General Information

Customs

Visitors coming from non-EU countries may be subject to occasional spot checks on arrival in Italy.
Visitors may bring in the following quantity of duty-free goods: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or pipe tobacco not exceeding 250gr (0.5 lb), 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine, 50ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette. Anything over this limit must be declared on arrival and the appropriate duty paid.

Overseas tourists arriving in Italy after visiting other countries are allowed to carry with them souvenirs purchased in other countries up to a total value of Euro 175 (Euro 90 up to 15 year old). On leaving the EU, non-EU citizens can reclaim I.V.A. (VAT) on expensive purchases (see Shopping).

Electricity

The standard in Italy is 220V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and an adapter. Plugs have two round pins, or three round pins for appliances that need to be grounded. Check to see if there is a 110/220V switch on your appliances, if not, you will need a converter. We recommend that you pack one together with your electrical appliance, so that you do not have to spend valuable time looking for adapters and transformers during your stay.

Passport Requirement

A valid passport is required for entry. If you are an American citizen and have a passport, check its expiration date. American passports are valid for five or ten years from the date of issue. Your passport must remain valid throughout the entire travel period and for six (6) months or more after the completion of your trip. If your passport has expired or will expire during your planned trip, or need a new passport, apply at any passport agency. A complete listing of passport agencies is available at www.travel.state.gov

VISA Requirements

Visitors from the United States need only a valid passport for entry into Italy (no visa required), and may stay for a period of up to 90 days. For longer stays a resident's permit must be obtained from the Italian Consulate. If you are traveling on a non-US passport consult the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate for entry requirements.

Embassies & Consulates

The United States Consulates are located in Milan and Florence and the United States Embassy is in Rome. They are open Monday-Friday. The addresses, phone numbers and hours are listed below.
Website: www.usembassy.it

United States Consulate Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 Milan, Italy Phone: 02-29035-1 Hours: 8:3Oam-l2pm

United States Embassy Via Vittorio Veneto, 119/A Rome, Italy Phone: 06-4674-1 Hours: 8:3Oam-12:3Opm

United States Consulate Lungarno Vespucci, 38 Florence, Italy Phone: 055-266-951 Hours: 9am-12:3Opm

Register with the Embassy

As a resident, short-term visitor or tourist, please register with the U.S. Embassy. With current contact information it will make it easier if someone at home needs to locate you urgently, or in the event of an emergency. It will also facilitate the issuance of a new passport if lost or stolen. Please fill out the on-line form at the U.S. Department of State web site prior to your departure from home.
www.travelregistration.state.gov

Time

Italy time is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the U.S., 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

Weather

Italy's climate is blessed by warm, dry summers and mild winters. There are, however, marked regional variations according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. Summers are hot and dry along the coastal areas, especially as you move south, and cool in the major mountain areas. Winters are mild in the center and south of the country, but in the north they can be at least as cold as anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. The nicest time to visit Italy in terms of weather is from Spring to late Fall.

Internet Access

There are many internet cafes in the main cities, where you can have access to the internet from 3 to 5 euros per hour. In general, internet connection is not common at private homes. In the smaller towns, internet cafes may not be available.

Tipping

In Italy tipping is not practiced as in the United States. In restaurants the tip is included in the price, but it is expected at upscale venues. Taxi drivers expect tips from visitors, 10-15%.

Measurement Conversion Table

Italy uses the metric system of weights and measures. Speed and distance are measured in kilometers; goods in kilograms and liters; temperature in Celsius (Centigrade). To covert Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = 1.8 x °C + 32

Clothing Conversion Table