COVID-19 Information

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 3 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and similarly recommends that travelers defer all nonessential travel to Italy.

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.

– 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

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes

The Italian government has established that permits of stay in Italy that expired between January 31, 202 and July 31, 2020 retain their validity until August 31, 2020. Please see this link for additional information.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes

– All travelers arriving in Italy from abroad must self-isolate for 14 days 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. This link also provides current guidance on procedures to be followed upon arrival and entry into a period of self-isolation.

COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 testing procedures in Italy vary by region, and individuals should consult regional health authorities for further guidance. Generally, the first step is a blood test (serological test) to identify the presence of antibodies that are found in the blood following contact with the virus. To carry out this test, it is necessary to go to an authorized public or private laboratory with a prescription from a physician. This test costs approximately 15 Euro and is paid for by the individual being tested. In the event of a positive response to the blood test, a nasal swab test (oropharyngeal test) should be promptly carried out to determine if the infection is active or if there is risk of transmitted it to others. The nasal swab test is coordinated by the Italian National Health System (SSN) at no charge to the person tested. The following links provide additional information regarding COVID-19 Monitoring & General Information and COVID-19 Regional Telephone Information Hotlines from the Italian Ministry of Health.

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:

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 as of June 17, 2020. Please note that although some passport processing centers in the United States have resumed operations, customers may sill 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. As of July 20, 2020, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including routine appointments for students (F and M), exchange visitors (J), investors/ treaty traders (E), journalists (I), aliens of extraordinary ability (O), and athletes/artists/entertainers (P), as well as emergency and mission critical cases. While the Embassy and Consulates aim to process cases as soon as practicable, there is 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 within one year of the date of payment. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv or (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment. For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s Visa webpage..