Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Wednesday announced he had signed off on the new rule, which will last until September 7.
“We must continue to be cautious in order to protect the results obtained thanks to the sacrifices made by all in recent months,” Speranza said.
The move comes after several regions introduced their own restrictions on residents returning from the four countries, which are considered to have dangerously high infection rates.
Health authorities worry in particular that Italians returning from holidays abroad may be bringing home the virus and sparking new outbreaks across the country.
Travellers arriving at an airport, port or border crossing can choose from a number of options, including rapid tests on the spot, or the presentation of a certificate obtained within the last 72 hours which shows they do not have the virus.
They can also choose to carry out a test within two days of entering Italy, but will have to self-isolate until they receive the results.
Anyone found to be positive, including asymptomatic cases, must report to the local health authorities.
More than 251,000 people in Italy have been infected by coronavirus, while the nation’s death toll stands at over 35,000.
With ANSA
