Italy: Authorities maintaining domestic COVID-19 social distancing mandates, international entry restrictions as of July 12 /update 58

Event

Italy is maintaining light-touch domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of July 12 as part of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. 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.

Authorities are also 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 arrivals who have visited the UK during the previous 14 days due to concerns over virus variant strains present in the country. Such persons must also test negative within 48 hours prior to arrival and at the end of the isolation period. The measure is scheduled to remain in place until July 30.

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.

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)