Travel to Italy: Everything You Need To Know

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Last Updated: 5 November 2026

Italy needs no introduction. From the ruins of Rome to the canals of Venice, the rolling hills of Tuscany to the cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has been captivating travelers for centuries. It is among the most visited countries in the world, known for its art, architecture, history, and food. Here’s what a visitor needs to know to plan a trip to Italy in 2026.

🇮🇹 Italy at a Glance

Entry Requirements for Italy

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, meaning it follows the same entry rules as the other 28 Schengen member countries. What you need to enter Italy depends on your nationality.

Visa-Exempt Visitors (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Others)

Citizens of the countries on the EU visa-exempt list, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil and Mexico, can enter Italy without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen 90/180-day rule, and it applies across all 29 Schengen countries combined, not just Italy (see the European Commission).

To enter Italy as a visa-exempt visitor, your passport must meet two requirements. It must have been issued within the last 10 years at the time of entry, and it must remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from the Schengen area.

At the border, Italian authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter), and evidence of onward or return travel. These documents aren’t always requested, but having them available avoids potential complications.

Visitors Who Need a Visa

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) through the Italian consulate in your home country before traveling. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and costs €90 for adults (€45 for children aged 6 to 11) since June 2024. The application requires travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage — see our guide to the best travel insurance for Europe for policies that meet Schengen visa requirements.

The Schengen short-stay visa covers stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, such as work, study, or family reunification, check with the Italian consulate which national visa or residence permit you need. Use our Europe Travel Planner to find out exactly what your nationality requires.

What’s Changing at Italy’s Borders

Two major systems are transforming how non-EU visitors enter Italy and the rest of the Schengen area. One is fully in place; the other has been pushed back.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System completed its phased rollout and has been fully operational at all Schengen border crossings since April 2026. EES replaced the old passport-stamping process with a digital system that records biometric data — fingerprints and facial images — along with your passport details and entry/exit dates.

The first time you enter the Schengen area under EES, your fingerprints and a facial image are registered at the border. The Commission says EES allows wider use of automated border control and self-service systems, so the process can vary by crossing. Once you’re registered, the data stays valid for three years, and subsequent entries only require identity verification rather than a full re-registration.

ETIAS — Europe’s New Travel Authorization

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require visa-exempt travelers — including Americans, Britons, Canadians, and Australians — to apply for a travel authorization online before boarding a flight or train to Italy or any other Schengen country. ETIAS is not yet in operation, and no start date has been announced. The European Commission says it will announce the date several months before launch.

The ETIAS application will be completed online. It will ask for personal details, passport information, and security-related questions. The fee is €20 for travelers aged 18 to 70 (free for those younger or older). Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers all 29 Schengen countries, so you don’t need a separate authorization for each destination.

Getting to Italy

Italy has good air connections from many parts of the world, plus rail and ferry links to neighboring countries.

Italy currently has temporary border controls on its land border with Slovenia (19 June 2026 to 18 December 2026), so carry your passport or ID if you cross by land.

By Air

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is Italy’s main international hub, handling most long-haul flights. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is the second-busiest, with strong European and intercontinental connections. Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Naples (NAP), Bologna (BLQ), Florence (FLR), Catania (CTA), and Palermo (PMO) all handle significant international traffic.

Budget carriers like Ryanair (which has major bases across Italy), EasyJet, Vueling, and Wizz Air connect Italian cities with the rest of Europe, often at competitive prices. For long-haul routes, ITA Airways (Italy’s national carrier, replacing Alitalia), and major international airlines offer nonstop service from North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

By Train

Italy has rail connections to neighboring countries. Direct high-speed trains have run between Paris and Milan, operated by SNCF’s TGV INOUI and Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa, in roughly 7 hours; the line reopened in 2025 after a landslide closure in the French Alps. Trains also link Milan with Zurich through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. ÖBB Nightjet sleeper trains have connected Rome, Venice and Milan with Vienna and Munich. Check current routes and timetables. The Trenitalia and Italo networks handle domestic high-speed routes.

By Ferry

Italy has extensive ferry connections across the Mediterranean. Regular services link the mainland to Sardinia and Sicily (from Genoa, Livorno, Naples, and Civitavecchia), to Croatia (from Ancona, Bari, and Venice), to Greece (from Bari, Brindisi, and Ancona), and to Spain (Civitavecchia and Genoa to Barcelona). Major operators include Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia, and GNV.

Getting Around Italy

Italy has a high-speed rail network connecting major cities, complemented by regional trains, buses, and roads. The country is uniquely shaped — long and narrow — so distances between north and south are significant.

Trains

Italy has two competing high-speed rail operators, Trenitalia and Italo. Understanding the options helps you plan and compare fares.

Buses

Long-distance buses are an affordable alternative, especially for routes not well served by rail. FlixBus operates extensively across Italy. For local and regional routes, particularly in the south and in rural areas, bus may be the only public transport option. Itabus (connected with Italo trains) also operates intercity coach services.

Driving

A car is the best way to explore rural Tuscany, Umbria, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast (though the roads are narrow and nerve-wracking), Puglia, and Sicily’s interior. Italy drives on the right. The autostrada (motorway) network is extensive and mostly toll-based.

Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain), 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (0.05%) for most drivers and zero for drivers under 21 and for drivers in their first 3 years with a category B car licence.

International Driving Permit: GOV.UK says UK photocard licence holders can drive in Italy without an IDP. EU/EEA license holders do not need an IDP. If your license was issued in another country, check the requirements with your car hire company and the Italian authorities before you travel. See our International Driving Permit guide for how to get one in your country.

City Transit

Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin all have metro systems. Rome’s Metro has limited coverage compared with Milan’s, which is more extensive. Buses, trams, and ferries (vaporetti in Venice) round out local transit. Single-ride fares have been roughly €1.50 in Rome and €2.20 in Milan. Fares change, so check the price at the machine, and consider a day pass if you’re making multiple trips.

Where to Go in Italy

Italy offers an almost overwhelming diversity of destinations. Every region has distinct character, cuisine, dialect, and landscape. Here are the areas most visitors focus on.

Rome

The Eternal City layers 2,700 years of history into a living, chaotic, magnificent capital. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill anchor ancient Rome. Vatican City (technically an independent state within Rome) holds St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Trastevere neighborhood are essential, and the food — from supplì to cacio e pepe to pizza al taglio — is reason enough to visit. Book tickets for major sites well in advance, particularly the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

Florence and Tuscany

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to an extraordinary concentration of art and architecture. The Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David), the Duomo and its Brunelleschi dome, Ponte Vecchio, and the Palazzo Pitti are all within walking distance. Beyond Florence, Tuscany offers the medieval towers of San Gimignano, the Palio horse race in Siena, the wine country of Chianti and Montalcino, and the Val d’Orcia’s iconic rolling hillscapes.

Venice

Venice is unlike any other city in the world — built on 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges, with canals serving as streets. St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and a gondola ride through the canals are the highlights. The nearby islands of Murano (glass-making), Burano (colorful houses), and Torcello are worth half-day trips. Venice is crowded, expensive, and prone to overtourism — visiting in the shoulder season (March–May or October–November) makes a significant difference.

Amalfi Coast and Naples

Naples is gritty, vibrant, and famous for its pizza. The nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are extraordinary. South of Naples, the Amalfi Coast — Positano, Amalfi, Ravello — clings to dramatic cliffs above turquoise water. Capri and the islands of the Bay of Naples are easily reached by ferry. The Amalfi Coast road is famously narrow and nerve-wracking to drive; consider the SITA bus or ferries instead.

Milan and the Lakes

Italy’s business capital and fashion hub is often underrated as a tourist destination. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (book months ahead), the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Brera district are highlights. Milan is also the gateway to the Italian lakes — Como, Garda, and Maggiore — which offer spectacular scenery, elegant villas, and a more relaxed pace.

Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera

Five colorful fishing villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) clinging to the Ligurian coastline, connected by hiking trails and a local train line. Cinque Terre is stunning but very popular — visit outside of July and August if possible. Nearby Portofino and the rest of the Italian Riviera offer more options along this gorgeous coast.

The Dolomites and Northern Italy

The Dolomites are among the most spectacular mountain ranges in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and world-class hiking and skiing. Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo (a host of the 2026 Winter Olympics), and the Val Gardena are popular bases. The region has a strong Austrian cultural influence — German is widely spoken alongside Italian, and the food blends Italian and Tyrolean traditions.

Sicily and Sardinia

Sicily is a world unto itself — ancient Greek temples at Agrigento, the mosaics of Palermo’s Cappella Palatina, the baroque cities of Noto and Ragusa, Mount Etna (one of Europe’s most active volcanoes), and a food culture that draws from centuries of Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian influences. Sardinia offers some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches (particularly the Costa Smeralda and Cala Goloritzé), along with the mysterious Nuragic stone structures and a distinct Sardinian identity. Both islands are part of the Schengen Area.

Puglia and Southern Italy

Puglia (the “heel of the boot”) has become an increasingly popular destination — the trulli stone houses of Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage), the baroque old town of Lecce (“the Florence of the South”), the whitewashed city of Ostuni, excellent seafood, and orecchiette pasta. Matera, just across the border in Basilicata, has ancient cave dwellings (sassi) transformed into hotels and restaurants. Southern Italy often offers better value and fewer crowds than the north.

