Italy Travel Changes for 2025

Manarola, Liguria, Italy

Once again, Italy is the number one destination for beauty and travel this year. What could be better than Italy? You have natural beauty, art, architecture, archeology, history, and the locals are beautiful. Then there is all that food, wine, olive oil and more. Boat rides on three coasts, mountains in the center and in the north, volcanos and Pompeii. So much to enjoy.

Capalbio, off the beaten track in Italy. Come find the hidden gems!

This year’s travel adventures will have several challenges due to changes in the international climate. But first, let’s talk about the many items you should have with for traveling to Italy.

• You must have a valid passport that is at least 6 months before its expiration date when you return to the USA. 
• Your passport must have at least two blank pages at the back for it to be valid.
• Your maximum stay in the EU is 90 days. Otherwise, for a longer stay you must obtain a specialty visa which is an extensive process.
• Now you must show proof of funds to pay for your stay in Italy. You could bring bank statements or three months of pay stubs. You may not be asked about this, but you should be prepared for it. You may also be asked about your reservations at hotels and B&Bs.
• My suggestion—not a rule—carry a copy of your passport with you in case you lose your actual passport. Also, leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Print your itinerary and keep one on your phone in case one is lost.
• Another suggestion—as you purchase gifts, etc., collect all your receipts and place them in a single envelope. You will need them on your return.
• Carry some cash in Euros wherever you go. Markets usually do not take credit cards nor do they at many small family-run restaurants and businesses. You can use cards elsewhere.
• Use ATMs attached to banks in Italy for the lowest exchange rate. 
• Before you leave your home, let your phone company, credit cards, and banking services know how long you will be out of the country and where you will be.

Duomo San Donato in Arezzo, Tuscany Have you been to Arezzo?

New Considerations for all Travelers

Due to new European visitation rules and diplomatic changes in the world today, there are some other things to consider. Keep the following links on hand as you travel to and from Europe.

• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-03-07_en The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authority System (ETIAS) are set to launch in October 2025 and 2026, respectively. US travelers can apply for either, but the ETIAS should be done ahead of time and the EES is done at the external border of the country you enter. Check the link for more information.
• http://cbp.gov/document/forms/form-6059b-customs-declaration-english-fillable    Upon return to the USA, you will need to fill out the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. You must list all your purchases on this form—the envelope of receipts mentioned above will assist you in documenting your spending. This will be turned in when you go through customs in the USA. Often you will receive the form on the airplane home, or there are electronic forms available at the airport. Be sure to declare all purchases. Duty free purchases at the airport are separate. You can use the link above to print one out ahead of time and bring it with you.
• Strikes are somewhat common in Italy.  See April 2025 notices below.
  
  • April 9—Airport strike from Noon to 4 PM
  • April11 & 12—Rail strike from 3 AM on the 11^th until 2 AM on the 12^th
  • April 26—Public transport strike for all buses, subways and tram services

For information during your visit, you can contact www.italrail.com/strikes-information or https://www.tilo.ch.  Also note that strikes are generally scheduled 2 weeks in advance. That gives you time to change your plans.

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html The US State Department keeps you informed of any changes and problems in the area where you are internationally. They can direct you to the closest Embassy if you lose your passport.  Click the button that says “Find International Travel Information” for any travel changes, if you need assistance, if there are safety issues near you, and more.
• Mytravel.state.gov/s/step Check out the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Program. This is a program that you can enroll in so the US State Department will notify you of any climate issues, family issues, or civil unrest where you are. This is a backup plan for you if you choose to use it. It takes about 20 minutes to fill out the form and is a free service.
  
  • Right now, there is a level 2 alert for travel in Italy. I am not concerned about it, but it is a warning to pay attention to your surroundings, especially in high tourist areas. There is always a chance of an issue. You can read about this on our State Department website shown above. The STEP program above will notify you of any problems too.
• https://www.cbp.gov/ There are more things to consider when you return to the USA (or as a traveler from another country who wants to visit the USA). Click the link to be directed to the US Customs and Border Protection site. There have been recent reports of some Border Protection officials acting more aggressively when people return from other countries. There is more concern than we typically experience in Customs. They have called their tactics “advanced vetting.” They can ask you where you traveled, what the nature of your trip was, what is your Citizenship—from which country and whether you hold a passport, green card, or visa. Of course they want to see the form showing your purchases. Answer their questions directly and succinctly. 
• Both Customs and ICE representatives will most likely be at your port of entry. They have the right to search you, your baggage, and your telephone. If asked to search your bag, open it on the table, allow the search, then repack. As for your body search, it can be private and is unlikely, but it can happen. You would think that your phone would be off limits, but it is NOT off limits. If you refuse to give them your password, they will then confiscate your phone. If they take your phone, you must get a customs receipt to get it back. 
  
  • There are two types of phone searches: a) a basic scroll through your phone including services like X, Facebook, Instagram, and others, or b) advanced search where they will connect it to another electronic device for a deeper search. Again, they must be suspicious to do this, but we are not sure what “suspicious” means. Natalie Compton, a travel reporter for the Washington Post, has stated that they are looking to see if you are an activist against the current administration. Also, if they find things they believe are incendiary, they can detain you.
  • This has happened to a very minute number of people. But if you have concerns, you may choose to leave your phone at home, rent one in Italy for communication or not take a phone at all. 
  • If you believe you are being unfairly treated, you may ask for a supervisor’s assistance. You may also call for assistance on either 877.227.5511 or 202.235.8000.

Time for a calming photo from Tellaro on the Bay of Silence in Italy. 1-2-3 breathe, one more thing.

For those of you who may fall into the following categories: Green Card Holders and Visa Holders who have the legal right to live in the USA, and for members of the LGBTQ+ community, be aware that you may experience more scrutiny than probably ever before. 

• Green Card and Visa Holders have been turned away without the usual due process. Some have been detained by ICE and even some have been sent away to prisons. I do not know how many but more than a handful. Be prepared with every usable document you have, and, if traveling with children born in the US, bring a copy of their birth certificates along with their passports and possibly their social security cards as that may help. It is very unlikely this will happen to you, yet it never hurts to be prepared. 
• The traveling experiences for the LGBTQ+ community in the USA has changed. There is a real concern for how some people may be treated, especially if you are visiting from another country and are not a US citizen. Some LGBTQ+ travelers have chosen to skip travel to the USA for now. It is up to you. Just be aware, check with your own Consulate for advice.

Finally, Rick Steves, a beloved travel master for European adventures, has weighed in on the fact that some US travel companies like his are seeing Canadians choose not to travel with US tour companies. If you are traveling on a tour led by a US company, just make sure to confirm your tour dates are still good to go. 

I just arrived in the US for a short visit and did not experience any issues entering the country as a US citizen. But these times are unpredictable. There is an old Chinese Curse from the I-Ching that says, “May you live in Interesting Times.” It is all way too interesting right now. Still, we can all prepare for different outcomes, working for an easy cross-Atlantic adventure. Respect other travelers and locals. Remember to be kind. And enjoy Italy to the fullest.

Florence, Italy awaits you.

A dopo!

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