Italy – COVID 19 Travel Updates

Traveling to Italy – COVID-19 Updates

Italy is a country steeped in history and surrounded by vast expanses of coastline and the boot-like form. Famous for pizza, pasta, and coffee, there is an abundance of sights and experiences to be had when visiting Italy. From the tourist-centric Rome to the historical villages and ruins around the country that tell how life has evolved over the years.

Take a tour of the Northern Lakes or discover some of the country’s best-kept hidden secrets nestled amongst jaw-dropping scenery. How about a trip to the Coliseum or head to Vatican city. Whatever you choose to do in Italy, the only issue will be your stay long enough!

Travel Advice for US Citizens Traveling to Italy

Americans are now allowed to visit Italy for tourism and leisure purposes. However, current guidance from the US State Department regarding travel to Italy is a Level 4 – Do Not Travel warning and the CDC guidance for Italy is Level 4 – Very High Level of Covid-19. This is due to the high risk of contracting COVID-19 in the country.

The US embassy has given the country a color-coded system, white (very-low risk), yellow (low risk), orange (high risk), and red (very high risk), to advise of the varying risk levels in different regions in Italy. The threat level is assessed by looking at infection rates, case numbers, availability of hospital and ICU beds, and other parameters. It is worth noting the country still has a curfew in place from 11 pm to 5 am up to and including 6th June 2021.

Italy has approved “COVID-tested flights” between the United States and Canada (Delta from Atlanta and New York to Rome and Milan). Travelers on these flights must;

• complete the computerized Passenger Locator Form,
• exhibit a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding,
• take a fast test right before flying, and then
• test again upon arrival in Italy, regardless of vaccination status.

Travelers do not need to isolate for 10 days if all three tests are negative.

The Italian Government has criteria for entry for other countries, and certain countries are currently restricted. The list is divided into groups A, B, C, D, and E. The US  is currently a List D country. All visitors from the US not arriving on “COVID-tested flights will need to fill out a self-declaration form and provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entering Italy. You will also be required to undertake a 10-day isolation period before taking a second PCR or antigen test.

Rules regarding people traveling from Italy to the US as of January 26th, 2021, require all persons aged two and over to show a negative viral COVID-19 test that has been taken within 72 hours of departure to be allowed to board their flight. Documented proof of recovery from the virus within the previous 90 days issued by a licensed healthcare provider will be accepted.

This guidance is constantly being reviewed and updated. For more up-to-date information, please visit here.