A practical, up-to-date resource for foreign visitors planning a trip to Italy. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this page keeps you informed on what’s new, what’s changed, and what to know before you go.
Entry Requirements
EES (Entry/Exit System) – Extra UE/No Schengen [Active Now]
The Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on October 12, 2025. It is an automated registration system for travellers from countries outside the EU or Schengen area, required upon arrival at the border of any of the 29 participating countries.
As of April 10, 2026, U.S. citizens are required to go through the EES when travelling to 29 European countries for visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Fingerprints, facial image, passport details, and entry and exit dates are collected and stored digitally. Passports will no longer be stamped manually.
There is No Fee to enter the Schengen Area.
ETIAS (Coming Late 2026)
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be a mandatory pre-screening requirement for nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, starting in the last quarter of 2026.
It is not a visa: the entire process is digital, with no consulate visit required. Once approved, authorization is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. The cost is approximately €7 and authorization lasts for 3 years.
No confirmed launch date has been set yet, we’ll update this section as soon as it’s official.
Visas & Stay Limits
Citizens of most countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK can travel to Italy and the wider Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area, a 6-month validity is recommended. Passports must have 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
High-Speed Train Disruptions in Florence: Early July 2026
Travelers planning to use high-speed trains through Florence in early July 2026 should be aware of significant service changes. Due to essential railway works at Ponte al Pino, there will be planned interruptions to train circulation, potentially affecting Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
It is highly recommended to verify your online tickets and check the latest travel updates from Trenitalia or Italo before your journey, as schedules may be altered or services rerouted.
Rome
Sites & Attractions
Colosseum
As of May 2026, individual tickets to the Colosseum are priced at €18 per person. Tickets are released 30 days in advance and are available on the official platform ticketing.colosseo.it. Booking ahead is strongly recommended as same-day availability is limited.
Temporary Closure: Colosseum Attic
The Colosseum Attic will be closed on some days of May and June for Republic Day preparations. Any Full Experience Attic tickets sold online for dates between 7-14 May and 3-11 June 2026 are to be considered a scam. Always purchase only through the official site.
Trevi Fountain
You can still view the Trevi Fountain from the square for free, but if you want to walk down to the lower tier to toss your coin, a €2 ticket is now required, a system introduced to manage crowding and preserve the area.
Florence
Sites & Attractions
The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David) require advance booking, especially in peak season. During peak season (June-August), booking appointments and processing can take considerably longer: plan at least 8-10 weeks ahead for anything time-sensitive.
Driving: ZTL Zone
Florence’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is strictly enforced by cameras. Fines range from €80 to €335 per infraction, and each camera detection can generate a separate fine, which adds up quickly. If your hotel is inside the ZTL, ask them in writing to register your licence plate before you arrive. The safest option is to park outside the centre and use Florence’s T1 and T2 tramway lines.
Venice
Venice Access Fee: Active April-July 2026
Venice has expanded its day-tripper entry fee (Contributo di Accesso a Venezia) in 2026 to 60 peak days between April 3rd and July 26th. The fee is €5 per person (over 14) if paid at least four days in advance, or €10 for later bookings. Even overnight guests must register online at cda.ve.it to obtain an exemption QR code.
The fee applies from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on designated days. Access is free outside those hours.
Who is exempt from paying: overnight guests with a valid accommodation booking within the Venice municipality, residents, students, workers, and children under 14. Even exempt visitors must register through cda.ve.it to obtain a QR code that can be shown during checks.
The fee does not apply to visits to Murano, Burano, Lido, and the other lagoon islands.
Milan
Sites & Attractions
For art lovers, tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie must be booked months in advance due to strict viewing limits.
Travel Advisory: Milan Malpensa (MXP) Passport Control
Non-EU travelers are advised of potential delays at passport control in Milan Malpensa Airport. Due to high traffic and border checks, wait times can be significant. To ensure a smooth journey, please arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight and check for real-time updates on the official website.
Driving: Area C
Milan’s central ZTL is called “Area C” and covers the entire historic centre. It operates Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM (not on public holidays). A day ticket costs €7.50 and can be purchased at Tabacchi shops, parking garages, online, or via app. Electric cars are completely exempt. The simplest strategy is to park on the outskirts and use the metro.
Naples & Pompeii
Pompeii: New Ticketing Platform (March 2026)
From March 2, 2026, tickets for Pompeii must be purchased exclusively through vivaticket.com. Tickets are personal and there is a daily entry limit of 20,000 visitors. Book well in advance during spring and summer.
Practical Tips
Dress Code: Churches & Religious Sites
Church dress codes require covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. Tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, and revealing clothing result in entry denial at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and major churches. Guards at entrances turn away visitors without exceptions, even for tourists claiming ignorance. Carry a light scarf or cardigan, it solves the problem instantly.
Fines to Know About
Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods, defacing historic monuments, and using aerial drones.
Train, bus, and metro paper tickets must be validated at a machine before boarding: failing to do so can result in a fine that doubles if not paid immediately. Digital tickets do not require validation, as they are usually valid immediately and may be checked by staff on site.
Payments & Cash
Italy is increasingly cashless, but it’s worth keeping a few €1 and €2 coins for public restrooms, supermarket big trolley and small tips. Almost all restaurants, shops, and museums accept contactless payment.
Restaurant Booking
In 2026, even casual trattorias in major cities use online booking apps such as TheFork, Quandoo, other well known easy digital reservation system and even WhatsApp direct number is widely used.
For any restaurant you have your heart set on, book at least 2-3 days in advance.
Important Taxi Information for Tourists in Italy
Official Airport Fixed Rates:
Many major Italian airports (like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa) operate with official fixed rates for transfers to and from the city center. These rates are clearly displayed at taxi stands and inside official taxis. Per Vehicle, Not Per Person: these fixed rates are for the entire vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers
Recommended Taxi Apps:
For reliable bookings and transparent pricing throughout Italy, we recommend using:
- FreeNow (Available in most major cities)
- itTaxi (The largest Italian taxi network)
- Uber (Note: In Italy, this primarily offers Uber Black or Uber Taxi services in larger cities)
Emergency Numbers
- 112 – General emergency (police, ambulance, fire)
- 118 – Medical emergency
- 113 – Police
- 115 – Fire brigade
