Italy travel guide for Americans

US citizens do not need a visa for Italy for tourism, business or family visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2026, you must also hold an ETIAS travel authorisation, which you apply for online before you fly. If you plan to stay longer, work, study or retire in Italy, you need a national visa from the Italian embassy or consulate.

For tourism, you enter the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 180-day window rolls, so count back from your departure date. If you have already spent time in other Schengen countries (France, Spain, Germany, etc.) in the previous 180 days, that time counts toward your 90 days in Italy.

From 2026, you must apply for ETIAS before flying. It is an online authorisation, not a visa, and costs €7. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at least a few days before travel; most applications are approved quickly, but allow time for delays.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Carry proof of accommodation, return tickets and enough funds for your stay; border officers can ask for them, though they rarely do for US citizens.

The US Embassy is in Rome. There are also consulates in Milan, Naples, Florence and Genoa. For passport services, notarial acts and emergency assistance, contact the nearest one. If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and then to the embassy or consulate for a replacement.

A comfortable trip for one person runs about €130–200 per day (roughly $140–220), covering a mid-range hotel, meals in trattorias, local transport and one paid sight a day. Budget travellers can do €70–100 per day with hostels, supermarket meals and free sights. Luxury stays and high-season prices push well above €300 per day.

Flights from the US to Rome or Milan typically cost $600–1,200 round-trip in economy, more in summer. High-speed trains between major cities run €40–90 for a standard ticket booked in advance. A museum ticket in Rome or Florence is about €15–25.

Direct flights from New York (JFK, EWR) to Rome or Milan take about 8–9 hours. From the West Coast, add a connection and expect 12–15 hours total. Major US airlines and European carriers fly to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP).

Use the flight-time planner to see exact durations from your home city, and remember Italy is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST) and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time, with daylight saving shifts.

Italy uses 230 V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types C, F and L. US devices run on 110–120 V, so you need a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage (most phone chargers and laptops are). A plug adapter is essential; type L is the Italian standard, but type C and F adapters also work in most sockets.

Tipping is not expected in Italy. Restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) of €1–3 per person to the bill, which covers bread and service. For good service, round up or leave €1–2 per person. In bars, pay at the counter and tip nothing or leave small change. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest euro, but it is not required.

The single European emergency number is 112, which works for police, fire and ambulance. Other useful numbers: 113 police, 115 fire, 118 ambulance, 1530 coast guard. For non-emergency police assistance, visit a local police station (questura).

Italy is generally safe for travellers. Watch for pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, especially in Rome, Florence and on public transport. Keep valuables in a money belt or secure bag, and be cautious at night in less busy areas of big cities.

Answers to common questions from US citizens planning a trip to Italy.

Information on this page is based on official government sources and the parent country facts. Check the latest guidance before travel.