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Saturday, July 16, 2022

Italy and COVID Today

 

Helpful Information for Travelling to Italy Now


Last updated: 07/05/2022 - From The US Embassy and Consulates in Italy

*** As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.  Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions 

Country-Specific Information:

  • Italy has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country and advising Americans to “avoid travel to Italy” if you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. The Department of State’s Level 2 Travel Advisory recommends that Americans exercise increased caution due to terrorism. 
  • From May 1 until September 30, 2022, the use of more protective FFP2/KN95 masks is mandatory on all trains, ships and local public transportation (buses and metros) and inside all healthcare facilities.

COVID-19 Testing:

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Italy? Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
    • Please note that response times vary by testing location, the type of test taken, and the method of retrieving test results (i.e., in-person or via correspondence).
    • At present in Italy, antigen tests cost approximately $20, while PCR tests cost approximately $70.
  • Individuals who test positive in Italy will need to self-isolate between 7-21 days, depending on the specifics of the case. The self-isolation will occur at the traveler’s own expense.
  • For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/covid-19_testing_required_US_Entry.html

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Italy approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
  • Are vaccines available in Italy for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes, but only for those U.S. citizens enrolled in the Italian national healthcare system.
  • Which vaccines are available in Italy? Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax.  In addition, the Sputnik V and Pfizer-BioNtech are available in the Republic of San Marino. However, regional health authorities will determine which vaccines are administered.
      • COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed by the Government of Italy at a regional level.  According to the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, the National Vaccination Plan guarantees that vaccinations will be available to all people present/resident in Italy, whether or not they have a valid Permit of Stay as long as they are registered with the Italian National Health Service.  Citizens will have to follow the instructions and schedule of their region of residence, and further information from each region is available at the following link: http://www.regioni.it/regioni-online/.  For additional information on COVID-19 vaccination in Italy, please see the Italian National Institute of Health’s website.
  • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • U.S. citizens may travel to Italy for any reason, including tourism.
    • The Government of Italy periodically updates travel 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.
    • Regional governments in Italy may also impose restrictions on travelers from certain foreign countries, and travelers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination.
    • Starting from June 1, 2022, travelers to Italy will no longer be required to show the Green pass (i.e. Anti-COVID 19 vaccination certificate or recovery certificate, or a negative swab test) to enter Italy and are not subject to quarantine upon arrival to Italy if they do not possess the Green pass.
  • 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? No

Movement Restrictions

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? In some instances
    • Individuals who test positive in Italy will need to self-isolate between 7-21 days, depending on the specifics of the case. The self-isolation will occur at the traveler’s own expense.

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.
    • FFP2/KN95 masks are mandatory on all trains, ships and local public transportation (buses and metros).

Fines for Non- Compliance:

  • Italian police can impose monetary sanctions for non-compliance with Italian anti-COVID-19 measures regarding social distancing, movement restrictions and mask mandates.

Consular Operations:

  • What ACS services are being offered?
  • What visa services are being offered?
    • The entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the Schengen Area, including Italy, within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation 10143.  The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy are offering certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including limited appointments for individuals exempt from or who may qualify for a National Interest Exception to Presidential Proclamation 10143.  While the Embassy and Consulates aim to process cases as soon as practicable, there are 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 until December 31, 2021.  If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/nivor (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment.  For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s Visa webpage.
  • All individuals entering consular buildings must wear a face covering.

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