Italy Travel Advice

Passport & Visas

If you are travelling to Italy from a country whose citizens are exempt from the Schengen visa requirement, you can generally stay in Italy for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism and other permitted short visits without obtaining a visa. Travellers from visa-required countries must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa before travelling. Applications should normally be submitted at least 15 days before departure and no more than six months in advance.

Your passport or travel document should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years, and contain at least two blank pages. If your itinerary includes Italy and other Schengen countries, check which country is responsible for processing your visa application, as this is generally determined by your main destination and the length of your stay in each country.

Check with your embassy or your official government website for regulations. Bear in mind that our Italy travel advice is for guidance only. You are advised to check the details as it is your responsibility to have all the official documents ready before traveling.

You can consult the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We recommend all travelers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA 

Travel Insurance 

You need to have valid and adequate travel insurance before your tour with Travel Talk begins. It is your responsibility to have your insurance ready, but we are more than happy to provide you with guidance in the process. You can visit our travel insurance page for more details. 

When to Go

High Season

The best time to visit Italy is generally from late spring through summer, when warmer temperatures and long daylight hours make it a popular period for sightseeing, coastal holidays, and outdoor activities. June to August is the busiest travel period, particularly in destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Italian lakes, Tuscany, and the major cities. Coastal areas can be pleasantly warm, while inland and southern regions may experience temperatures above 30°C during the height of summer.

Late spring, particularly May and June, offers a more comfortable balance for exploring Italy’s historic cities and countryside. Visit Rome, Florence, Venice, or Tuscany when temperatures are generally milder and the days are long enough for full sightseeing itineraries. Depending on the region, daytime temperatures are often around 18–28°C, although southern Italy can be warmer.

Low Season

Autumn and winter bring fewer visitors to many parts of Italy, making this period appealing for travellers interested in cultural sightseeing and a quieter atmosphere. October and November are particularly suitable for exploring cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, with cooler temperatures and seasonal food and wine traditions adding to the experience. Southern Italy and Mediterranean coastal areas generally remain milder than the north, while winter can bring snow to the Alps and colder conditions across northern and inland regions.