Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
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
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
39
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
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 80.8% (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with very small groups of Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim 4.9%
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?Â
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: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
