Passport & Customs
Italy is part of the European Union and a signee of the Schengen Agreement, which is a treaty that led most of the European countries towards abolishment of their national borders, known as “Schengen Area.”
The Schengen area includes 26 countries, which allows citizens of member countries to travel within the zone freely, without passing through passport and border control.
Americans, among few other world travelers, expecting to stay for less than 90 days are permitted to enter and travel throughout the whole territory of the Schengen Zone (including the UK) without having to obtain an EU visa.
EU Travel Authorization starting 2021
Starting January 1, 2021 all travelers outside of the Schengen area will have to apply for an ETIAS prior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory.
The ETIAS visa waiver stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which will require passport holders to apply online for an entry permit in Europe before entering the area, similar to the ESTA that the United States use.
This process allows EU authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them enter or even to board a flight to Europe, thus improving security measures throughout Europe.
The visa waiver will cost around €7 and it is estimated that the application process will take around 10 minutes to complete. An ETIAS can be issued for three years, and can be used to enter and remain in Europe for 90 days within a six-month period.
Exports from Italy
There are no restrictions on gifts purchased in Italy except for antiques and works of art more than 100 years old. These require the authorization of the Ministero dei Beni Culturali e Ambientali., which the antiques dealer from which you purchase them can help you obtain.
Country Regulations on Purchases Abroad
When returning home you will be most likely required to declare any articles articles acquired abroad, whether purchased, received as gifts or purchased at a duty free shop. Each country has different regulations on how much you are allowed to bring without incurring into extra duties, please consult your government website to check what those limits are.
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