To British Nationals in Italy,
Coronavirus and local measures
I know this is a worrying and difficult time for many of you. The Coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented situation and Italy has been hit hard. As you know, the Italian government introduced measures to limit the spread of the virus with schools, universities and most businesses closed. And, as you also know, all residents in Italy must remain at home, or carry a Self-Declaration Form (autodichiarazione) stating the reason for travel. You can go out to buy food or medicines or go to work if you can’t work from home. We recommend, of course, that you follow the advice of local authorities as some regions have implemented stricter controls. If you are travelling through airports or transport hubs, we recommend you carry a proof of residence.
Under the new measures, identity cards which expire after 17 March will automatically remain valid until 31 August 2020 (without the need to renew). All certificates and attestazioni that expire between 31 January and 15 April will be automatically valid until 15 June – again without having to renew them. Driving licences that expire after 17 March will automatically remain valid until 31 August.
Where to find information
You can find more information on the government’s measures on the Italian Ministry of Health website (in Italian) and the Frequently Asked Questions document on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (in English). Our Italy Travel Advice page also has all the most up to date details including links to the main government pages.
If you believe you have symptoms of Coronavirus you should contact your local GP, your local ASL or one of the regional numbers found here (http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?area=nuovoCoronavirus&id=5364&lingua=italiano&menu=vuoto ). Naturally you should immediately self-isolate.
In the case of an emergency you should call Italy’s 112 emergency number. English speaking operators are available.
Embassy support
My teams at the British Embassy in Rome and at the Consulate in Milan are supporting British Nationals in Italy during this time. The UK government has advised that all British travellers, those normally resident in the UK who are currently overseas, should return immediately and we have been assisting people to return home. We are also providing support to UK nationals currently in quarantine or self-isolation here in Italy.
Our work
The UK government’s number one priority is responding to this pandemic, whether in the UK or through our international engagement. For me and my team, our focus is on supporting British nationals through this period and showing solidarity with our Italian colleagues, friends and neighbours.
With warm wishes,
Jill Morris CMG
Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy