Italy Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | See below | No | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
EU nationals: You are not required to show a passport or national ID card when entering Italy. However, transport providers like airlines, train operators and ferry companies will require you to show your passport or ID card to prove your identity.
Non-EU nationals: To enter Italy, you must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and with at least three months left, along with a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of stay.
Italy is a Schengen country, but beware that EU members such as Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Italy. But those planning to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a residence registration certificate with local authorities.
Non-EU Nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Italy and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (passport must include an identity card number), Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia (biometric passports only; excluding those issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (Schengen C) visa: €90 for those who are 12 years old and above, €45 for children aged six to 11, and free for children under six. Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and family members of EU/EEA citizens, are exempt from fees.
Validity
The Schengen C visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Transit
If you are transiting through an Italian airport, you may need an airport transit (A) visa depending on your nationality. Check with the nearest Italian embassy or consulate before travelling.
Application to
Visa applications must be submitted online via the official Visa for Italy portal before attending an appointment at an Italian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa centre.
Schengen Visas
Italy is a member of the Schengen Area, so Schengen visa rules apply.
Temporary residence
EU nationals: Will need a residence registration certificate for stays longer than 90 days.
Working days
Schengen visa applications usually take 15 to 21 calendar days, but sometimes up to 45 days. Be mindful of national holidays in Italy, as they may affect processing times. It is recommended to submit applications at least four weeks prior to departure.
Sufficient Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, living expenses, and return or onward travel.
Extension of stay
Short-stay Schengen visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons. Requests should be made at the local immigration office.
Entry with pets
Pets from other EU countries must have a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. Pets from non-EU countries must have a veterinary certificate and may require a rabies antibody test, depending on their origin.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
