Traveling To Italy? Vaccination Requirements You Need To Know

Italy has various travel requirements for visitors, depending on their country of origin and vaccination status. As of June 2022, all travellers, including US citizens, are no longer required to show a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival in Italy. However, it is important to note that visitors from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, will soon need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation to enter Italy and other European countries. This requirement was initially set to begin in 2024 but has been delayed until 2025.

What documents do I need to travel to Italy?

When travelling to Italy, the documentation you need to bring will vary depending on your country of origin and how long you plan to stay. Here is a detailed breakdown of the documentation requirements for travel to Italy.

For EU Citizens and Citizens of Countries that have Signed the Schengen Agreement:

A valid identity card is sufficient when travelling to Italy. Alternatively, you can use your passport.

For Citizens from Non-EU Countries:

A passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area is required. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa. You can request a visa from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, and it will generally be issued after 90 days. It is recommended to check the website esteri.it to see if you need a visa. On this website, you can enter your nationality, country of residence, duration of your stay, and the reason for your trip to find out.

For US Citizens:

US citizens who are considered non-residents, meaning they are staying or travelling within Italy for less than three months, are required to complete a "dichiarazione di presenza" (declaration of presence). If arriving from a non-Schengen country, you should obtain a stamp in your passport at the airport on the day of arrival, which is considered equivalent to the declaration of presence. If arriving from a Schengen country, you must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office, police headquarters, or your place of stay and submit the form within eight business days of arrival.

US citizens staying in Italy for more than three months are considered residents and will need to obtain an entrance visa from an Italian consulate before their arrival in Italy. They will also need to obtain a "permesso di soggiorno" (permit to stay) upon arrival in Italy.

Additional Documentation:

Regardless of your country of origin, it is recommended to have travel insurance when travelling to Italy. This will provide financial coverage in case of delays, flight cancellations, or health problems. It is also advisable to keep digital copies of important bookings and documents, such as flights and hotels, on your phone for easy access.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy implemented specific travel requirements, such as vaccination certificates or negative test results. While these requirements have been lifted as of June 2022, it is important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions before travelling to Italy or any other international destination.

Please note that the information provided is current as of August 2024. It is recommended to check official government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information before travelling.

Do I need a visa to enter Italy?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Italy depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay.

For stays under 90 days

If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa to enter Italy. A valid identity card is sufficient, and there is no minimum passport validity requirement.

Citizens from non-EU countries, including the United States, may enter Italy without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.

From 2025, eligible citizens entering Italy and other European countries in the Schengen Area will need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). This involves completing an online application form and providing personal and passport details, as well as answering a series of security questions.

For stays over 90 days

If you are staying in Italy for more than three months, you are considered a resident. This includes people who will work or transact business in Italy, as well as those who simply wish to live there.

In this case, you will need to obtain an entrance visa from an Italian consulate before your arrival in the country. This procedure can take several weeks, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your departure date.

Upon arrival in Italy, you must obtain a "permesso di soggiorno" (permit of stay) from one of 14,000 national post offices. Within 20 days of receiving this permit, you must apply for residency at the local Vital Statistics Bureau, Anagrafe of the Comune.

Additional requirements

All non-residents in Italy, regardless of their nationality, are required to complete a "dichiarazione di presenza" (declaration of presence). If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country, such as the United States, you should obtain a stamp in your passport at the airport on the day of arrival. This stamp is considered the equivalent of the declaration of presence.

If you are arriving from a Schengen country, such as France, you must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office, police headquarters, or your place of stay (e.g. hotel, hostel, campground). You must then submit the form to the police or your place of stay within eight calendar days of arrival. Failure to complete this declaration may result in expulsion from Italy.

Additionally, non-EU visitors must obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry into a Schengen country. Many borders are unstaffed, so you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry.

Travel insurance

Although not a requirement, it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance before entering Italy. This will ensure that you are financially covered in the event of delays, flight cancellations, or health problems.

What are Italy's Covid-19 entry requirements?

Italy's Covid-19 entry requirements have changed over the years since the pandemic began. As of 2024, Italy is open to all travellers, including US citizens travelling for tourism. There are no Covid-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry to Italy. However, it is recommended that travellers check for the latest information before their trip, as requirements may change.

Upon arrival in Italy, travellers are not required to quarantine. However, if you test positive for Covid-19 while in Italy, you will need to self-isolate for five days or until you test negative, followed by wearing a mask for up to ten days.

