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COVID-19 Information (December 17, 2021)
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16 MINUTE READ
June 17, 2022

Coronavirus

Last updated: 06/17/2022

Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S.

***Effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers 2 years or older (citizens of all nationalities, including U.S. citizens, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. Please visit the CDC webpages for more information on the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

*** Effective November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.  Please visit the CDC webpages for more information about extremely limited exceptions to this policy, and contact your nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an exception.

 

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 citing the high-level of COVID-19 in Italy.  The Department of State’s Level 4 Travel Advisory recommends that travelers reconsider travel to 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 visit the website: https://travel.state.gov/

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.

Local Resources:

Consular Operations: please visit the website of the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Italy: LINK.

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