Italy Essentials

A quick-reference snapshot: capital, language, time zone (CET/CEST, UTC+1/+2), currency (Euro €), country code (+39), driving side (right), electricity (230V, Type F/L plugs).

• Currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
• Use debit and credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and take cash out from ATMs on arrival rather than exchanging before departure.
• Travelers should be aware that carrying amounts of currency or assets exceeding €10,000 requires a customs declaration.
• Cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but smaller trattorias and rural establishments may be cash-only.

• Citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and most other non-EU countries do not currently need a visa for stays under 90 days in the Schengen Area.
• Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date; a 6-month validity is recommended, and passports must have at least 2 blank pages.
• ETIAS (coming soon): The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to come into effect in late 2026 — a simple online registration, not a visa, that will need to be completed before travel begins.
• EES (already active): The Entry/Exit System began operations in October 2025, an automated registration system for non-EU travellers that collects trip information plus facial image and fingerprints at the Schengen border — no action is needed before travel.

• Italy is extremely well-connected, with major international airports in Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE), and Florence (FLR), as well as regional hubs for other destinations.
• Average flight time from London is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. From Dubai, expect approximately 6–7 hours direct.

• Trains are the best option between major cities — high-speed services connect Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples efficiently. For rural areas and regions off the main rail network, a rental car gives you access that trains cannot.
• Car hire or private transfers are often the best option, especially in Tuscany and Sicily.
• Tourists looking to explore by car may be required to obtain an International Driving Permit, depending on whether their licence is issued by an EU/EEA country.

• No mandatory vaccinations required for entry.
• Italy's hospitals and medical facilities are generally well-equipped to handle emergencies, though services may be limited in rural areas.
• Travel insurance covering golf equipment, cancellations, and medical emergencies is strongly recommended.

Italian municipalities, particularly in tourist-heavy cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, have strict regulations against actions such as sitting or eating on monuments, bathing in fountains, or feeding pigeons — violations can result in fines.

• Many businesses and churches close for lunch in the early afternoon, and Sunday closures are common. Restaurants typically open for lunch, close mid-afternoon, and reopen for dinner from 7:00–7:30 pm.
• Packing should include modest clothing for religious sites, stylish outfits for dinner, and comfortable shoes.
• Tipping: service charges are often included, but small tips for caddies, drivers, or hotel staff are always appreciated.