We list the mandatory documents and vouchers for a tourist trip to Italy . Also find out which documents are NOT required.
As a matter of curiosity, also find out which documents are actually required at immigration and which are those that tend to remain in the background when inspecting Italian airports. But I’ll say it right away: even if they are not always requested, I recommend boarding with all the necessary documents, thus avoiding any risk of being stopped on arrival in Italy.
COVID-19 . In June 2022, Italy no longer requires a negative test and a certificate of vaccination or recovery. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to present the Green Pass or other documents related to COVID-19 in Italy. Check updates on the official website: Italia.it .
NON-mandatory documents. The International Certificate of Vaccination ( CIVP ) with yellow fever vaccine and the tourist visa are NOT required in Italy at the moment. About the visa, it is possible that it will become a requirement in Europe from 2023.
Documents needed when traveling to Italy
Although it is possible to have almost everything in the memory of the cell phone, we recommend that you have the printed documents, in an easily accessible place in your hand luggage. This makes it easier to access them for presentation to the immigration inspector, if requested. See the list:
1. Valid passport
The main documentation of any international traveller, the passport is always charged by the immigration inspector in Italy. Important rule: your passport must have at least 3 months validity on your date of departure from Italy or the Schengen Area. Example: if your return flight is on the 30th of April, your passport must be valid until at least the 30th of July.
2. Mandatory travel insurance valid in Italy
As a member country of the Schengen Area , Italy requires travel insurance from tourists. As a rule, the insurance must offer a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros, or equivalent in another currency, for medical and hospital expenses (acronym DMH).
Please note that basic insurance such as offered by credit cards does not provide coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, when quoting your travel insurance , I recommend including this coverage, essential in times of a pandemic.
Although travel insurance is a mandatory document for traveling to Italy, it is unlikely to be charged at immigration. I’ve already gone through inspection at Fiumicino Airport, in Rome, and at Naples Airport, among others in Schengen Area countries, and I’ve never been asked for proof of insurance. But don’t take chances, get your insurance before you travel.
3. Return or departure ticket from the Schengen Area
The Italian immigration inspector may request proof of leaving the country or the Schengen Area. It could be your air ticket back to a non-treaty country.
Remember that the length of stay in member countries of the Schengen Area , including Italy, is a maximum of 90 days. Examples: you can stay up to 90 calendar days in Italy, or 45 days in Italy and 45 days in France, or 30 days in Italy, 30 days in Spain and 30 days in Germany.
4. Proof of accommodation in Italy
Take with you proof of accommodation in Italy, either a hotel or Airbnb. Although it is among the mandatory documents, it is not usually requested at immigration. In any case, have these vouchers with you, preferably printed.
In the case of homestays, it is recommended to bring an invitation letter from your host, written by an Italian citizen or a legally resident foreigner, declaring availability for accommodation, accompanied by an identity document.
Document occasionally requested at immigration in Italy.
5. Financial proof in Italy
Proof of financial resources for subsistence is among the documents that may be required upon arrival in Italy. In the most recent rules for access to the country, according to the Embassy of Italy, the following minimum values are specified:
- 1 to 5 days of travel – 269 euros in total
- 6 to 10 days of travel – 44 euros per day per person
- Daily fee per person – 36 euros
Financial means can be proven in different ways, such as presenting cash and available limit on prepaid cards and international credit cards.
Check the complete table of values and updated information on the official website of the Embassy of Italy .
Both in Italy and in other European countries, it never happened to me that I needed to present financial proof. Neither did friends and family. Therefore, I imagine it to be among the least required rules in fact. But I don’t recommend trying your luck: always take all the necessary proofs with you.