Tips for the Traveler
in Italy
Visas: EU citizens require only a passport or
ID card to stay or work in Italy for as long as they
like. They are, however, required to register with a questura (police
station) if they take up residence and obtain a permesso
di soggiorno (permission to remain for a nominated
period). Citizens of many other countries, including
the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Switzerland
and Japan, do not need a visa if entering as tourists
for up to three months. Since passports are not stamped
on entry, that three-month rule can generally be interpreted
with a certain flexibility. If you are entering for any
reason other than tourism (for instance, study) or plan
to remain for an extended period, insist on having the
entry stamp. Without it you could encounter problems
when trying to obtain a permesso di soggiorno. Non-EU
citizens who want to study at a university or language
school must have a study visa. These can be obtained
from your nearest Italian embassy or consulate.
Health risks: rabies (This is only found in the Alps), Leishmaniasis
(This is found in coastal regions), Lyme disease
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (+2 in summer) (Central European Time)
Dialling Code: 39
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
Italy is at its best in spring (April-May)
and autumn (October-November). During these seasons,
the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant
and there are relatively few crowds. Try to avoid August,
as this is the time that most Italians take their vacations,
and many shops and businesses are closed as a result. back to top
Events
Religious, cultural
and historical events pepper the Italian calendar.
The pre-Easter Carnivale is closely associated with
Venice; Holy Week Easter processions are especially
flamboyant at Taranto, Chieti and Sicily; and Florence
explodes a cart full of fireworks on Easter Sunday.
Festivals honouring patron saints are also particularly
colourful events; for example the Festas di San Nicola
in Bari and San Gennaro in Naples, the Festival of
Snakes in Abruzzo (May) and the Festa of Sant'Antonio
in Padua (June). Events betraying more than a hint
of history include the Race of the Candles and Palio
of the Crossbow in Gubbio (May), the Sardinian Cavalcade
(May), the Regata of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics
(which rotates between Pisa, Venice, Amalfi and Genoa,
and is held in June), Il Palio in Siena (July & August)
and Venice's Historic Regatta (September)
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