Updated on May 19, 2020
Please see: Alert and Messages webpage
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory advising U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
Reconsider travel to Italy due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19
- Lombardy and Veneto due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures.
Country-Specific Information:
- Italy has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning recommending travelers defer all non-essential travel to Italy due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19. The Department of State’s Level 3 Travel Advisory similarly recommends that travelers reconsider travel to Italy, and includes a Level 4 Travel Alert advising travelers not to travel to the regions of Lombardy and Veneto due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures.
- On March 14, 2020, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
- The Italian government has strict movement restrictions and law enforcement authorities are collecting self-declaration forms from travelers specifying the purpose of their movement and destination.
- In areas of Italy with large numbers of COVID-19 cases, the local healthcare system is under significant strain.
- 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.
- Due to reduced staffing that went into effect on March 11, 2020, only emergency American Citizens Services and emergency visa services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Consulates General Milan, Naples, and Florence. Emergency American Citizen Services are also available at the U.S. Consular Agencies in Palermo, Genoa, and Venice.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- On March 17, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation together with the Ministry of Health, issued a decree whereby all individuals entering Italy by any means of transportation are obliged to self-quarantine in their home/hotel for 14 days even if they have no symptoms of Covid-19. Individuals who are traveling to Italy for justifiable work purposes for less than 72 hours which can be extended an additional 48 hours are exempt from this requirement. Travelers are also required to inform the competent Local Health Authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale – ASL) of their entry immediately, and that they are returning to their domicile, residence or home, or entering Italy due to justifiable work reasons, special needs or health emergencies. The Italian Foreign Ministry has provided the following English-language guidance for traveling to and from Italy at present. For a list of Local Health Authorities, please see http://www.paginesanitarie.com/Indirizzi_ASL_1_Gennaio_2005.pdf. For further information, please visit http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/approfondimenti-insights/saluteinviaggio.
- The Government of Italy has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As of March 3, all passengers on U.S.-bound flights whose temperature is higher than 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit are not being permitted to board. Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on these new measures. Travelers who are not permitted to board should follow the instructions of the Italian authorities.
- Italy has suspended flights from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as well as from Taiwan. There is currently no proposed date for lifting the travel restrictions.
- While direct flights between Chinese points-of-origin and Italian destinations have been temporarily postponed, there are no specific restrictions for entry of anyone based solely on their nationality. Italian authorities continue to monitor arrivals from China at all international airports, and any passengers exhibiting symptoms (e.g., fever, respiratory congestion, coughing, sneezing) are subject to additional medical examination.
- Italy has expanded temperature screening to all air travelers upon arrival on all international (including European) and domestic flights arriving in Italy’s major airports.
Quarantine Information:
- On May 17, the Italian government released a decree introducing new measures valid from May 18 through June 3. Under this decree, movements within one’s region of residence will be free and unconditional, while those wishing to travel between regions in Italy must carry a self-declaration form that provides their need for travel. During this period, Italy’s regional and city officials will manage the relaxation of restrictions with respect to commercial activities and public access. For additional information, please see the Italian Foreign Ministry’s FAQs on the Italian Government’s Phase 2, as well as the Italian Civil Protection website.
Local Resources:
- https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/ (the Italian National Institute of Health’s website available only in Italian).
- Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
Other links:
