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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy to the Holy See
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10 MINUTE READ
December 23, 2020

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Location:  Vatican City and Italy

Event: The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Italy recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel (including tourism) to Italy. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19 concerns and recommends that travelers should avoid all travel to Italy.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates continue to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Italy and in other locations worldwide.  The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found on our COVID-19 Information Page.

On December 18, 2020, the Italian Government issued a decree containing new country-wide anti-COVID measures in effect for the holiday period from December 24, 2020 to January 6, 2021.  Throughout this period, a curfew will be in place from 10:00pm to 5:00am, except on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2020) when the curfew will begin at 10:00pm and continue until 7:00am.

Throughout Italy, movement restrictions during this period will generally fall within two categories depending upon the date in question.

The following measures will be in place on December 24, 25, 26, 27 & 31 and January 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6.  All non-essential commercial activities will be closed, including bars and restaurants (take-away only service will be available until 10:00pm and home delivery service is allowed).  Essential activities will be open, such as food shops/supermarkets, pharmacies, newsstands, barbers/hairdressers, etc.  Movements are only allowed for the purpose of work, health, or necessity, and are limited to your city of residence.  Returning to one’s residence, domicile, or home is permitted, but not travel to second homes located in another region.  Individuals must carry a self-certification form on all movements during this period.

The following measures will be in place on December 28, 29 & 30 and January 4.  All commercial activities, essential and non-essential, are open until 9:00pm.  Bars and restaurants remain closed with the possibility of home delivery and take-away service until 10:00pm.  Movements will only be allowed within the city of residence (with no need to carry a self-certification form).  Movements outside of the region are not allowed.  Returning to one’s residence, domicile or home is permitted, but not travel to second homes located in another region.

During this time, it is also important to remain aware of any additional restrictions in place within your region.  You can also visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on Italian Government decrees and measures.

On December 20, 2020, the Italian Government issued an order banning all flights from the United Kingdom until January 6, 2021 and prohibiting entry into Italy to anyone who has stayed in the United Kingdom in the 14 days prior to December 20, 2020.  Those who are already in Italy and stayed in the United Kingdom in the 14 days prior to December 20, 2020 must inform their local health office (ASL) of their presence and receive a COVID-19 swab test.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are permitted to return to the United States from Italy.  Travelers should continue to check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel.

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