Italy – Level 3: Reconsider Travel T H
Reconsider travel to Italy due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19.
There is an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel (new) coronavirus in Italy. Many cases of COVID-19 have been associated with travel to or from mainland China or close contact with a travel-related case, but sustained community spread has been reported in Italy. Sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and the spread is ongoing. The CDC has issued a Level 3 Warning for Italy. At this time, CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Italy. Travelers should review and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus if they decide to travel to Italy.
Italy’s risk of terrorism remains unchanged. Italy has a longstanding risk presented by terrorist groups, who continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. If you decide to travel to Italy:
- Read the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 and information on health conditions in Italy.
- Review the Embassy’s latest alerts and the embassy’s webpage on COVID-19 in Italy for additional information. Follow Italian health official guidance and avoid government-designated affected areas.
- Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Italy.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Bring any required medication in your carry-on luggage as you may be separated from your checked bags. Consider carrying an extra 14 days of medication in the event that there are unanticipated delays in your travel plans.
Last Update: Updated with increased Advisory level due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
