Last Updated
This article was last updated october 26, 2020 and will no longer be updated. → A newer and frequently updated version exists here: Italy's Entry Requirements and Countries That Can Visit
Italy has now reopened for tourism and has recently updated the countries and nations that are permitted to visit, both with restrictions and without.
The Italian Tourism Board states:
“Italy’s tourism is ready to start again and to welcome tourists – Italians and foreigners – for the summer season.
It is now again possible to move freely within the whole country and use any normal service: museums and cultural centers, hotels, bars and restaurants have opened their doors; airports, railway stations and transport services are operational; campsites, mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome travelers.”
Italy officially reopened borders on June 3rd, first allowing 26 European nations to visit without restrictions. Then on July 1st, Italy further allowed the entry of select third-party nations outside the EU, but with different entry requirements.
Below we have compiled a guide with everything you need to know about travelling to Italy, which countries are allowed to visit, all entry requirements, and any other rules you need to know about.
Which countries are allowed to travel to Italy?
Below you will find 2 lists. One with the EU countries that can visit Italy, and one of third-party countries outside the EU that can now visit Italy.
Here is a list of EU/Schengen nations that can currently visit Italy with no restrictions:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium*
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic*
- Estonia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France*
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands*
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain*
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom*
- Vatican City
July 28 update: Both Romania and Bulgaria have been removed from the above list. Travelers who in the last 14 have spent time in either Romania or Bulgaria can still enter, but they now require a 14-day quarantine.
Third-Party Countries Allowed into Italy
A list of ‘approved safe’ countries was suggested by the EU to all EU members on June 30, 2020. The suggestion outlined that each EU member should consider allowing residents of those nations permission to enter for tourism starting on July 1.
Italy has accepted the suggestion by the EU, but has imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement for anyone traveling from those nations.
The third-party nations now allowed entry into Italy (with quarantine) are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
This list of countries is not final and can change. It is to be regularly updated, at least every two weeks. The quarantine requirement will also be reviewed every two weeks.
New Testing Requirements
As of August 13th, (with more additions on October 8) now certain EU nations require a PCR test to enter, due to a surge in cases in those areas.
For the purpose of containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, to people who intend to enter Italy who have stayed or transited through France, Czech Republic Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands in the previous fourteen days, will be required to bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry, or undergo a test upon arrival and isolate to await results.
Countries currently BANNED from entering Italy
The following travelers are banned from entering Italy if they have stayed or transited in the following countries: Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Kosovo, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, Serbia. Flights have also been suspended from these destinations.
The EU also has a current travel ban in place for the USA.
Is entry into Italy based on physical location for the last 14-days, residency or nationality?
Entry into Italy is based on residency PLUS location for the past 14 days. Italy has approved entry for the above two lists of nation based on travelers being a resident of one of those nations, and have physically been in one of those nations for the last 14 days.
Does Italy have mandatory tests on arrival or quarantines?
Tests = No. For the approved countries listed above, at this time, there is no mandatory testing upon arrival into Italy
Quarantines = Maybe. For the list of third-party countries, a 14-day quarantine is required. For the list of the EU/Schengen nations, no quarantine is needed.
Passengers should expect a health screening from a border officer, as well as agree to temperature scans.
Other entry rules into Italy:
- Effective July 9th, all foreigners travelling into Italy need to print, fill out, and carry a self-declaration form to show airline carriers and/or border police if stopped. The form can be found HERE
- All third-party nations that are required to quarantine, as a rule, must do so immediately after entering the country. You are only allowed to reach the address where you have chosen to self-isolate, by the shortest possible route and without using any means of public transport other than the means used to travel to Italy (for example, if you fly into Fiumicino Airport you are not allowed to catch a train into Rome or for any other destination).
Once I enter Italy, can I move freely within the country?
Yes, once approved entry tourists can move freely within the country, with the exception of four regions, for which registration on arrival is still required:
- Sardinia: you need to fill in an online form on the region's website 48 hours before arriving.
