Italy travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa for Italy for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you must apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

For stays longer than 90 days, or for work, study or residence, you need a national visa. See the visa requirements page for details.

You arrive in Italy as a visa-free traveller. At passport control, have your passport and, once ETIAS is live, your approved ETIAS linked to it. Border officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation and funds for your stay; have bookings and a return ticket handy.

The 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen area, not just Italy. If you spend time in France, Spain or elsewhere in Schengen, it counts against the same 90 days. Track your days carefully; overstaying can lead to fines and entry bans.

The Embassy of Canada in Italy is in Rome. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport renewals, emergency assistance and notarial services. For urgent help, call the embassy or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

If you need a visa for Italy, that is handled by the Italian authorities, not the Canadian embassy. See the visa requirements page for details.

Italy is a mid-to-high-cost destination for Canadians. The euro is the currency; prices below are 2026 estimates in Canadian dollars. Budget for more in Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast, less in the south and countryside.

Flights from Canada to Italy typically cost CAD 900–1,600 return in economy, depending on season and departure city. Accommodation ranges from CAD 60–120 a night for a hostel or budget hotel to CAD 200–400 for a mid-range hotel. Meals cost CAD 15–30 for a casual dinner with wine, and a coffee at a bar is about CAD 2–3.

Direct flights from Canada to Italy operate from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) to Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP). Flight time is about 8–9 hours from Toronto to Rome, 9–10 from Vancouver with a connection. From other Canadian cities, plan for a connection in Toronto, Montreal or a European hub.

Book early for summer travel; prices rise sharply from June to August. Use the flight-time planner to compare options from your home city.

Italy uses plugs of types C, F and L, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency 50 Hz. Canadian devices use type A and B plugs at 120 V, so you will need a plug adapter and, for devices that are not dual-voltage, a voltage converter.

Most modern phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage (100–240 V), so a simple adapter suffices. Check the label on each device before plugging in.

Tipping is not expected in Italy. A service charge called coperto (cover charge) is usually added to the bill in restaurants; it covers bread and table service. For good service, round up the bill or leave €1–2 per person. In bars, a small tip for table service is appreciated, but not required.

Taxis: rounding up to the nearest euro is fine. Tour guides: a tip of €5–10 per person for a full-day tour is a nice gesture, but not mandatory.

The single European emergency number is 112, which works for police, fire and ambulance across Italy. You can also call 113 (police), 115 (fire) and 118 (ambulance). For the coast guard, call 1530.

Save 112 in your phone. Operators speak English and other languages. For consular help, call the Canadian embassy in Rome or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.