COVID-19 Information – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy

Last updated: 05/24/2022

*** 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 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 June 15, 2022, the use of more protective FFP2/KN95 masks is mandatory to participate in all indoor athletic, cultural and recreational events, and on all transportation.
• From January 8, 2022 until June 15, 2022, all individuals above 50 years of age, including foreigners resident in Italy, will be required to be vaccinated. 

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.
  • Beginning on May 1 and valid until June 15, 2022, travelers from the United States may enter Italy if they are asymptomatic AND present one of the following:
    • • An Anti-COVID 19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA)-recognized vaccine.  At present, EMA recognizes the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax. The date of the last dose of the primary vaccination series must be at least 14 days prior to travel and no more than 270 days before arrival unless a booster shot was administered. Travelers vaccinated in the United States can prove this via the “white card” bearing the CDC logo.
      • A medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID valid for six months form recovery.
      • A negative molecular PCR test result carried out within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test result carried out within 48 hours of arrival
  • Passengers unable to present a valid vaccination, recovery certificate or negative test result will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation
  • The approved languages for the above certificates are Italian, English, Spanish, and French.  Certificates can be in digital or paper format.  For additional information on travel to and from Italy, please see: the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
  • However, travelers from the United States unable to present a valid vaccination,  recovery certificate or negative test result will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation.
  • Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the pre-departure Covid test.
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No

Movement Restrictions

• Is a curfew in place? No
  • The Italian government provides answers to frequently asked questions on the COVID measures in effect at the following site: FAQs.
  • During this time, it is also important to remain aware of restrictions in place within your region.
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? In some instances
  • Travelers from the United States unable to present a valid vaccination, recovery certificate or negative test result will have to self-isolate on arrival for five days and undergo a molecular PCR or rapid antigen test at the end of the isolation.

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 public transportation.

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?
  • In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy will limit the level of consular staffing and appointments for the following routine U.S. citizens services beginning on October 26, 2020: passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notarial services, and federal benefits assistance. U.S. citizens should visit the corresponding pages to make appointments for these services.  We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Italy and intend to return to normal operations as soon as possible.  For further information, please visit S. Embassy Rome’s U.S. Citizen Services webpage.
• 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 in accordance with Italian government decrees mandating social distancing.  In addition, individuals who have traveled within the past 14 days to a country requiring self-isolation or a negative COVID-19 test upon return to Italy will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Italy.

Local Resources:

• The Italian National Institute of Health’s website: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/
• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy.  English speaking operators are available.
• Other links:

By U.S. Mission Italy | 24 May, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Health, Health Alert, quarantine, travel restriction, virus