Good news for American travelers as Italy has officially reopened to American tourists for quarantine-free travel.
Initially, on May 17, the quarantine requirement was dropped for passengers from the EU or Israel with a negative test, as well as travelers from the United States on a ‘Covid-tested’ flight.
And now, the Italian government has announced a new plan effective from June 21, just three days after the European Union added the United States to its list of countries approved for entry.
According to the new plan, travelers from the U.S. have three options to enjoy quarantine-free travel to Italy.
1) anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, including the completion (at least 14 days) of the prescribed cycle of one of the vaccinations recognized by the EMA. Those vaccinated in the U.S.A. can prove this via the “white card” bearing a CDC logo;
2) recovery from COVID-19 (with a medical certificate outlining any necessary information);
3) negative rapid antigenic or molecular PCR test carried out within 48 hours of departure (proved via certification from the laboratory that performed the test).
Minors accompanied by a parent/caregiver with one of the above certifications must always take the pre-departure Covid test if they are 6 years old and over; minors under 6 years old are, in any case, exempt from the pre-departure Covid test.
Even with these Certificates, all passengers entering Italy are required, prior to departure, to complete a specific location form in digital format (https://app.euplf.eu/). Alternatively (in the event of technical difficulties), passengers can compile the specific self-certification form in paper format
(https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2021/04/modulo_rientro_sintetico_25_aprile.pdf).
Airlines are adapting to the new regulations also within the framework of USA-Italy Covid-tested flights, which will therefore comply with the above-mentioned provisions. Travelers are in any case advised to contact the airlines they will be used to verify if additional requirements are necessary.
Tourists from Canada, Japan, and Israel were also cleared for travel to Italy with no isolation period.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom are also now allowed, but the quarantine rule which was dropped in May has been reinstated as of June 21. Arrivals must provide a negative test taken within 48 hours of arrival, quarantine for five days and then take another test.
Travelers from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore and Thailand are allowed unrestricted entry, however, they must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival at a place of their choice, and must not take public transport to their destination.
Current Situation in Italy
The country is currently divided into zones, depending on infection levels: red, orange, yellow, and white.
In yellow zones, shops, bars, and restaurants can stay open throughout the day. Diners must be home by 11 p.m. for the curfew.
Museums can reopen but on weekends and holidays, tickets must be booked at least one day in advance.
In orange zones, restaurants offer takeout only and people can move freely within their own towns, but cannot leave their area unless for work or an emergency.
In red zones, all shops are closed other than grocery stores and pharmacies.
White zones are almost back to normal.
From June 21, all regions are white except Valle d’Aosta, which remains yellow. Zonings are revised weekly.
White zones are not subject to the curfew.
See the latest COVID-19 situation in Italy here: (https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5367&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto)
