Can you travel to Italy plus current situation [2024] (2024)

Many people are asking can you travel to Italy in 2024. In this article we outline the conditions for travel to Italy, protocols required on arrival and what to expect when you get there. We will continue to update this page as the situation changes. We do not speculate on the prospects for changes in legislation or on any health related matter.

Last updated: June 2024

Please note that as information can change quickly particularly with respect to different country advisories please check your own government travel advisories and call the Italian embassy in your country for specific information relating to your unique circ*mstances. We have provided links to these sources below.

You should also check your airline requirements as, depending on the route taken, any stop-overs and specific airline procedures, different protocols may apply.

What are the rules for travel to Italy for tourists?

This page is to assist travelers who have planned leisure or tourist trips to Italy. Different rules and regulations may apply if your travel relates to other purposes such as business, family reasons etc. While every effort is made to keep this page up to date, please check advice from your airline and local authorities for the latest information that applies to your situation.

Entry requirements to Italy in 2024

To enter Italy, visitors must:

• Have a minimum of 3 months validity on your passport
• Have a current and valid visa if required (no visa or visa waiver is currently required for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or European Union)
• There is no requirement to show proof of covid-19 vaccination

Documents required on entry to Italy

All passengers (except children under 6 years old) will need to show proof of:

• Your valid passport

PLUS

• Visa if required

Do I need to take a covid-19 test to enter Italy?

Covid testing is no longer required to enter Italy

Do I need a visa to enter Italy?

Citizens of most countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK can travel to Italy and wider Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. You can check the visa requirements for your country on this Italian government website.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

In late 2024 the European Union (of which Italy is a member) will introduce new standardized set of biometric tests including fingerprints and facial photographs, in addition to passport details currently collected on entry into Italy. This process applies to third-country nationals (non-EU or Schengen Zone citizens) such as visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom on entering and exiting the European Union.

On arrival into Italy from outside the EU, it is expected that you will present your passport and complete the necessary biometric tests and other questions relating to your stay in Italy at a kiosk in the airport terminal. This process is expected to take around 2 minutes to complete and is not expected to impact processing time at the airport.

There has been no official date announced for the EES however it is expected to be implemented in late October 2024

ETIAS Travel Authorization

The European Union including Italy has announced they will introduce a new travel authorization process called ETIAS for visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and 60 other countries starting in 2025. There is no confirmed start date for this new process which has already been delayed many years.

Once active, visitors to Europe will need to visit an online site to complete their application and pay a small fee of around €7 per person. The process is expected to take minutes with application approvals also expected to take minutes. There is more information on the official European Union ETIAS website.

The European Union has not confirmed when this process will come into place. We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Venice Tourist Tax

In 2024 the city of Venice is introducing a new tourist tax aimed at day trippers to the city. The €5 per person, per day fee applies on certain days of the year and visitors must be able to show proof of payment OR exemption if asked by authorities or risk a fine. Exemptions apply for those staying overnight in Venice, children under 14 and people with a disability.

Here is the official site for paying the tax or applying for your exemption. You can read more about the Venice tourist tax on this page of our website

FAQ about travel to Italy in 2024

Is Italy allowing international visitors to enter the country?

Yes, the latest advice for international travel from the Italian government was given in June 2022. To check what the situation is for your country of residence and nationality, please go to this Italian government website that aims to clarify the situation for you. This page from the Italian Health Ministry usually has the most up to date general health information and you can find a good summary of information for tourists at the Italian Tourist Board.

Do I need to quarantine on arrival in Italy?

There is no need to quarantine on arrival due to covid-19 however this may not be the case for other infectious diseases. Please see this Italian government website for more info

What is the latest guidance on travel to Italy from my country?

Currently the following advisories are in place. While every effort is made to keep this information current it is best to check with your country travel advisory in the “read more” links below.

• United States – Level 2 – Exercise increased caution – read more
  
• United Kingdom – Exercise caution – travel info.
• Australia – The Department of Foreign Affairs advises Australians to exercise a normal degree of caution in Italy – read more
• Canada – Take normal precautions in Italy – read more
• New Zealand – Do not travel overseas at this time – read more

Citizens of countries not on this list should refer to their country foreign affairs department.

Can I buy travel insurance to cover my trip?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international travel however many travel insurance companies will not cover your trip for cancelations or health problems related to covid19. Check all policy inclusions carefully before purchasing insurance. Note – many companies will not sell or honor policies at all where a travel ban exists for your country of residence.

There are many reasons to take out travel insurance for Italy – you can read about them in this article.

No matter what decision you make, ensure you understand the risks associated with not having insurance and read the terms and conditions carefully should you decide to purchase a policy.

What is the situation in Italy now?

Is there a state of emergency?

No. The Italian parliament ended the covid state of emergency on March 31st, 2022. From that date, covid restrictions were gradually eased across the country.

Are many people still ill with Covid-19? Are cases increasing?

Cases are stable in Italy. Some restrictions remain in place including mask wearing in some indoor venues such as cinemas and hospitals and on public transportation. To check the latest figures and updates by region visit the Italian Ministry of Health (use Google translate to see English language).

What restrictions and social distancing rules apply?

FFP2 or KN95 masks are required to be worn in hospitals and care homes.

Restrictions by region in Italy

Some regions implement rules differently in Italy. Please check the following pages for regional requirements. Specifically Sicily and Sardinia often add extra requirements.

For specific rules relevant to the areas you are visiting, please visit the following pages.

