Visitors Guide to Italy

Residency, Visas and Passports

Visitors to Italy from countries within the European Union are able to visit the country freely, without a visa. Obtaining residency for EU citizens is quite straight forward, as there are no specific restrictions. Visitors to the country from outside the EU will need to determine any restrictions prior to travelling to ensure they are not refused entry upon arrival.

Italy is a member country of the Schengen Area, meaning that visitors from countries such as the USA can visit the country without a special visa for up to 90 days. Non EU visitors to Italy wishing to obtain a residency permit or working visa will need to obtain up to date information of restrictions and requirements relating to their country of origin to ensure correct information is provided.

You can find more on visas and immigration here: Italian Government

Getting There

Italy’s strategically positioned location within Europe has made the country well connected with all of the other major European cities. Discount airlines have routes operating throughout the country and are constantly improving their connections to supply the high demand for transport. Various major ports of entry to Italy are dispersed around the country, along with ferry ports connecting to neighbouring countries and cruise ship ports.

Flying into Italy is very simple and the country is only within 3 hours flying time of the majority of European cities. Discount airlines fly into airports throughout the country, not only the major cities. This has enabled visitors to any region of Italy to benefit from reduced cost flight tickets.

All of the major cities across the country are well connected by rail, with train travel in Italy being generally cheaper than other European countries. Travel passes can be obtained for those who plan extensive rail journeys around the country, saving money on transport costs.

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Local Transport

The most common form of public transport in Italy is privately owned cars. The increases in numbers of cars in the country, especially in the large cities, has lead to increased levels of planning for improved public transport systems. The extensive impact of such a large number of private cars on the environment has lead to government initiatives to look into ways to improve transport links to encourage drivers to consider alternative transport measures.

Buses and taxis are available throughout the country with the local public transport systems relatively well developed in large towns, and sufficient in smaller towns, yet constantly being improved. There is an excellent metro system in Rome with tickets sold in various places throughout the city, not only in the stations themselves. It should also be noted that when travelling to cities such as Venice, road transport is restricted from entering the city.

Health and Safety

Italy is a very safe place to visit, with excellent health facilities available for emergencies. Most of the major crime within the country is a result of internal affairs and not aimed at tourists. Italy is a very friendly nation and the people understand that tourism is a major force of their economy. However, visitors heading voluntarily into notorious areas are advised to mind their own affairs.

Petty theft is very common in the touristic areas where pick-pockets are rife. Visitors need to keep an eye on their belongings and remain cautious of events that appear to be created for the sake of causing confusion. Cramped spaces are usually the locations of petty theft that is often carried out by illegal immigrants from the East European countries.

Cash machines are readily available throughout the country and can assist with the avoidance of carrying large sums of money. Precautions should also be taken when driving through major cities, as the traffic can be very heavy and Italian drivers have a reputation for being somewhat crazy. Understanding the road rules and road signs, pre-planning car journeys and knowing what to do in the event of an accident, no matter how minor, can make the journey much more relaxed and enjoyable.

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