Essential Planning: Paestum

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Types & Application

Schengen Visa Countries: Citizens of many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, enter Italy and the Schengen Area for tourism or business stays. These stays last up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
Non-Schengen Visa Countries: Citizens of countries not part of the visa-waiver agreement apply for a Schengen short-stay visa. Apply before travel at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Start this process well in advance of your planned trip.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): Starting in mid-2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries need an ETIAS travel authorization before their trip. This is not a visa but a pre-travel authorization, similar to the ESTA for the USA. It includes an online application and a small fee.

Required Documentation

Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.
Proof of onward/return ticket: Immigration officers may request to see evidence of planned departure from Schengen Area.
Proof of sufficient funds: May need to show you have enough money to cover your stay.
Travel insurance: Required for Schengen visa applicants. Strongly recommended for all travelers. Policy should cover medical emergencies and repatriation, with €30,000 minimum coverage.

Additional Entry Notes

Italy does not have general entry fees for visitors. Immigration procedures are standard for international arrivals. Non-EU citizens typically receive a passport stamp upon entry into the Schengen Area. Ensure your passport is stamped correctly, as this marks your entry date.

No specific special permits are generally needed for standard tourism activities in Paestum. If you plan to engage in professional photography or drone usage within the archaeological park, contact the park administration in advance.

Health-Related Entry

No specific requirements.

Vaccinations

No specific vaccinations required for entry into Italy. Routine vaccinations should be current.

Consult a Doctor

Consult a doctor or travel clinic well in advance for personalized advice.

Budgeting & Costs

Costs vary by travel style.

Currency & Exchange

Italy uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted at most places.

Exchange Rates

Avoid airport/train station exchanges; use ATMs for best rates.

Tipping Culture

Not as widespread as other countries.

Restaurants

A "coperto" or "servizio" may be added. If so, no additional tip. Otherwise, rounding up is appreciated.

Cafes/Taxis/Hotels

Rounding up is common. Small tips (€1-€2) for good service are appreciated for housekeeping or porters.

Daily Cost Breakdown

Budget Traveler

Daily costs: €50-€80. Accommodation: Hostel or simple B&B (€30-€50). Meals: Street food, supermarket picnics, casual eateries (€15-€25). Transportation: Public transport, walking (€5-€10). Activities: Free sites, combined museum tickets (€5-€10).

Mid-range Traveler

Daily costs: €100-€180. Accommodation: Mid-range hotel or comfortable B&B (€60-€100). Meals: Casual restaurants, trattorias (€30-€60). Transportation: Trains, local buses, occasional taxi (€10-€20). Activities: Archaeological park, museum, mozzarella tasting, guided tour (€10-€30).

Luxury Traveler

Daily Costs: €250+
Accommodation: High-end hotel or resort (€150+).
Meals: Fine Dining
Gourmet restaurants, frequent restaurant meals (€80+).
Transportation: Private
Private transfers, car rentals for flexibility, taxis for convenience (€50+).
Activities: Exclusive Experiences
Private tours, full-day excursions (€50+, potentially much higher).
Attractions: Paestum & Velia
Combined archaeological park & museum ticket: €15. Combined with Velia: €18.

Health & Safety Considerations

Sunburn/Heatstroke: A concern, specifically in summer. Use High SPF sunscreen, wear a Wide-brimmed hat, stay hydrated, and seek shade during midday hours.
Mosquitoes: Can be present, especially near marshy areas or in the evenings, notably during warmer months. Use Insect repellent on exposed skin.
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas or on public transport, specifically in larger cities like Naples or Salerno when you are transferring to Paestum. Be vigilant in these areas.

Health & Safety Tips

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. A good policy covers: medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost/delayed luggage, personal liability. Compare policies from providers like World Nomads or SafetyWing. Select a plan that matches your specific needs and activities. Emergency Number: 112 for all services (police, ambulance, fire).

Common Health Concerns

Prevention strategies.

Health Measures

Sunburn/Heatstroke: Plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.
Mosquitoes: Use Insect repellent on exposed skin.
Food & Water: Tap water safe unless "non potabile." Practice good hand hygiene.
Dehydration: Carry a Reusable water bottle.

Healthcare Access

Medical Services

Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all services.
Pharmacies (Farmacia): Identified by a green cross.
Healthcare: Italy has a public system. Non-EU citizens typically pay or use travel insurance.
Non-emergencies: Your hotel can help find a doctor.

Crime & Safety

General Safety

Paestum is generally a very safe destination with low crime rates.
You can walk around Paestum with a good sense of security.
The archaeological park area is very safe.
The modern town of Capaccio Scalo is also safe.

Petty Crime & Vigilance

Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas or on public transport (Naples/Salerno).
Secure your valuables; keep bags closed and in front of you.
Avoid flashing large amounts of cash.
Be vigilant in busy areas.

Emergency Contact Information

European Emergency Number: 112 (all services).
Police (Carabinieri/Polizia di Stato): 112 (or 113 for non-emergency inquiries).
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 118.
Fire Department: 115.

Natural Disaster Risks

Seasonal hazards and potential risks.

Earthquakes

Italy sits in an active seismic zone.
Major quakes rare in Campania coastal area, but minor tremors occur.
Understand basic earthquake safety: Drop, Cover, Hold On.

Heatwaves & Wildfires

Extreme heat in summer can be a hazard. Stay hydrated.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Wildfires pose a risk in very dry summer conditions in rural areas.

Essential Tip

Keep photocopies or digital images of your passport, visa, and insurance policy separate from the originals. This is helpful if documents are lost or stolen.

Essential Planning