Traveling to Italy Tips FAQ

As of June 1, 2022, a Green Pass or equivalent certificate is no longer needed to enter Italy. So currently, there are no longer any Covid Restrictions for entering Italy from the USA.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy for tourist stays of up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer or visit for purposes other than tourism, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa from an Italian consulate before your trip.

As of Saturday, Oct. 1, it is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask on public transportation, but its use in all indoor environments and all cases of crowded outdoor events is highly recommended and the type of mask that had been required for museums was usually a surgical or FFP2 mask. 

At this time, vaccines are not required but make sure if you have a layover in a different country check the rules for that country.

Yes, there are Covid-19 testing facilities available at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. If you are arriving from a country that is not on the list of “safe” countries, you will be required to take a test upon arrival. The cost of the test is €30 and results are typically available within 4 hours.

The short answer is yes – Italy is currently safe to travel to. However, as with any international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is always some risk involved. Be sure to check the latest travel advisories before booking your trip, and always follow local health and safety guidelines while in Italy.

The official language of Italy is Italian. However, you will find that many people speak English, especially in the larger cities. In more rural areas, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English, so it’s helpful to learn a few key phrases in Italian.

The currency in Italy is the Euro. ATM machines are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most businesses. However, having some cash on hand is always a good idea, especially for smaller purchases or tipping.

The best way to get around Italy depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities, then flying or taking the train is probably your best bet. If you want to explore more rural areas or get from place to place, renting a car is a good option. In the cities like Rome, I do lots of walking, and I use the bus, but in Florence, I tend to do more walking.

The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to see and do. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. If you’re interested in beach vacations, the best time to visit is from late June to early September. For skiing and winter sports, December through February are ideal. Personally, my favorite time to travel to Italy is in October.

The official language of Italy is Italian. However, you will find that many people speak English, especially in the larger cities. In more rural areas, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English, so it’s helpful to learn a few key phrases in Italian.

Packing for Italy largely depends on the time of year you’re visiting. If you’re traveling during the summer, then you’ll want to pack light, airy clothing as it can be quite warm. However, if you’re visiting Italy during the winter, then you’ll need to pack warmer items such as coats and scarves. Some essential items to pack for your trip to Italy include sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll also want to make sure you have your passport and travel insurance information handy. Check out my blog post on what to pack for Italy.

Yes, you can rent a car in Italy, but you need an International permit. This is quite easy to do, just head over to your local Triple AAA office with your driver’s license and pay a small fee.

My answer is no! For several reasons. First, many cars are stick shift and they also drive a little crazy. Secondly, most cars run on Diesel, so it can get expensive. Thirdly many historical towns have no drive zones, which can be hard to know which and when they are if you don’t speak Italian. Last but not least, finding parking is a challenge. If you plan to get a car rental, make sure you check out my blog post, The 411 on Driving in Italy. Currently my favorite car rental company is Sixth.

You don’t have to carry your pass[ort in Italy, however, I recommend you take a photo of your passport so you can have it on your phone.

There are a few different options for getting around Italy. The most popular method is by train, which can be efficient and relatively inexpensive. You can also travel by bus or car, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in some areas, particularly large cities.

If you love food, you’re in for a treat! Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, from pizza and pasta to gelato and tiramisu. There are many regional dishes to try, so you’ll never get bored of eating in Italy. Italian food is also very seasonal, so if you are visiting in the summer, it may be more seafood, and in the fall/winter, it may be heartier foods like soups and meats. The best part is that the food is fresh from the farm to table. When ordering wine at a restaurant, always try the vino della casa. Typically they are delicious and super affordable.

There is no shortage of things to do in Italy! You can explore ancient ruins, marvel at beautiful art, wander through picturesque villages, or relax on a beach. People can also watch at a piazza while sipping a lovely drink during aperitivo which is Ita’ys Happy hour. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored in Italy.

https://www.italia.it/en/covid-19-italy-travel-guidelines
https://www.esteri.it/en/ministero/normativaonline/focus-cittadini-italiani-in-rientro-dall-estero-e-cittadini-stranieri-in-italia/
https://it.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Starting in May 2023, you will need to do your fingerprints along with presenting your passport when you arrive in Italy.

The Best Italian cities to visit will depend on things like personal preference. Are you more of a beach person? Mountain person? Big city traveler? For first-timers, I always recommend Rome and Florence. I also love Southern Italy and Tuscany. I still have not been to Venice or Puglia. Italy is a beautiful country with so much to see and explore. This is why we love going every year.The Best Italian cities to visit will depend on things like personal preference. Are you more of a beach person? Mountain person? Big city traveler? For first-timers, I always recommend Rome and Florence.

I also love Southern Italy and Tuscany. I still have not been to Venice or Puglia. Italy is a beautiful country with so much to see and explore. This is why we love going every year.
When visiting Rome, you must hit the top tourist attractions and do not skip out on the Vatican City.The Best Italian cities to visit will depend on things like personal preference. Are you more of a beach person? Mountain person? Big city traveler? For first-timers, I always recommend Rome and Florence. I also love Southern Italy and Tuscany. I still have not been to Venice or Puglia. Italy is a beautiful country with so much to see and explore. This is why we love going every year.

My top Italy travel tips are as follows:
Plan your schedule around food first
Buy tickets ahead of time
Make Restaraunt reservations
Create a daily spending budget
Check the weather beforehand to know what to pack
Don’t over pack
Leave room for flexibility
Eat and try new foods
Get the Vino Della Casa
Learn more about Italian Culture before visiting
Get an International driving permit if you wish to rent a car
Use Google Maps for directions even on how to get the bus
Learn some basic Italian phrases before you go
Check hotel/Airbnb reviews and always ask if there is an elevator. Also ask about the tourist tax
Follow my Tiktok for more Italy travel tips
Save the Italian emergency numbers