Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy
Italy is a member of the Schengen Area, which streamlines travel for many visitors. Non-EU citizens typically stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business.
This applies to citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This rule means you move freely between Schengen countries without internal border checks.
Even without a visa, carry specific documents for Italy entry. Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages.
Have a return flight ticket or onward travel itinerary ready. Carry evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards, cash). Show hotel bookings or an invitation letter for accommodation. Travel insurance, while not always mandatory, is strongly recommended for medical emergencies and repatriation (minimum coverage of €30,000).
Not applicable
Italy does not levy standard entry fees for tourists.
General tourist activities do not call for special permits.
Streamlined for eligible travelers
Present your passport to a border control officer. Brief questions about trip purpose and duration.
Ensure all required documents are readily available.
No specific health declarations
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry. Routine vaccinations should be current.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized health advice prior to travel.
Italy uses the Euro (€, EUR). ATMs are widely available and present a convenient way to get cash. Inform your bank of your travel plans. Visa and Mastercard receive wide acceptance. Carrying some cash is advisable for smaller purchases.
Tipping in Italy differs from North America. Service charges ("coperto") or bread charges ("pane") may appear on restaurant bills; these are common charges, not tips. For good service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros (€2-€5 per table) is appreciated but not mandatory.
Hostel dorm, self-catering/pizza slices, public transport/walking, free attractions, coffee.
B&Bs, casual restaurants, public transport/occasional taxi, museums/simple tours, snacks/casual shopping.
Boutique hotels, fine dining, private transfers, premium tours, boutique shopping/spa.
Hostels €25-€40; Budget B&Bs €50-€80; Mid-range Hotels €90-€150; Luxury Hotels €180+.
Breakfast €2-€15; Lunch €3-€20; Dinner €25-€45 (mid-range), €60-€100+ (fine dining).
Consider purchasing a Bergamo Card for unlimited transport and free or discounted entry to attractions. Calculate if the cost outweighs individual tickets and entries for your planned activities.
Opt for "pizza al taglio" (pizza by the slice), "panini" from local delis, or supermarket picnic supplies to save on meals. Utilize the "aperitivo" culture (6 PM-8 PM) for complimentary snacks with a drink, a light dinner option.
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for Italy entry; routine vaccinations should be current.
Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire) across Italy.
Simplify your visa application and secure your journey with reliable services.
