Italy is open to EU visitors but restrictions remain for US tourists.

Italy reopened to tourists from the European Union and the Schengen Area on 3 June, allowing unrestricted travel after months of lockdown due to the covid-19 crisis, however travel restrictions remain in place for visitors from most countries outside Europe, including the US.

Swab tests for arrivals from Croatia, Greece, Malta, Spain

Travellers arriving into Italy from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain must be tested for covid-19 as concern grows over new infections amid a recent surge of coronavirus cases in the countries in question, Italy announced on 12 August.

Italy adds Colombia to travel ban list

On 12 August Italy added Colombia to a list of countries under a complete travel ban, including transit passengers.

Quarantine for those who enter Italy from Romania and Bulgaria

On 24 July the Italian government imposed quarantine measures for people entering Italy after staying in Romania and Bulgaria in the last 14 days, in a move designed to prevent the importation of covid-19 into the country.

Italy adds more countries to travel ban list

Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo were added to the list of countries banned from entering Italy due to the covid-19 crisis, on 16 July.

Italy extends covid-19 restrictions until 31 July

Italy has renewed its restrictions to counter the covid-19 crisis, including the obligation to wear masks in enclosed public spaces, social distancing, and the continued prohibition of public gatherings of people, until at least 31 July.

13 countries barred on 9 July

Italy has banned entry to people coming from 13 countries that it said presented an excessive rate of covid-19 infections.

The list of 13 nations comprises Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama, Peru and Dominican Republic.

The travel ban includes all direct and indirect flights to and from the 13 countries, and affects anyone who has stayed in or travelled through these countries during the previous 14 days.

EU reopens external borders on 1 July but not to US

On 1 July the EU reopened its borders to travellers from a list of "safe countries" whose citizens now have quarantine-free access to the EU: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Montenegro, Morocco, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.

Algeria, Serbia and Montenegro were subsequently dropped from this list.

The EU says that China could also be added to this list but only if Beijing reciprocates by permitting entry to EU nationals.

• Italy keeps quarantine measures in place as EU opens borders

However Italy has decided to opt out and retain its quarantine regulations for all nations that are not part of the free-travel Schengen area.

Can US citizens travel to Italy?

The US recommends that travellers "reconsider" travel to Italy, with a Level 4 Health Advisory advising US citizens to avoid all non-essential international travel due to the global impact of the coronavirus.

• Italy to allow travel to and from abroad from 3 June

Only people travelling to Italy from the US for "proven work, urgent health needs, or to return to your place of residence" will be allowed into Italy, and on arrival they must "self-isolate for 14 days under the supervision of health authorities," states the US embassy in Italy.

Those in the US who are thinking of travelling to Italy should also consult the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Italy lifts internal travel ban between regions on 3 June

Who can visit Italy right now?

Since 3 June Italy has been open to visitors from the EU and the Schengen Area - a grouping of 26 European countries (including non-EU members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) that grant their citizens free movement across their borders - as well as the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

• Covid-19: Italy maps out recovery as travel ban ends

Visitors from these countries and sovereign states are not subject to quarantine unless they have stayed in countries outside the bloc in the two weeks prior to entering Italy. 

•  Austria and Greece reopen borders with Italy

What are Italy's covid-19 containment measures?

Gathering of people in public places remains forbidden and the wearing of masks is obligatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transport, including on airplanes.

• Rome's Ciampino airport resumes scheduled flights

The recommended practice of social distancing (interpersonal space of at least one metre) remains in force, while those with a temperature of or above 37.5° C are obliged to stay at home and contact their doctor.Italy has also rolled out a contact-tracing app, called Immuni, designed to contain fresh outbreaks of covid-19.

• Alitalia resumes flights to New York and Spain

Italy's airports are checking the body temperature of all passengers. Similar measures are in place at the country's museums which are staggering their visitor numbers, with access only by reserving in advance.

Official health and travel information in Italy

For helpful guidelines (in English and Italian) see Italy's health ministry website.For full travel information, including travelling abroad from Italy, see the Italian foreign ministry's Viaggi Sicuri website.