Italy: Authorities continue to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of June 28 /update 56

Event

Italy has further relaxed domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of June 28 in response to a downward trend in case numbers. Facemasks are no longer mandatory in outdoor public spaces in low-risk ("white") regions; however, they must be worn in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. This does not apply in Campania, where a regional ordinance maintains the mandatory use of facemasks outdoors.

Officials maintain the nation's four-tiered, color-coded COVID-19 tracking system consisting of red, orange, yellow, and white levels to decrease infection risk. Each region is assigned a designation based on local case numbers, testing positivity rates and other factors, imposing local restrictions accordingly.

As of June 28, all regions of the country are designated as "white," the lowest risk category. In white-level regions, most nonessential businesses may operate. Social distancing must be observed. Face masks must be worn in indoor public spaces, including stores and shopping centers. They may be removed once seated in a catering establishment.

International Entry
Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions for certain travelers. Travel is permitted from EEA-associated states, the UK, Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US. Travelers from Australia, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand 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 the US, Canada, and Japan will be exempt from these measures if they possess a Green Pass, a certificate that proves that they have either completed the vaccination course, have tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous 48 hours, or have overcome the disease in the previous six months. For additional details regarding the Green Pass, click here.

Officials have imposed a mandatory five-day self-isolation period for all entrants who have been in the UK during the previous 14 days due to concerns over virus variant strains present in the country. Such persons must also test negative at the end of the 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 indefinitely extended a suspension on 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.

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
World Health Organization (WHO)