1.I’m an Italian expat or a foreign national resident in Italy, may I return to Italy?
Yes, but only for emergency reasons. For example, Italian nationals, or foreign nationals resident in Italy, who are abroad temporarily (for tourism, business or other reasons) are allowed to return to Italy. Italian nationals obliged to leave the foreign country where they were working or studying (because they’ve lost their job or home, or because the study programme they were attending has been suspended) are likewise allowed to return to Italy.
On entering their national territory, they must travel directly home in the shortest possible time.
Any emergency reasons for returning to Italy must be self-certified. The self-certification must be prepared before departing, stating the specific reasons for returning, to speed up checks.Please use the self-certification form available at the Interior Ministry website (link).
On returning to Italy, all interested persons must immediately report their return to the Prevention Department of the competent local health authority and shall be required to self-isolate for 14 days, subject to health surveillance. Self-isolation and health surveillance do not apply to the other members of the household already present in Italy.
2.I’m a foreign national in Italy, may I return to my home country?
Yes, but only if it is absolutely necessary and observing the same conditions that apply to Italian nationals returning from abroad (see the FAQ). The temporary suspension of work, or switching to a home working arrangement, are not sufficient reasons for travelling.
Before departing, you are advised to check the measures put into place in the country of destination to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to contact your embassy in Italy as well.
3.I’m returning to Italy from abroad. May I ask someone to pick me up at the arrival airport, railway station or port?
Yes, but only one person living in the same home as you and possibly wearing protective equipment. This type of movement is considered a matter of the “utmost urgency” and indicated as such on the self-certification form that can be downloaded at the Interior Ministry website (link). The self-certification must be fully compiled and must specify the journey and the destination place of residence.
You are obviously required to immediately report your return to the Prevention Department of the competent local health authority and shall be subject to health surveillance and self-isolation, and to promptly report the development of any symptoms of Covid-19 infection to the healthcare services.
