An ETIAS For Italy Will Be A Requirement, But Not A Visa

An ETIAS for Italy will be required to travel to Rome, but this travel authorization program is not a VISA and we describe the why for your travel planning.

ETIAS for Italy - No Visa Required — No Visa Required

Europe will be implementing a new ETIAS travel authorization system in 2024 and travelers to Italy, and Europe in general, need to be aware of the requirements before making plans to visit Italy next year.

What Is The ETIAS For Italy In 2024?

Contrary to some political pronouncements, ETIAS isn’t actually a Visa. ETIAS is a system for travel authorization required for visa-free travelers that is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that the US implemented in 2008. Applicants will undertake a detailed security check to determine whether they can be allowed to enter a country of the European Union’s Schengen Zone.

There are currently 62 countries, including the US, whose citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days for purposes other than to work or study. They will be allowed to visit as tourists or for business purposes if they apply through the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, once it is implemented in 2024.

Why Is ETIAS For Italy Being Implemented?

The origins of the authorization system date back to when fears of terrorism dominated the news and governments and the intention of this program is to better track visitors to the European Union’s Schengen Zone, which of course, includes Italy. The system has been planned to be implemented for a few years now and and after a few false starts, is planning for a 2024 implementation.

ETIAS for Italy - Tracking Travelers — Tracking Travelers

Do I Need A Visa From The US To Italy?

No, as of today, if you are planning to visit Italy, or any other European Union’s Schengen Zone, for less than 90 days, you will not need to have a visa. U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a Declaration of Presence (dichiarazione di presenza). Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days must obtain a Permit of Stay (permesso di soggiorno). If you need more information, it can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polizia di Stato.

What Nations Will Require ETIAS Authorization?

The new ETIAS travel authorization system is required for all those entering any member country of the European Union’s Schengen Zone. In addition to Italy, the countries that will require prior approval are:

ETIAS Required Countries
Austria	Finland	Italy	Monaco	Slovakia
Belgium	France	Latvia	Netherlands	Slovenia
Croatia	Germany	Liechtenstein	Norway	Spain
Czech Republic	Greece	Lithuania	Poland	Sweden
Denmark	Hungary	Luxembourg	Portugal	Switzerland
Estonia	Iceland	Malta	San Marino	Vatican City

Is An ETIAS For Italy Required Now?

The ETIAS travel authorization is not required for travel to Italy as of 2023. It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be operational in 2024, but given its history of delays, it is important to check in here, or with the European Union’s travel website, as you begin to make travel plans for 2024 and beyond.

Do US Citizens Need An ETIAS For Italy 2024?

US citizens are not yet required for ETIAS travel authorization because the system is not yet live. They should expect that it will be required for travel in 2024 or later. Travelers should add ETIAS authorization to the list of this to do when planning to travel to Italy, and be sure to give this process enough time to complete.

After you apply, you will receive an email confirming if your ETIAS application has been approved within 96 hours or less. Be careful, because a small percentage of applications may take up to four weeks to process if additional documentation is required from the applicant.

If your ETIAS has not yet been approved, or has been declined, and you do not have any other travel authorization, you will not be able to enter Italy, or any other country within the European Union’s Schengen Zone.

ETIAS for Italy - Required In EURO Zone — Required In Euro Zone

Do I Need ETIAS For Italy If I Live In Europe?

Assuming you live in Europe legally, you do not need ETIAS authorization if:

You have a long-term visa for Italy or any other EU Schengen Zone country.
You are a holder of a residence permit or a residence card issued by any European country requiring ETIAS
You are a holder of a diplomatic, service or special passport.
You are a national (citizen) of any of the EU Schengen Zone countries.
You are a national of a country that already requires a visa.

When Should I Apply For The ETIAS?

It is strongly recommended by the EU that you obtain the ETIAS travel authorization before you buy your tickets and book your hotels. Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to an additional 30 days.

Is The ETIAS Authorization The Same As A Residency Permit For Italy?

No. When you are traveling to Italy, you are either planning to stay less than 90 days or more than 90 days. A residency permit is required for longer term stays, so it doesn’t require ETIAS authorization. Short term stays of less than 90 days, which do not require a visa, do require ETIAS authorization.

What Documentation Is Needed For ETIAS Authorization For Travel To Italy?

If you are a US citizen, the following documentation can be used when applying to ETIAS authorization:

Ordinary passport
Diplomatic passport
Service passport
Official passport
Travel document – Refugee travel document 1
Travel document – Permit to re-enter 2
Emergency passport

Your travel document should be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS and should not be older than 10 years. Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorization because you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match.