Italy – Mobility Across Regions and Countries Still Limited, Measures Extended
IT – Regional, Cross-Border Travel Limitations
On 2 March 2021, the Italian government approved the latest law that limits entry into Italy and internal travel. The country remains divided into various risk zones, with the aim of reducing and preventing unnecessary movements between zones that could potentially spread the coronavirus. Security forces continue to control key transport hubs, undertaking checks on documentation and other random controls elsewhere. Many of these restrictions are scheduled to stay in place until 6 April.
On 2 March 2021, the Italian government approved the latest law1 that aims to limit the risk of a third wave of the coronavirus, especially of the recently-discovered variants of COVID-19 (the so-called British and Brazilian variants).
This newly-approved Presidential Decree will be valid until 6 April, right after Easter weekend. Entry into Italy and internal travel remain highly restricted. The country is still divided into various risk zones, intended to help reduce and prevent unnecessary movements between zones. (For recent coverage of travel restrictions, see the following issues of GMS Flash Alert: 2020-510 (23 December 2020) and 2020-503 (22 December 2020).) Security forces continue to control key transport hubs, undertaking checks on documentation and other random controls elsewhere. If there are relevant reasons for one’s movement, these are protected in many cases.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and to the rise of mutated variants of the virus, the risk of contagion is still kept under strict surveillance in tandem with a vaccine campaign that steadily rolls out.
That is why the restrictions have not changed in a significant way; in Italy, restricting mobility between regions remains one of the most efficient ways, it has been found, to limit the contagion. As for travelling from abroad, the latest Presidential Decree continues to be based on lists of countries for which different measures are provided.
Business travel therefore remains severely restricted both within Italy and to and from abroad. The normal fines and penalties continue to apply where individuals are unable to provide documentation to justify their trips. The security forces continue to impose random checks and to control strategic travel hubs. In these circumstances, home working remains the order of the day in Italy, with no widespread return to offices anticipated. Continued remote working in public agencies and offices continues to lead to delays in obtaining tax, social security, and immigration documentation.
Mobility Across Regions
Italy remains divided into zones based on the level of risk from a moderate (yellow) to a high level (red). Some activities may be reopened in less affected areas. A new “white zone” where restrictions are lower has also been introduced. Currently, only Sardinia has been confirmed to be in such a zone. Changes of colour in each area occur based on the trends in the local infection rates. Occasional ad hoc measures may see particular municipalities being designated “red” or a “reinforced orange.”
Until 27 March 2021, movements between different regions (including those to or from the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano), are prohibited, except for travel for proven work needs, situations of necessity, or health reasons.
A curfew remains in effect nationally between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am regardless of the zone. Individuals detained outside these times must be able to justify their reasons. Based on the infection rate, stricter or looser restrictions may be applied for travel between municipalities in the same zone. It should always be possible to return to one's residence or domicile.
Travel Restrictions
Entry into the Italy is usually not allowed for travellers coming from non-European Union (EU) countries. Some exceptions apply, such as travellers coming from Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay (these countries having a safer “situation”). Also, trips for proven important needs might be possible. In some cases, it is possible to enter Italy from non-EU countries for those who live permanently in Italy (proper documents may be necessary as proof).
Until 6 April 2021, those who have stayed or transited in the previous 14 days in all non-EU countries must undergo self-isolation and health surveillance for 14 days, in some cases a negative swab test is necessary and local health-care authorities need to be informed in advance.
Some restrictions apply to trips from the EU as well and some exceptions to quarantine exist.
Limitations to Flights and Entries from the U.K., Brazil, and Austria
Restrictions for entries from the U.K. and from Brazil still apply until 6 April 2021. It will now be possible for people who have been in Brazil or who have transited from there in the 14 days before the trip to Italy to enter Italy if they have minor children resident in the country.2 Until 6 April 2021, travellers who have been in Austria for 12 hours or more in the 14 days before entering Italy may need to comply with measures such as: showing a PCR test with negative results taken not earlier than 78 hours before embarking for Italy, showing a self-certification for the reasons for the trip, taking a PCR test at the port of entry or within 48 hours of the date of entry in Italy, self-isolating for a 14-day period, and taking a PCR test once this period is over3.
In case of trips from EU countries, special requirements may be applied such as showing a PCR test with a negative result before boarding, after boarding, and/or at the end of a 14-day quarantine depending on the country of departure and on countries visited.
FOOTNOTES
1 Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei MInistri n.2 del 2 marzo 2021. For the text (in Italian), see: https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/atto/stampa/serie_generale/originario.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid. And Ministero della Salute Ordinanza del 13 febbraio 2021, Ulteriori misure urgenti in materia di contenimento e gestione dell’emergenza epidemiologica da COVID-19, see: https://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/dettaglioAtto?id=78830&completo=true.
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not offer immigration services or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Italy.
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