Italy

🇮🇹

Phone Code

+39

Capital

Rome

Population

59 Million

Native Name

Italia

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Italy is a Southern European country and EU/Schengen/Eurozone member, shaped like a boot extending into the Mediterranean. Known for unparalleled art, architecture, history, cuisine, fashion, and la dolce vita lifestyle. Rome, the capital, showcases ancient Roman ruins alongside Renaissance palaces and Baroque fountains. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (58) than any country. Visitors are drawn to Rome's Colosseum and Vatican, Venice's canals and St. Mark's Square, Florence's Renaissance art and Duomo, Tuscany's countryside and wine, Amalfi Coast's dramatic coastline, Milan's fashion and design, Pompeii ruins, Cinque Terre villages, Italian cuisine (pasta, pizza, gelato, wine), and rich cultural heritage. Italy offers art, history, cuisine, and romance.

Visa Requirements for Italy

As a Schengen Area member, Italy follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Italian consulates or embassies, submitting completed application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Italy welcomes over 60 million international visitors annually. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including Italy; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure.

For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other eligible nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work without permit.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, or any purpose without restrictions.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries; single, double, or multiple entry; processing 15 days.

For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose documentation; leads to residence permit; Italy-specific, though allows Schengen transit.

For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or residence in Italy.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.

90/180 rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area, not just Italy.

Pickpockets: Tourist areas especially Rome, Florence, Venice notorious for pickpockets. Guard belongings on buses, at attractions. Separate valuables.