Italy Adds New Covid Restrictions For Americans

The European Union removed United States from the list of “safe countries” as far as Covid risk goes. The move is a non-binding guidance for EU member states, but today Italy became the first European country to announce tougher coronavirus requirements for American tourists.

Any traveler from the U.S., or who has been in the country in the previous two weeks, must present a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their arrival in Italy. The Italian Ministry of Health says that the new requirements apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors. They must also fill out a digital passenger locator form, which aids contact tracing efforts if a traveler is exposed to COVID-19 during their trip. Children under 6 are exempt from testing.

Unvaccinated travelers must also quarantine for five days after they arrive and then be tested for coronavirus again, even if their initial test was negative. At present in Italy, antigen tests cost approximately $25, while PCR tests cost approximately $75, the US Embassy says.

These new restrictions also apply to Canada, Japan and Israel and will be in effect until at least October 25, 2021.