Europe – Italy

For US citizens visiting Italy: Travel Requirements

For a visit up to 90 days, a valid passport is the only requirement. No visa is needed for tourist or business purposes within that timeframe. However, if staying longer than 90 days, or for reasons other than tourism or business, a visa is required. 

For stays longer than 90 days or for reasons other than tourism/business a visa is required. A visa must be obtained from an Italian Embassy or Consulate before traveling, according to the U.S. Department of State (.gov). Also, if staying longer than 90 days, upon arrival in Italy, you'll need to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of Stay).

Possible requests would include proof of sufficient funds to support your stay and a return or onward ticket may be requested. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, etc.) or an invitation letter may also be required.

Upcoming pre-travel authorization, while not yet implemented, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to be a requirement for visa-exempt travelers to enter the Schengen area in the future. Check out our recent blog detailing Europe’s New entry requirements. 

For non-US citizens visiting Italy, for EU citizens and citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, a valid identity card is sufficient as an alternative to a passport; Citizens from non-EU countries may enter Italy with a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended, not required, according to ETIAS.com

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans include both travel medical and trip cancellation coverage, along with many other essential coverages for travel. 

Travel medical plans are available for US Citizens/US Residents, while traveling to other countries and for foreign nationals who are visiting other countries but NOT traveling to the USA. Travel medical plans provide coverage for an accident and sickness while traveling. These plans do not include coverage for trip cancellation.

Trawick International has travel insurance plans to safeguard your Italy travels. Learn more.

If you are a non-U.S. Citizen:

If you are a U.S. Resident or Citizen:

  • Safe Travels Outbound is a travel medical plan for U.S. citizens traveling outside the U.S.
  • Trip Cancellation plans are comprehensive travel insurance plans for U.S. citizens and residents that include travel medical and robust coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, baggage delay, and more.

24/7 Customer Service to help you decide

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Italy is a prime destination to immerse yourself in history (Opera in Verona, art in Florence, ancient history in Rome), art, nature (Dolomites hiking, lakes - Como, Garda, Maggiore, beaches in Puglia), culture, food (pizza, pasta, gelato everywhere – wine tastings in Tuscany, Barolo in Piedmont, Prosecco in Veneto), and natural beauty, seasonal activities are the Venice Carnival, Palio di Siena, Christmas markets, summer sagre (food festivals).

Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October (milder weather, fewer crowds).

Transportation: Efficient train system for major cities; rent a car for countryside or coastal routes.

Language: Italian is official; basic English is widely understood in tourist areas.

The Top Cities & Regions to Visit

Rome (Lazio) – Colosseum, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon. Rome offers opportunities to experience Ancient ruins, religious landmarks, world-class art, and traditional Roman cuisine.

Florence (Tuscany) – Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David. Florence offers opportunities to experience Renaissance art and architecture, Tuscan wine tours, charming hill towns like Siena and San Gimignano.

Venice (Veneto) – Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, gondola rides. Venice offers opportunities to experience: Romantic canals, unique island hopping (Murano, Burano), Carnival festivities.

Milan (Lombardy) – Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Milan offers opportunities to experience fashion capital, modern art, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast (Campania) – Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Positano, Ravello, Capri. Naples & the Amalfi Coast offers opportunities to experience breathtaking coastal drives, fresh seafood, pizza birthplace.

Cinque Terre (Liguria) – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre offers opportunities to experience colorful cliffside villages, hiking trails, and sea views.

Sicily – Palermo, Mount Etna, Valley of the Temples, Taormina. Sicily offers opportunity to experience rich Greek/Roman heritage, diverse cuisine, volcanic landscapes.

SardiniaCosta Smeralda, Nuraghe ruins, Cagliari. Sardinia offers opportunities to experience beautiful beaches, prehistoric sites, and clear turquoise waters.

Helpful Travel Resources: Tourists Requirements & Useful Guides