Abruzzo–Basilicata–Calabria–Campania (Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples) – Emilia-Romagna (Bologna) – Friuli Venezia Giulia–Lazio (Rome) – Liguria (Cinque Terre) – Lombardy (Milan, Lake Como) – Marche–Molise–Piedmont–Puglia–Sardinia–Sicily–South Tyrol (Dolomites) – Tuscany (Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena) – Trentino–Umbria–Valle d’Aosta–Veneto (Venice)

Are the main attractions open?

Museums and galleries are open as usual. Check the main websites regularly for latest updates. You must book your tickets online in advance and attend at your scheduled time.

Do I need to wear a mask in Italy?

You are required to use FFP2 or KN95 face masks in hospitals and care homes. Fines of €400 – €1,000 apply for non compliance. Masks are not mandatory on public transport from 1st October 2022.

Can I travel by train?

Yes you can travel by train. You are no longer required to wear a mask.

Can I eat out at restaurants?

Yes restaurants and bars are open for both indoor and outdoor dining without restriction.

What happens if I fall ill with covid when in Italy?

If you have symptoms you should contact the regional health authority where you are staying immediately. They will arrange a test and determine next steps which will likely mean isolating for at least 5 days and potentially up to 14 days at your own expense if you test positive.

You must be symptom free for 2 days before you able to take a test to show that you are negative and can be released from isolation. Make sure you have adequate health insurance to cover you if such a situation occurs and be aware that your insurance company may not honor claims if you are in Italy when a do not travel order there exists.

Departing Italy – Info for visitors needing to test on departure

Some countries require residents to show proof of negative test prior to boarding your flight home from Italy. Here you’ll find important information on testing and what to do if you test positive before your flight departure.

Testing required on departure from Italy

Here are some useful links for finding a place to get a covid-19 test in Italy

• Book your rapid test in Rome online here
• This is a useful site for finding testing sites in Italy
• Many of our readers from the United States use the BINAX proctored home tests

What happens if I test positive prior to boarding my flight home from Italy?

Should you test positive prior to departure you maynot be able to join your flight. You will need to contact the regional health authority where you are are immediately. They will arrange a further test and determine next steps which will likely mean isolating for at least 5 days and potentially up to 14 days at your own expense at a private property or government quarantine hotel.

You must be symptom free for 2 days before you able to take a test to show that you are negative and can be released from isolation.For this reason travel insurance that covers this scenario is strongly recommended.

FAQ about planned vacations

Sadly many people had trips to Italy canceled in 2020 and 2021. If you have travel plans in 2024 here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about reorganizing travel. While we do our best to keep this as accurate as possible, please refer to your own country consumer law and advice for the latest information.

Unfortunately we cannot assist with individual requests for assistance rebooking or canceling trips.

Will I need to prove I have received a Covid vaccine to enter Italy?

Currently this is not a requirement

Is my flight / cruise / tour still departing?

Flights, tours and cruises may be canceled in 2022. Check with your travel agent or if you booked directly with relevant airlines and cruise companies for the latest information.

What should I do if my flights have been canceled?

If your airline cancels your flights you should be entitled to a full refund under most consumer jurisdictions. Once your flight cancelation is confirmed, the airline should advise when you will receive your refund. Make sure to also cancel accommodation, activity and tour bookings. You can also try to move your travel insurance coverage to new dates.

Refunds apply when the airline cancels your flight. If you choose not to fly then you will be subject to the change and cancelation rules of your fare and any special measures put in place by your airline to respond to the covid-19 situation.

Am I entitled to a refund on my flights / hotels and accommodation / tours?

This depends on the terms and conditions that you booked under and the consumer laws of your country and / or the country where the business is based. While many businesses are trying to refund customers who purchased non-refundable services, others are unable to or have chosen to offer vouchers for future use instead.

The Italian government issued this decree allowing travel companies to offer vouchers for future use instead of refunds. Many companies are applying this ruling to their businesses including the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

If you are not happy with the compensation offered by the service provider you can file a dispute with your credit card company if you used one to book your travel.

• AirBNB extenuating circ*mstances policy – click here
• Booking.com covid19 center – click here

What happens if I am offered a voucher and I would prefer a refund?

First, try and negotiate with the company. There are often very serious and legitimate reasons why people will not be able to travel in the future. You should state these clearly and most companies provide an exception in extenuating circ*mstances. If this does not produce an acceptable outcome, pursue a dispute with your credit card company as the next step.

Steps to take to reorganize or cancel your trip

1. Review all your bookings and understand the terms and conditions under which you booked
2. Contact the providers to understand their position on refunds and / or rebooking
3. Decide what you want to do with respect to rebooking. You may be offered dates in a different time of year than you originally planned to travel. If you want to know what it is like in Italy at different times throughout the year check this article
4. Contact your insurance provider to understand if you can recover any funds owing for services you do not wish to rebook
5. You may choose to pursue fund recovery with your credit card for services you are not happy with the recourse offered

Recommended official websites for up to date information

• National travel advisory services
  • United States
  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • New Zealand

• European Union ‘Reopen EU‘ – useful site with latest information on reopening in Italy – includes travel and health information plus details of differences by region
• IATA Travel Center – the International Air Travel Association’s site for up to date travel information used by airlines
• Italian Ministry of Health – tracks cases and issues related to coronavirus in Italy
• Italian Tourism Board – latest information for tourists on visiting Italy at this time (site in English)

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