Practical Information for Visitors

Money and Costs

Italy uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, though small businesses, market vendors, and some trattorias may prefer cash. Contactless payment is increasingly standard. ATMs (bancomat) are easy to find in cities and towns.

Costs vary significantly by region and city. Venice and the Amalfi Coast are among Italy’s most expensive destinations. Milan, Florence, and Rome are moderately expensive. Naples, Sicily, Puglia, and much of the south offer significantly better value. As rough guides, budget travelers might spend around €80–120 per day and mid-range travelers around €150–220. An espresso is often around €1–1.50 (usually cheaper standing at the bar than sitting at a table), a pizza margherita around €6–10, and a three-course meal at a trattoria around €25–45. Prices change, so check current prices.

Tipping is not expected in Italy the way it is in many countries. A coperto (cover charge), often around €1–3 per person, is commonly added to restaurant bills and covers bread and table service. Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not obligatory.

Language

Italian is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas, major hotels, and by younger Italians in cities, but far less common in rural areas, the south, and among older generations. Italian regional dialects are strong and vary enormously — Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Venetian are effectively separate languages, though everyone speaks standard Italian as well. In South Tyrol (Alto Adige), German is co-official and widely spoken.

Making an effort with basic Italian is genuinely appreciated. “Buongiorno” (good morning), “per favore” (please), and “grazie” (thank you) go a long way, and Italians almost always respond warmly to the effort.

Power and Connectivity

Italy uses Type C, F and L power plugs at 230V/50Hz. Type L has three round pins in a row. A universal adapter covers every case. Many Type C plugs fit Italian sockets, but if your charger has a thicker plug or you encounter an older outlet, you may need an Italy-specific adapter. Travelers from outside continental Europe will usually need a plug adapter.

Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) handle the voltage difference automatically — check the label on your charger for “INPUT: 100-240V” to confirm. Hair dryers and straighteners from North America may need a voltage converter, or it’s easier to buy or borrow one locally.

Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are widely available, though speeds can vary, particularly in rural areas. EU residents benefit from “roam like at home” regulations with no extra charges. For visitors from outside the EU, TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre all offer prepaid tourist SIM options available at airports and phone shops.

Health and Safety

Check GOV.UK’s current travel advice for Italy before you go. GOV.UK says you need a GHIC or EHIC to get medically necessary state healthcare in Italy, and that these cards are not an alternative to travel insurance; costs they may not cover include private healthcare. If you are from another country, check what your own health arrangements cover in Italy. GOV.UK advises travel insurance that covers local treatment and unexpected medical evacuation, so consider travel insurance for Europe.

In a medical emergency, call 118 (ambulance) or 112 (EU-wide emergency number). Pharmacies (farmacie, marked with a green cross) can provide advice and dispense many medications over the counter. Many areas have a rotating pharmacy that stays open outside normal hours (farmacia di turno).

Pickpocketing is a common concern in busy tourist areas and on public transport in cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan, so keep valuables secure and be wary of distraction techniques. Don’t leave belongings visible in parked cars.

Food and Dining Culture

Italian food culture is central to daily life and varies enormously by region — Italians take regional food identity seriously, and what’s traditional in Bologna may be unheard of in Palermo. A few customs are worth knowing. Lunch is typically 12:30–2:30 PM and dinner from 7:30–8:00 PM onward (later in the south). Many restaurants close between services. The coperto (cover charge) is standard and legal — it’s not a tip.

A traditional Italian meal follows a specific structure: antipasto (starter), primo (pasta or risotto), secondo (meat or fish with contorno/side dish), and dolce (dessert). You don’t need to order every course — it’s perfectly acceptable to have just a primo, or an antipasto and a secondo. Coffee comes after dessert, never with the meal. Cappuccino is a morning drink — ordering one after lunch draws looks.

Regional specialties are a reason to travel Italy in themselves: pizza in Naples, ragù alla bolognese in Bologna (never called “spaghetti bolognese” — it’s served with tagliatelle), risotto alla milanese in Milan, bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence, orecchiette with broccoli rabe in Puglia, arancini in Sicily, and pesto in Liguria. Wine is widely available and often good value, even at restaurants.

Italy: Economy and Context

Italy is a very popular destination, and tourism is a significant part of its economy.

Italy is a founding member of the EU and one of the first euro countries in 1999, it has been in the Schengen Area since 1997, and it has among the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country. This extraordinary cultural density means that even small towns and lesser-known regions reward exploration.

Italy has a large economy with significant regional variation. The industrialized north (Milan, Turin, Bologna) is generally wealthier, while the south (Mezzogiorno) generally has lower incomes and often offers better value for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or travel advice. Entry requirements can change — always verify with official government sources before traveling. Last updated: 5 November 2026.