ETIAS Italy

Disclaimer: This website is operated by an independent entity, it is not affiliated with or endorsed by the European Union. european-union.europa.eu is the official website for the EU.

What is ETIAS Italy?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System and it is a program to be implemented by the European Union in 2026.

ETIAS Italy is a travel authorisation for citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit Italy, other Schengen member countries, and countries in the process of joining the Schengen area, like Cyprus.

At this time, citizens of over 50 countries are exempt from getting a visa to enter Italy. When the system is live, citizens of these visa-exempt countries will need to complete the ETIAS Italy online application to get their travel authorisation approved.

The EU is working on developing the ETIAS system for its implementation in 2026.

ETIAS for Italy will be an automated IT system created for several reasons. ETIAS is a visa waiver that will screen travelers before they can travel to the region.

eu-bandera

During president Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union Address in 2016, he emphasized the need for an automated system to better regulate who enters Europe. The EU’s security is a priority and the ETIAS system will be a key tool in making the Schengen area safer. The European Parliament voted in favour of the ETIAS system in July 2018.

The regulations for the establishment of ETIAS entered into force on October 9th, 2019.

Furthermore, the EU is also working on the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system for registering third-country nationals who cross the EU’s external borders, which is set to launch in October 2025.

Who needs ETIAS Italy?

etias-italy-home

The ETIAS for Italy will be a mandatory requirement for travellers from visa-free countries who wish to visit Italy, any of the Schengen member countries, and countries in the process of joining Schengen.

To get the ETIAS visa waiver, travellers must complete an ETIAS online form with their passport details and personal information.

Those who need an ETIAS visa waiver are citizens from current visa-exempt countries. Citizens of countries without exemption agreements must apply for a Schengen Visa through an embassy or consulate.

In contrast, the ETIAS visa waiver for Italy will be available through an online application that can be easily filled out in a matter of minutes. To travel to Europe in 2026, eligible travellers are expected to complete their ETIAS application before traveling to the ETIAS countries.

The system will gather a traveller’s data and will contrast the information against several security databases including the EURODAC, VIS, and Interpol. Once the information has been revised, the applicant will receive an email notification with the status of their application.

If an application triggers an alarm, it will be revised manually by the respective team. If an ETIAS application is denied, the applicant can appeal and send additional documentation to the ETIAS team in charge of their case.

There are currently a number of countries that can travel to Italy and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. These are:

Travel to Italy with an ETIAS Authorisation

passport-etias-home

The EU expects to launch the ETIAS system in 2026 and travellers who wish to visit Italy as of this year must get an ETIAS authorisation.

To travel to Italy with the ETIAS visa waiver, visitors must meet the ETIAS Italy requirements and have the following:

  • A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from Italy
  • A debit or credit card
  • A valid email address

Travel to Italy with the ETIAS visa waiver will not change significantly. All travellers must do is complete their ETIAS application prior to their trip.

To complete ETIAS, the applicant will need to provide their personal details, passport information, and travel plans as well as answer security questions.

Travel Information about Italy

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy covers an area of 301,340 km2 and is home to around 61 million people.

Italy welcomes millions of foreign visitors a year and it is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe.

Travel to Italy with the ETIAS visa waiver will be simple and quick. Anyone who is eligible can fill out the ETIAS form within minutes.

Most applications are expected to be processed shortly after being submitted. The automated ETIAS system will scan data and screen travellers to determine whether the person may pose a threat. For instance, the ETIAS system will be able to identify if a person has committed fraud or if they have stolen a passport in the past.

Applicants just need a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a debit card, and a current email address.

Travellers should enter accurate information and check that their details in the ETIAS application match those of their passports.

World-map-home-etias

ETIAS is not a visa, and it cannot be obtained at an embassy or consulate. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation that allows its holder to travel to the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Italy is a well-connected country with plenty of public transport options. As a Eurozone member country, foreign visitors must have euros to pay for accommodation, food, transport, etc. It is possible to rent a car in Italy as long as the traveller has a driving licence.