Italy's "green pass" system, which was previously required for various activities, is no longer in place as of 2024. However, a "Super Green Pass" is still required for anyone aged 12 and older to access hospitals or care homes.

For US citizens, a CDC vaccination card can be used as proof of vaccination in Italy. It is recommended that travellers bring a hard copy of their vaccination card and keep it protected during their trip.

In addition to Covid-19 requirements, there are other important entry requirements for Italy. Travellers should ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. It is also recommended to have travel insurance and to keep a copy of bookings and other important documents easily accessible on your phone.

When entering Italy, you may be asked to show proof of your accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay. If you are staying in a hotel or other accommodation, the manager will fill out a "Declaration of Presence" for you, which will be sent to the Police Headquarters. It is recommended to carry a copy of this declaration with you during your stay.

Do I need travel insurance for Italy?

Whether you need travel insurance for your trip to Italy depends on your individual circumstances, needs, and budget. However, it is always recommended, as it can help provide a safety net by offering 24/7 emergency assistance. Without it, you may be faced with unexpected costs for delayed flights, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

• Medical Emergencies: Italy has a universal healthcare system that provides emergency medical assistance to anyone in need, regardless of nationality. However, public hospitals may require a co-payment for non-EU citizens, and private medical care must be paid for at the time of service. Travel insurance can help cover medical expenses, as well as medical evacuation or repatriation, which are not typically covered by the Italian healthcare system.
• Travel Delays and Cancellations: Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for cancellation fees and additional expenses incurred due to travel delays or cancellations caused by factors beyond your control, such as weather conditions or natural disasters.
• Loss or Theft of Luggage: Italy is a relatively safe country, but theft from handbags and vehicles is common, especially in tourist hotspots and transport hubs. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and belongings, although there may be exclusions if items are left unattended.
• Driving in Italy: If you plan to drive in Italy, you will need an International Driver's Permit (IDP). A comprehensive travel insurance policy may cover the rental vehicle excess you would have to pay to the rental company if your car is damaged or stolen.
• Personal Liability: While Italy is generally considered a friendly country, accidents can happen. Travel insurance can provide personal liability coverage if you accidentally injure someone or damage property during your trip.
• Adventure Activities: Italy offers a range of adventure activities, such as skiing, cycling, sailing, and diving. However, these activities may not be included in the base level of travel insurance coverage. Be sure to review the exclusions, restrictions, and sub-limits of your policy and consider adding optional extras if needed.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: It is important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions may invalidate your policy.
• Visa Requirements: If you are travelling to Italy on a Schengen visa, travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is compulsory, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 required.

Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance for Italy:

When choosing a travel insurance policy for Italy, consider the following:

• Compare Your Itinerary to the Policy: Review the inclusions and exclusions of the policy to ensure it covers the activities on your itinerary. If you plan to take a cruise, go skiing, or engage in other adventure activities, you may need to purchase additional cover as an optional extra.
• Lower Your Premium: You can lower your premium by increasing your excess, which is the amount you pay when you make a claim. However, choose an excess amount that is manageable for your budget, as you will have to pay it each time you claim.
• Read the Fine Print: Be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to understand the exclusions, limits, and sub-limits of the policy. Check if there are any requirements regarding proof of insurance, time limits for claims, item and cash limits, and limitations and exclusions.

Shots Required for Travel to Italy:

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into Italy. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling internationally. Additionally, it is recommended to get travel insurance that covers COVID-19, as this can provide peace of mind in case of any unexpected changes in travel restrictions or health situations.

What are Italy's vaccination requirements?

Italy's vaccination requirements have changed over time and vary depending on the traveller's country of origin and vaccination status. Here is an overview of the current requirements as of August 2024:

For EU Citizens:

EU citizens can enter Italy by presenting a valid identity card or a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. There is no requirement for EU citizens to provide proof of vaccination to enter Italy.

For Non-EU Citizens:

Citizens from non-EU countries may also enter Italy with a valid passport. However, depending on their country of origin, they may need to obtain a visa from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. This process usually takes around 90 days.

For US Citizens:

US citizens do not need proof of vaccination to enter Italy as of August 2024. However, they are advised to be up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, US citizens are expected to have travel authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) starting in 2025.

General Recommendations:

Regardless of citizenship, it is recommended that all travellers to Italy have medical insurance to cover any health emergencies during their trip. It is also advisable to carry necessary medications and their prescription. In case of an emergency, travellers can dial 112 to reach emergency medical services in Italy.

Please note that Italy's vaccination requirements may change, so it is essential to check for updates before planning your travel.

Frequently asked questions