'Sunshine, wine and smart design'
What would it be like to wake in the heart of the Roman Empire, lunch in a sumptuous 16th-century Renaissance villa, and go to bed in the capital of 21st-century designer chic? Visit Italy, taking in Rome, Florence and Milan, and the experience is yours.  But that's not all. Italy combines art history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite Mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Italy is one of the world's leading tourist destinations. When planning your Italian travel, be sure to review the following useful information:

Entry Requirements  
  PASSPORTS: Passport valid for three months beyond the validity of the visa required by all except:
1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland who only require a valid national ID card.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) airport transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or connecting aircraft within 48 hours, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and valid documents for onward travel (except nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia and Sri Lanka, who always require a visa, unless granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK). As the preceding list is liable to change at short notice, visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Italian Embassy or Consulate before traveling.
All foreign nationals planning to stay in Italy over 90 days should apply within eight working days of arrival to receive a permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay).

For all purposes except travel, such as work, study, etc., a visa is required and must be obtained from the Italian Embassy or Consulates before entering Italy.

Types of visa and cost: The visa administration fee ranges from £23.60; this must be paid in advance on presentation of the application and is non-refundable even if the visa is not issued.

Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. There are three types of Schengen visa: Airport transit and Transit: £6.70; Short-stay (for tourism, business and study purposes); £16.80 (for up to 30 days); £23.50 (for over 30 days). Prices are approximate and are subject to frequent change with exchange rates. Visitors are advised to check with the Consulate (or Consular section at Italian Embassy).

Note: Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse's passport and the original marriage certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Italian Embassy for details).
Validity: Schengen short-stay: up to 90 days. Long term: up to one year.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at your nearest Italian Embassy); Postal applications are not accepted.
Note: (a) Minors under 18 years of age not traveling with their parents require a declaration from both parents or their legal guardian authorizing their travel. (b) Visa officers may also ask for additional documents.

Under Italian law, tourists are required to register with a local police station within three days of your arrival.

If you lose your passport, immediately notify the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your home government.

Note: The Consulate General in Milan provides a full range of U.S. Government services from consular to political, economic, commercial, information research, liaison and management support. The Consular Section offers services to U.S. citizens and processes non-immigrant visa applications. Consul General Deborah E. Graze heads the Consulate General and is the chief representative of the U.S. government in the consular district.