Passport Regulations
A visa is not required for US or Canadian citizens holding a valid
passport unless they expect to stay in Italy for more than 90
days or are entering the country for study or employment reasons.
Anyone who decides to stay over 90 days once they have entered
the country should make an application once only to any police
station (questura) for an additional 90-day extension. Proof will
be required to ascertain that the person is a bona fide tourist
with adequate means of support and that the extension is not for
study or employment purposes. Generally, permission is granted
immediately. Non-American citizens should check current visa requirements
with the nearest Italian Consulate before departure.
Registration for Tourists
The paperwork related to registering with the police within 3
days of arrival in Italy is dealt with by the hotels the tourist
is staying in. If staying with friends or in a private home, tourists
must register in person at the nearest police station within three
days of arrival. In Rome there is a special police information
office to assist tourists. (Interpreters are available) telephone:
06.461-950 or 06.486-609
Pets
A traveller entering Italy with a dog or cat must have a veterinary
certificate stating that the animal is in good health and has
been vaccinated against rabies between 20 days and 11 months prior
to entry into Italy. The certificate must also state the breed,
age, sex and color of the pet, as well as the owner's name and
address. The certificate is valid for 30 days. Forms are obtainable
at all Italian diplomatic and consular representatives and from
the Italian Government Travel Office. A dog must be on a leash
or muzzled when in public. Customs officials may require a health
examination of any pet if they suspect that it is ill or has come
directly from tropical regions.
Healthcare and Medical Assistance
Tourists requiring urgent medical care should go to the nearest
hospital emergency ward (airports and many train stations also
have medical teams and first aid facilities). Those with serious
illnesses or allergies should always carry a special note from
their physicians giving detailed information on the treatments
they are following or that may be necessary. Pharmacies (Farmacia),
generally follow shop opening times (approx. from 8.30am to 12.30pm
and from 3 to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, but in large cities many
are open throughout the day. Night time service is provided on
a shift basis. Business hours and night shifts are displayed outside
each pharmacy and are published in local papers. It is advisable
to procure a document certifying coverage by the national health
care service before departure.