Italian nationals returning to Italy and foreigners in Italy

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DECREE OF THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER OF NOVEMBER 03, 2020

 

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DOWNLOAD HERE:

- SELF-DECLARATION FORM FOR ENTERING ITALY FROM ABROAD: FORM

- NORMATIVA ANTI-COVID PER RIENTRO DALL’ESTERO: ALLEGATO ALL’AUTODICHIARAZIONE - ONLY IN ITALIAN

 

THE MEASURES APPLIED IN ITALY

On 7 October 2020, the Council of Ministers decided to extend the nationwide state of emergency until 31 January 2021, due to the health risk posed by the spread of communicable diseases, especially COVID-19 caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

On November 3, 2020 a new Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) was adopted, which provides for a series of restrictions on the national territory (which vary from Region to Region and are indicated on the Health Ministry’s website at this link). It incorporates the rules and regulations already included in the DPCM of October 24 and October 13, 2020 concerning travel to/from abroad. The provisions enshrined in the DPCM of November 3, 2020, unless amended, are valid until December 3, 2020.

Further travel restrictions may be imposed, with regard to specific areas of the country or travel from certain foreign Countries and territories.

Each regional Governments may impose restrictions on travellers from certain foreign Countries or territories. Travellers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination, either by directly contacting the local authorities or checking out the respective websites. (click here).

Click here to consult the applicable regulations.

An information form has been prepared for people travelling from/to Italy, based on the current legislation. The form has been designed for information purposes only, it has no legal value and does not guarantee the entry in Italy or other Country of destination.

If you have any doubts about travelling to Italy, please contact the Border Police or the competent local Prefettura or health authorities. Travellers to foreign countries are advised to always check the relevant country information on ViaggiareSicuri website or contact the Embassy or consular offices of the Country of destination in Italy.

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TRAVEL FROM/TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES

IN FORCE FROM 14 OCTOBER TO 24 NOVEMBER

Also the DPCM of 24 October 2020 contains lists of countries, for which different restrictions apply. These lists are contained in Annex 20 of the DPCM. The measures envisaged for travel to/from the countries on the various lists are detailed below.

A – The Republic of San Marino and the Vatican City State: no limitations.

B – EU COUNTRIES (except for the Countries in lists C and D), SCHENGEN, Andorra, the Principality of Monaco: travel to/from countries in List B is allowed for any reason and without the obligation to self-isolate on return. The requirement to fill a self-declaration remains. The easing of restrictions on travel from Italy to certain countries does not exclude that these countries may still impose restrictions on entry. Travellers are advised to check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website, for information about entry restrictions by local Authorities.

C –Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Spain, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland: no restrictions for those travelling to the above Countries. Those who enter/return to Italy from these Countries (after stay or even only transit in the 14 days prior to entering Italy), in addition to completing a self-declaration, shall also:

a) present a declaration to the effect that they have taken a molecular or antigenic swab test, with a negative result, within 72 hours before entering Italy.

alternatively

b) undergo a molecular or antigenic swab test on arrival at the airport, port, or border location (where possible) or within 48 hours of entering Italy at the competent local health authority surgery.

Persons who stayed or transited in any of these countries in the 14 days prior to returning to Italy shall also communicate their entry into the Italian territory to the Prevention Department of the competent Health Authority.

Travellers are advised to check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website, for information about entry restrictions by local Authorities.

The obligation to undergo a molecular or antigenic swab test upon return from List C countries is subject to the exceptions provided for below, in the dedicated paragraph.

 

NOTE. The British, Danish, French, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Spanish territories outside the European continent: which list do they belong to?

Annex 20 of the DPCM of 24 October 2020 specifies that:

• Faroe Islands, Greenland, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Azores and Madeira are included in list B.
• Gibraltar, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, British bases on the island of Cyprus; Spanish territories on the African continent; Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, Mayotte, are included in list C.
• all other French and British territories not expressly mentioned; the territories of the Netherlands located outside the European continent are included in list E.

D – Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, The Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay: according to the Italian regulations travel from/to these Countries is allowed for any reason. The easing of restrictions on travel from Italy to certain countries does not exclude that these countries may still impose restrictions on entry. Travellers are advised to check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website, for information about entry restrictions by local Authorities. On returning to Italy travellers must self-isolate and undergo supervision by the competent health authorities for 14 days;  they are also required to fill in a self-declaration form and reach their final destination in Italy only by private means (airport transit is allowed, however without leaving the dedicated areas of the terminal).

The obligation of self-isolation upon return from List D countries is subject to the exceptions provided for below, in the dedicated paragraph.

E – Rest of the world: travel to/from the rest of the world (i.e. all the States and territories not mentioned in other Lists) is allowed only for specific reasons, such as work, health or study, or absolute urgency, returning to one's home, domicile, or dwelling. Therefore, travel for tourism is not allowed. Travellers are advised to check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website, for information about entry restrictions by local Authorities. The return to Italy from this group of countries is always permitted to Italian/EU/Schengen citizens and their family members, as well as holders of residence permits and their family members. (Directive 2004/38/EC). The DPCM of 3 November 2020 allows travellers from the Countries in List E to enter Italy if they have a proven and stable affective relationship (regardless of whether or not they cohabit) with Italian/EU/Schengen citizens or with persons who are legally resident in Italy (on a long-term basis) and if they are travelling to their partners' home/domicile/dwelling (in Italy). On entering Italy from any of these Countries, travellers will be required to fill in a self-declaration form  specifying the reason for entering/returning to Italy. The form must then be presented to the competent authorities if requested. Please be prepared to show any support documents and to reply to any answers by the competent authorities. Travellers will be allowed to reach their final destination in Italy only by private means (airport transit is allowed, however without leaving the dedicated areas of the terminal). Travellers must self-isolate and undergo supervision by the competent health authorities for 14 days.

The obligation of self-isolation upon return from List E countries is subject to the exceptions provided for below, in the dedicated paragraph.

F –List F includes the countries from which entry into Italy is prohibited. The day on which they are included in the list is crucial. Only those who have been resident in Italy before that date are included in the exceptions to the entry ban. The countries in List F are indicated below and grouped according to the date of inclusion in the list.

Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic: for travellers from the Countries specified in list F or who had stayed/transited in these Countries in the 14 days prior to their attempt to enter Italy a ban on entry is still in force with few exceptions.  Exceptions are:

1. EU (including Italians), Schengen, United Kingdom, Andorra, The Republic of San Marino, Principality of Monaco, Vatican City State citizens and their family members who have been resident in Italy since before 9 July 2020. They are subject to the obligation to present to the carrier on boarding, or to any other competent authority, a declaration to the effect that they have taken a molecular or antigenic swab test, with a negative result, within 72 hours before entering Italy;
2. third-country citizens who reside in Italy on a long-term basis (in accordance with Directive 2004/38/EC), and their family members who have been resident in Italy since before 9 July 2020. They are subject to the obligation to present to the carrier on boarding, or to any other competent authority, a declaration to the effect that they have taken a molecular or antigenic swab test, with a negative result, within 72 hours before entering Italy;
3. travel crew members and on-board personnel;
4. officials and other servants, however, they may be called, of the European Union or international organisations, diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions, consular officials and employees, and military staff and Italian Country Police personnel in the performance of their duties;

On entering Italy from any of these Countries, travellers must self-isolate and undergo supervision by the competent health authorities. They are also required to fill in a self-declaration form specifying the reason for entering/returning to Italy. Traveller will be allowed to reach their final destination in Italy only by private means (airport transit is allowed, however without leaving the dedicated areas of the terminal). Travelling from Italy to these Countries is allowed only for specific reasons, such as work, health or study, or absolute urgency, returning to one's home, domicile, or dwelling. Therefore, travel for tourism is not allowed. Travellers are advised to check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website, for information about entry restrictions by local Authorities.

Kosovo and Montenegro: the same rules apply as for the countries in List F already mentioned. The reference date is 16 July 2020. Consequently, persons falling under categories a), b), c) and d) may enter Italy only if they have been resident in Italy since before 16 July 2020. 

Colombia: the same rules apply as for the countries in List F already mentioned. The reference date is 13 August 2020. Consequently, persons falling under categories a), b), c) and d) may enter Italy only if they have been resident in Italy since before 13 August 2020. 

 

EXCEPTIONS

Limited exceptions are provided to the mandatory self-isolation, supervision by the competent health authorities and swab testing rules. These exceptions do not apply to those who had stayed or transited from List F-countries in the 14 days before they attempted to enter Italy.

Provided that no symptoms of COVID-19 occur and that there have been no stays or transits in one or more countries on list F in the fourteen (14) days before entering Italy, without prejudice to the obligations of self-declaration and presentation of a negative result of a molecular or antigenic test (if applicable) and communication of one's entry from abroad into the national territory, the provisions concerning the obligations of self-isolation,  health supervision, the use of the private means of transport to reach the final destination and to undergo a swab test* do NOT apply:

1. to anyone (regardless of nationality) entering Italy for a period not exceeding 120 hours for proven needs of work, health or absolute urgency, with the obligation, at the end of that period, to leave the national territory immediately or, failing that, to begin the period of health supervision and self-isolation;
2. to anyone (regardless of nationality) transiting, by private means, through the Italian territory for a period not exceeding 36 hours, with the obligation, at the end of that period, to leave the national territory immediately or, failing that, to begin the period of health supervision and self-isolation;
3. citizens and residents of the Countries and territories listed in Lists A, B, C* and D who enter Italy for proven work reasons.

*However, in case of provenance, stay or transit in the previous 14 days in one of the countries on List C, it is compulsory to undergo a molecular or antigenic test.

1. health personnel entering Italy for the exercise of professional health qualifications, including the temporary exercise referred to in Article 13 of Decree-Law no. 18 of 17 March 2020;
2. to cross-border workers entering and leaving the national territory for proven reasons of work and the consequent return to their residence, domicile, or dwelling;
3. to the personnel of companies and institutions with registered or secondary offices in Italy for travel abroad for proven work reasons of no more than 120 hours;
4. officials and other servants, however, they may be called, of the European Union or international organisations, diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions, consular officials and employees, and military staff and Italian Police personnel in the performance of their duties;
5. to pupils and students to attend a course of study in a country other than their country of residence, dwelling or abode, to which they return every day or at least once a week.

