Travel Documents & Airport Requirements

Entry Requirements for Italy

The information below addresses entry requirements for U.S. citizens. Participants who are citizens of other countries should check the Embassy of Italy’s website or consult with an Italian consulate to determine if a visa or vaccines will be necessary to enter the country for the duration of your program. CGEE will assist you in reviewing information, but it is your responsibility to research, obtain and pay for proper documentation.

• Passport: Keep any documents inserted into your passport or given to you by immigration officials upon arrival in Italy. You will need to present them upon departure.

• Visa & Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days in Italy. When you enter Italy you may need proof of sufficient funds and will need a return plane ticket.

• Documents to Bring: You will need to have your passport and flight information handy.

When you arrive at the airport in Italy:

• When you arrive in Italy immigration officials may ask you about your itinerary and schedule. If so, tell them you are there to tour and learn about Tuscany. Identify yourself as a tourist if asked; the official purpose of your trip is educational tourism. Watch your bags and documents at the airport, as thieves sometimes target arriving passengers.

Other General Travel and Documentation Advice

Air Travel & Deviations

The higher education institution or organization sponsoring your program through CGEE will advise you on arrangements for air travel.  It is essential that the name on your travel documents be identical to your name as it appears on your passport.  If there is a discrepancy, you could be delayed or required to purchase another ticket.  Please check your ticket as soon as you receive it and contact CGEE if there is a discrepancy.

In the event that changes need to be made to your flight itinerary due to illness, strikes, terrorism, weather, or other causes, ensuring the well-being of all participants will be CGEE’s priority.  Additional expenses, if any, will be the responsibility of the sponsor or each individual participant, although CGEE will make every effort to minimize such expenses.

Passports

Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months past the scheduled date of departure from the country.  While the average processing time for a standard passport application is six weeks, it can take much longer.  If your program is departing within six weeks, we recommend using Expedited Service.  Consult the U.S. Department of State website for fees and procedures for U.S. passports.

Once you receive your new or renewed passport, sign it on the designated page opposite your picture to validate it.  Enter your passport information into your CGEE online registration and make sure you also have a photocopy for yourself to keep with you during the trip separately from where you keep your passport.  It is also a good idea to leave a photocopy with a family member or friend at home. Remember to keep any documents inserted into your passport or given to you by immigration officials upon arriving in the destination country.  You may need to present them upon departure.

Visas

When you travel internationally, you must determine if you need a visa.  A visa is an official endorsement from a foreign government permitting entry into a particular country or region for a specified period of time.  A visa may be glued or stamped directly into an applicant’s passport or it may be on a separate paper or insert.  Most countries require visas.  Consult the U.S. Department of State Country Specific Information for visa requirements.

Keep in mind that procedures and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your application. Issuance of visas is at the sole discretion of the applicable consulate or embassy, therefore it is best not to delay in applying for your visa once you have all the necessary documents.