include:

The use of facemasks in all outdoor and indoor public spaces, including in schools and workplaces. Children under the age of six are exempt from this requirement.
Cultural facilities such as museums and galleries are closed.
Shopping centers must remain closed on weekends.
Public transport is limited to 50-percent capacity.
High schools must switch to distance learning.
Gatherings of more than six persons are prohibited
Restaurants and bars to close at 1800 daily.

Officials previously downgraded Lombardy, Piedmont, and Calabria from red to orange, while authorities will downgrade Sicily and Liguria from orange to yellow from Nov. 29. The tiers are assigned depending on the local disease activity and healthcare capacity.

Yellow regions will be subject to national level restrictions.

In orange regions, in addition to the national level restrictions, catering establishments must close but may still offer delivery and takeaway services until 2200; movement between regions remain prohibited except for work, study, health, and other essential reasons.

In red regions, in addition to the national level restrictions, most nonessential businesses, including catering establishments, must close. Schools must switch to online learning, and organized sports are prohibited. Moreover, all movement between and within regions remain prohibited except for work, study, health, or other essential reasons. Individuals conducting restricted travel for essential reasons in orange and red zones must fill out a self-declaration form to be presented to authorities on request. Authorities will review the situation weekly and revise region categories every 15 days should the situation warrant.

Authorities in Italy previously extended the nation's state of emergency until Jan. 31. The measure gives the central government the authority to tighten restrictions and allocate resources nationwide at short notice.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.