Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
(+39) 06-4674-1; US Embassy Rome, via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Roma, Italy; uscitizenrome@state.gov; https://it.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
39
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Italy: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Predominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, L
Major Languages
Italian, German, French, Slovene
Major Religions
Christian (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with very small groups of Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Rome (includes Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, Roman Forum); Venice Canals; Pompeii; Leaning Tower of Pisa; Lake Como; Florence (includes Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery); Sicily; Mount Vesuvius; Amalfi Coast; Hadrian's Villa; Milan (includes Cathedral, La Scala)
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, rugby, cycling, water polo
Cultural Practices
It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Dress neatly and respectfully.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge, ranging from 1-3 euros, is sometimes added to a restaurant bill, but you can round up for good service. Tip a bartender 1 euro for a round of drinks. Tipping in hotels is not required, but always appreciated. It is appropriate to tip a porter 5 euros, the concierge 1-2 euros (if they provided a service), and housekeeping between 75 cents to 1.5 euros per day. Round up taxi fares.
Souvenirs
Leather goods, designer fashion, artwork, ceramics and pottery, wine and liqueurs, cheese, pasta, crystal and blown-glass items
Traditional Cuisine
Pasta dishes, pizza
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
