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Here's the latest version of the form you need to go outside under Italy's quarantine rules

The Local Italy
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Here's the latest version of the form you need to go outside under Italy's quarantine rules
Police in Rome checking residents' paperwork on March 25th. Photo: AFP

Under Italy's nationwide quarantine rules, anyone who wants to leave their own home has to fill out a special permit - and the paperwork keeps changing. Here's the fifth version of the form, and how to fill it out.

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Everyone in Italy is required to fill out a standardized form whenever they leave the house, stating their reason for being outside, and to submit it to authorities if asked

The rules have been tightened several times by the Italian government since quarantine was first enforced, and each time, a new form has been issued.

The fifth and latest version of the form was released on Thursday afternoon to reflect the latest changes to the emergency decree.

Until at least April 3rd, people throughout Italy are being asked to stay indoors and venture outside only for the bare essentials.

You're allowed to leave your house for:

  • An urgent, demonstrable, work-related reason.
  • A situation of "absolute urgency" - if you need to leave your comune . such as a health emergency.
  • "Situations of need" - if you're staying within your own comune - for example to buy food and other basic necessities.
  • Health reasons, for instance an urgent doctor's appointment.

A previous option, returning home to the area where you're normally resident, is no longer allowed and that option has been removed.

READ ALSO: What are Italy's tightened coronavirus quarantine rules?

Police can stop anyone at train stations, on roads or simply on the street – including pedestrians – and ask them to justify why they are outside.

Here's what the latest form looks like:

It is essentially an official declaration that:

  • You're aware of the travel restrictions;
  • The information you provide is true;
  • You understand that making a false claim is punishable by law.

The latest version adds the following declarations:

  • You have not tested positive for COVID-19 and are not subject to home quarantine.
  • You are aware of the laws in the region you're in, and also in the region you're travelling to (if travelling outside your region)
  • A declaration of the start and end points of your journey

These additions were made after the national government made it easier in the latest decree for regional authorities to bring in more of their own regularions.

Rules can now vary widely from one region to another, on top of the regulations in force nationally. You're advised to check the website of your region and comune to make sure you're up to date.

Where do I get one of the forms?

You can download the form here and print it out at home or at a tabaccheria (These shops are still open and have a sign with a big T outside).

Otherwise, police at checkpoints as well as officers checking people in the street are usually carrying a stack of forms to give out.

How do I fill it out?

The form asks for the following information (in order):

Section one:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Where you're officially resident
  • Where you're currently living/staying (which can be different to your official residence)
  • Form of ID (e.g. passport, ID card)
  • ID number
  • Address of the place you're departing from
  • Date of departure
  • Telephone number

Section two:

Here you're making the following declarations:

  • You have not tested positive for COVID-19 and are not subject to home quarantine.
  • The start and end points of your journey
  • You're aware of the national rules
  • You're also aware of the laws in the region you're in, and in the region you're travelling to (if travelling outside your region)
  • Reason for travel: work; necessity; health; returning home
  • Details of reason for travel
  • Date, time and place you're handing in the form
  • Signature

Examples of reasons to travel listed on the form include:

  • Lavoro presso... ('I work at...')
  • Devo effettuare una visita medica ('I have a medical appointment')
  • Rientro dall'estero ('I'm returning from abroad')

The form should be filled out in Italian. Ask someone to help you if you're not sure what to write.


Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP

Do I have to print it out?

Now that justification is required simply to be on the street, you'll need to have a copy ready as soon as you leave the house.

If you have access to a printer, you can download the form here.

Police at checkpoints (such as those at train stations) should also have a stack of paper forms available, and you can ask to take a few.

Alternatively you can copy out the whole thing by hand: make sure to write everything exactly as it appears on the form, in full. 

What happens if the police stop me?

The Italian authorities reserve the right to check out your story and if they find it's not accurate, you could face a fine of hundreds or even thousands of euros – or even criminal charges and up to three months in prison.

If you're stopped and checked, a police officer may check the form and your ID, and then countersign the form (in the bottom right-hand corner where it says "L'operatore di Polizia) to say you've had your identity confirmed.

They may ask you to hand over the form: make you take a clear photo first for your records.

How many forms do I need?

You should expect to complete a new form for every journey you make. 

Do I need any other documents?

Carry your passport and/or your Italian ID card with you, as well as your permesso di soggiorno if applicable.

If you're travelling because you live somewhere else in Italy and you need to return home, bring proof of your address.

If it's for work reasons, try to provide documentation from your employer, and if you need to travel for medical reasons, bring a note from your doctor or confirmation of your appointment. 

READ ALSO: 

It's not clear exactly what authorities will be looking for as proof, but as ever in Italy, it's probably a good idea to offer as many documents as you can.

Will I really be charged if I don't have the form?

Ever since Italy announced a nationwide decree nicknamed 'Io resto a casa' (I'm staying home) – first effective March 9th and since tightened repeatedly – there have been reports of police handing out fines to people caught travelling in Italy without an 'essential' reason, even within their own town.

Realistically police can't check everyone's papers, and whether they punish you is at each officer's discretion. Many people will probably just be told to go back home. 

But the only way to be sure of avoiding problems is to follow the rules the Italian authorities have set, described above.

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Anonymous 2020/03/19 10:38
The option to generate an electronic version of the 'autocertificazione' form as many times as needed, linked to above, has apparently been cancelled: Sospensione del servizio: Gentile cittadino,<br />in merito alle dichiarazioni da parte della Polizia di Stato del 18.03.2020 e consultabile a questo link è stata presa la decisione di sospendere il servizio di creazione certificazioni online. https://autocertificazionespostamenti.it/close<br />

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