The rules for mandatory self-isolation, health supervision and swab testing do not apply to:

• travel crew members;
• on-board personnel;
• persons entering the country for work reasons regulated by specific security protocols, approved by the competent health authorities;
• persons entering the country for reasons that cannot be postponed, including their participation in international sports events or trade fairs, subject to prior authorisation by the Ministry of health and subject to the obligation to present to the carrier on boarding, or to any other competent authority, a declaration to the effect that they have taken a molecular or antigenic swab test, with a negative result, within 72 hours before entering Italy. For further information about how this latter exemption shall apply please consult the procedure put into place by the Ministry of Health at this link.

Several examples:

Letter a)

An Italian citizen entering Italy for a 3-day stay from Tunisia, his/her country of residence, for health reasons, is not required to self-isolate or undergo health supervision.

An Indian citizen residing in the United States, who is travelling to Italy from the Unites States for work reasons for a 4-day stay, is not required to self-isolate or undergo health supervision.

A U.S. citizen, who is travelling from the United Kingdom without other stays or transits, can enter Italy, without the obligation of self-isolation and without undergoing a molecular or antigenic test, if the travel is motivated by proven reasons of work, health or absolute urgency and if the stay in Italy does not exceed 120 hours.

A Ukrainian citizen, who is travelling directly from Ukraine or Turkey, can enter Italy without the obligation of self-isolation, if the travel is motivated by proven reasons of work, health or absolute urgency and if the stay in Italy does not exceed 120 hours.

A Czech citizen coming from the Czech Republic, without any other stays or transits in the previous 14 days, who has to enter Italy for health reasons, for example, to undergo a visit or surgery, with a 4-day stay in Italy, can enter without the obligation of a molecular or antigenic test (only if the stay in Italy does not exceed five days in total).

Letter b):

A Serbian citizen, in transit by land with his/her car to Portugal, can cross Italy without any obligation of self-isolation if the stay in Italy does not exceed 36 hours.

Letter c)

An Australian citizen, coming from Australia and without other stays or transits in the previous 14 days, who enters Italy because his company has transferred him/her to its Italian headquarters, is not required to self-isolate or undergo health supervision, regardless of the length of the stay in Italy.   

A German citizen, coming from the United States, without any other stays or transits in the previous 14 days, who has enter Italy for work reasons, is not required to self-isolate or undergo health supervision, regardless of the length of the stay in Italy.

*Note:

A French citizen who has to enter Italy from France because he/she has to take up service in Italy or for other work reasons, shall, in any case, undergo a molecular or antigenic test within 72 hours before departure, upon arrival or within 48 hours of entering Italy. In the event of a negative result of the test carried out on arrival or within 48 hours, he/she shall not undergo self-isolation, unless symptoms compatible with COVID-19 arise. 

An Italian citizen residing in Belgium who has to return to Italy for proven work reasons shall, in any case, undergo a molecular or antigenic test. In the event of a negative result of the test carried out on arrival or within 48 hours, he/she is not required to self-isolate, unless symptoms compatible with COVID-19 occur. 

A Japanese citizen residing in the Netherlands (or who has spent the previous 14 days in Spain) and who must enter Italy for proven reasons of work shall, in any case, undergo a molecular or antigenic test. In case of the negative result of the test carried out upon arrival or within 48 hours, he/she is not subject to self-isolation, unless symptoms compatible with COVID-19 occur.

FURTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

The self-declaration form to enter Italy is available by clicking here.  

For further specific questions regarding entry into the country, please contact the Border Police or the competent Prefettura. For questions regarding supervision by the competent health authorities, please contact either the local Health Authority or the dedicated freephone number of the Ministry of Health 1500.

The DPCM of 3 November 2020 provides that restrictions may apply to specific areas of the country or to travel from certain foreign Countries and territories.

Each regional Governments may impose restrictions on travellers from certain foreign Countries or territories. Travellers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination, either by directly contacting the local authorities or checking out the respective websites (click here).

An information form has been prepared for people travelling from/to Italy, based on the current legislation. The form has been designed for information purposes only, it has no legal value and does not guarantee entry in Italy or other Country of destination.

If you have any doubts about travelling to Italy, please contact the Border Police or the competent local Prefettura or health authorities. Travellers to foreign countries are advised to always check the relevant country information on ViaggiareSicuri website or contact the Embassy or consular offices of the Country of destination in Italy

GO TO THE INFORMATION FORM  

Air traffic is still suspended; sea, air and land borders are closed in many countries around the world. Flights are still subject to frequent cancellations. It is recommended that you always contact your airline to confirm your flight.

The easing of restrictions on travel from Italy to certain countries does not exclude that these countries may still impose restrictions on entry.

Travellers are advised to always check the relevant Country information on ViaggiareSicuri website for information about entry restrictions imposed by the Local Authorities.