- Sicily: you need to register on the Sicilia si cura website and/or through the app Sicilia SiCura (Play Store – Apple Store)
- Apulia: you need to fill in a self-report that you can download on the region's website.
- Calabria: you need to fill an online form on the region's website on Covid emergency.
Are masks mandatory in Italy?
Wearing of masks in indoor and outdoor public spaces, 24 hours a day, became mandatory on October 8.
What is open in Italy?
- All hotels and accommodation facilities have reopened providing that a safety distance of one metre is guaranteed in all common areas
- Museums and other places of culture. See a list of all museums now reopen
- All restaurants, pubs and bars
- All beaches with a 1 metre distance between others
- Access to parks, villas, playgrounds and public gardens is allowed. Outdoor recreational activities are allowed
- Gyms, swimming pools, sports centres and clubs
- All places of worship as long as social distancing of 1 meter is observed
- From the 15th of June, shows in theatres, concert halls, cinemas and other outdoor spaces are allowed. A maximum number of 1000 spectators for outdoor shows and 200 people for performances in closed places have been set.
Update October 25: MANY restaurants are closing early or take-out only. Gyms, cinemas, pools, etc are closing. Lots of new restrictions happening due to a surge in cases
Have Flights Resumed to Italy?
Yes, all major Italian airports are open and operational.
From Europe:
Countless flights are coming in and out of Italy from other European cities. Too many to list! Basically, every major European city has a daily direct flight.
From Canada:
- Toronto to Rome direct: Air Canada resumed on July 23, Air Transat resumed on July 27
- Montreal to Rome direct: Air Canada resumed on July 24
Can I transit through an Italian Airport?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states the foreign residents are permitted transit through Italian airports. Airport transits are allowed (for example, if travelling from Caracas to Frankfurt, with a stopover in Fiumicino), as long as you do not leave the airport. The self-declaration form must be filled out and made clear you are only transiting.
Are Travelers From the USA Allowed To Enter Italy?
No, not at this time, as the USA is still banned entry into EU nations.
There MAY be exceptions made for US residents who have property in Italy, an Italian spouse, and other essential travel situations. Any US citizen seeking an approval should contact the US consulate in Italy.
Read More: See the complete list of all countries that have reopened for tourism worldwide, and travel insurance that covers covid
Disclaimer: Italy’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling
For the latest re-opening Travel News and discussions, join our: Facebook Community
Subscribe to latest posts
Originally published July 22, 2020
Adlai Hallaren
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Hi, I'm American but I have a Spanish Residency Card (T.I.E.) since I have a job teaching English in Spain. My brother is in the U.S. military and he is in the city of Vicenza in Italy. Would I be able to visit him during the holidays since I have a Spanish T.I.E?
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
With all the rules happening right now, I really have no idea. You would have to ask Italian border police to be sure
K
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
Hi! I didn't notice Albania on any list, particularly traveling from Albania to Italy. I am wondering if a Canadian can fly to Italy from Albania? I've been in Albania since October 29th.
If not, in your opinion which EU country would be best & easiest to stay in for two weeks before heading to Italy?
Thanks.
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 17th of December 2020
Italy is only accepting visitors from EU countries and the small list fo third-party countries suggested by the EU. Albania is not an EU nation. Right now, Italy is being more strict with people using 'loopholes' to gain entry, so I really can't recommend any country to successfully enter from, as the government of Italy is advising against this.
Gilbert
Sunday 13th of December 2020
We are planing to drive from denmark to italy , by feb. 2021 what is the rules of entering the country by car ?
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 14th of December 2020
If you are an EU citizen, you can enter Italy by car. They don't publish the rules ahead of time, so anything could change by Feb, but the land borders are open now
Jack
Monday 7th of December 2020
I live in Saint Maarten dutch can I travel to Italy ?
cj gorospe
Saturday 28th of November 2020
Hi ciao i want to go to dubai nextyear january for vacation 1 month i want to know if theres a problem if i go back here in italy? im resident here
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 29th of November 2020
Hello CJ- Dubai is open for Italian's and Italian's can always return to their home country at any time :)