As Italy moves into fase due, or “phase two” of its lockdown, there's a new set of rules now valid from May 4-17th.

Can I travel between regions?

The existing ban on travel between regions of Italy remains mostly unchanged, with one important difference: from May 4th, if you are currently staying outside your region of permanent residence you are be allowed to travel home, something that hasn't been permitted for several weeks.

Just as in phase one, you're also allowed to travel between regions for work, health reasons or other emergencies.

What counts as an urgent reason for travel?

The decree states that we can travel for “proven work needs, situations of need, or health reasons.”

For example, if you have a medical appointment or need to be somewhere for work or business, you're allowed to travel. However you'll need proof, and police may check your story.

What exactly counts as an emergency or a “situation of need” is more open to interpretation by local authorities. If  in doubt, contact your local comune or caribinieri police station.

Can I travel to a different town or comune in my region?

Yes – for certain reasons. As well as to go to work, buy necessities, and for health emergencies, under the new decree you are now allowed to travel within your own region to visit relatives.

“Travel to see relatives is considered necessary so long as the ban on gatherings is respected, interpersonal distance of at least a metre is maintained and respiratory protection [a mask or other face covering] is used,” the new decree states.

READ ALSO: Who exactly are you allowed to visit under Italy's 'phase two' lockdown rules?

Meeting up with anyone except relatives will not be considered a valid reason to travel.

You still can't travel outside your town to go shopping (unless your nearest supermarket is in another comune) or for anything other than the essential reasons listed under the decree.

There may be other allowances made depending on your region's local rules.

How far can I travel to visit family?

You can visit family members in another town, but not in another region.

Can I go on holiday or to the beach in my own region?

No. Spending the weekend in a nearby town, or planning a holiday in another part of your region, is a no-go at the moment. This won't be considered a valid reason for travel, plus tourist facilities, including hotels and restaurants, remain closed.

If you leave near a beach, you can walk on the beach alone (provided access hasn't been restricted by local authorities) but sunbathing and picnics are not allowed.

Do I still need a form when travelling in Italy?

Yes, in fact the autocertificazione ('self-certification') form will remain a requirement whenever you leave the house until at least May 18th.

The government has released an updated version of the form reflecting changes to the list of accepted reasons for going outside.

The form is only available in Italian and must be completed in Italian. Find our complete guide to the new form and how to fill it in here.

Photo: AFP

Are these rules the same across Italy?

There are extra travel restrictions in certain regions, and some places will be enforcing rules more strictly than others.

Each region has a certain amount of authority to set its own rules, so check the website of your regione or comune to find out what the rules are where you are.

When you fill in your self-certification form you'll need to state that you know the restrictions in place in both the region you're travelling from, and the region you're travelling to.

Southern regions in particular have imposed 14-day quarantine measures on anyone arriving from northern Italy, as local authorities fear an influx of people from areas with far higher rates of infection.

Can I go to, or leave, my second home?

The national government has not signed off on visiting second homes: the only property to which you're allowed to travel must be your main place of residence.

There are some regions, such as Veneto or Puglia, which have their own rules allowing people to visit a second home or smallholding in order to carry out maintenence.

READ ALSO:

• When will it be possible to travel to Italy again?
• Why are planes still flying to and from Italy during lockdown?
• The restrictions you have to follow if you travel to Italy from overseas

If you've spent the past few weeks under lockdown at your second home, you can now leave to return your main residence.

Many people who were working or studying away from home are now returning to their families.

This allowance was mainly intended for tourists who were stuck in the country when the lockdown began, so if you do decide to travel now be prepared to explain your reasons for travelling to police.

Do I need to wear a mask?

On public transport, yes.

Face masks should also be worn on the street in cases when it is hard to maintain a safe distance from others, ISS public health institute director Silvio Brusaferro said.

But masks “must not give a false sense of security,” Brusaferro added. “It is an additional element, but personal hygiene and distancing are more important.”

The rules on face masks also vary by region. We have more details about when and where face masks should be worn here.