Italy
Italy visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for Italy for short stays. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying. Check your passport is valid for your stay and has enough blank pages.
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Key facts
- Visa required
- No, for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- ETIAS needed from 2026check
- Yes, before departure
- Passport validitycheck
- Must be valid for your stay; check the 6-month rule
- Blank pagescheck
- At least one blank page for the entry stamp
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for Italy for short stays. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying. Check your passport is valid for your stay and has enough blank pages.
Visa waiver by passport
All six nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays. The table shows the maximum stay and the extra requirement from 2026.
| Nationality | Visa required | Max stay | ETIAS from 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
| UK | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
| Canada | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
| Australia | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
| New Zealand | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
| Ireland | No | 90 days in 180 | Yes |
The 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen Area, not just Italy.
ETIAS: what changes in 2026
From 2026, visa-exempt travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying to Italy or any other Schengen country. It is an online application, not a visa, and is valid for three years or until your passport expires. The fee is expected to be around €7 for most applicants; under-18s and over-70s are exempt.
Apply on the official ETIAS website only. There is no need to apply more than a few weeks ahead, but doing it early avoids last-minute problems.
Passport validity and blank pages
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. Many countries require the 6-month rule, but Italy and the Schengen Area accept passports valid for the duration of your stay. Still, check your airline's rules and the official government advice for your nationality.
You need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. If your passport is nearly full, renew it before you travel.
Entry process at the border
You will be asked for your passport and possibly proof of funds and accommodation. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready. Border officers may ask how long you plan to stay; answer honestly and keep to the 90-day limit.
If you are staying with friends or family, bring an invitation letter. If you are travelling for work or study, you need a visa even if you are visa-exempt for tourism.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Italy?
No. All six nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying.
How long can I stay in Italy without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit applies to the whole Schengen Area, so days spent in France or Spain count towards your 90.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Italy?
From 2026, yes. ETIAS is required for visa-exempt travellers. Apply online on the official website; it is valid for three years or until your passport expires.
What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?
You need a visa or residence permit. Overstaying can lead to fines, a ban, or difficulty re-entering the Schengen Area. Apply well before your 90 days end.
Can I work remotely from Italy without a visa?
Tourism rules do not cover remote work. If you plan to work for a foreign employer while in Italy, check the rules for digital nomads or apply for a work visa. Overstaying or working without the right permit is illegal.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Italy
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Italy
- officialGovernment of Canada – Italy
- officialSmartraveller – Italy
- officialSafeTravel – Italy
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – Italy
- officialETIAS official website
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Italy
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Italy
- officialGovernment of Canada – Italy
- officialSmartraveller – Italy
- officialSafeTravel – Italy
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – Italy
- officialETIAS official website
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