Italy has new rules for US travelers - here's what you need to know

The European Union has removed the US from its safe travel list, amid concerns over a surge in cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19. As a result, US travelers heading to Italy will have to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to arrival and, if unvaccinated, will spend at least five days self-isolating upon arrival.

According to the new ordinance signed by Italian health minister Roberto Speranza, vaccinated travelers from countries on List D, including the US, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada, must produce a negative PCR or antigen test taken in the 72 hours prior to entering Italy, even if they have proof of vacccination like a COVID-19 green pass or equivalent certification.

Unvaccinated travelers from the US will have to self-isolate before enjoying the sights of Italy © lauradibi/Shutterstock

As well as producing a negative test taken 72 hours prior to arrival, unvaccinated travelers are required to self-isolate for five days. They must produce a negative test at the end of that period to be released from quarantine, with antigen tests in Italy costing around $25 and PCR tests costing about $75. The new rules apply to travelers who have been in the US in the 14 days prior to travel, but children under six years of age are exempt.

Italy requires people dining indoors, visiting museums, theaters and cinemas or attending sports events to produce proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR or antigen test. It also requires arrivals to the country to fill out a digital passenger locator form. Up-to-date information on the Italy's entry requirements can be found on the Viaggiare Sicuri website.