Italy

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All travel information to be used for guidance purposes only

GENERAL INFORMATION

Language: Italian
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz. European Plug Adapter (round pin) is needed.
International Direct Dialling Code: 39
Driving: Driving is on the right. Pink UK licence required or International Driving Permit. Minimum driving age is 18
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Italian, many executives speak French and English. Smoking is prohibited in most public buildings and on transport. Request permission before smoking in offices, cars and restaurants. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years
Public Holidays: 2011
1 Jan New Year's Day, 6 Jan Epiphany, 25 Apr Easter Monday, 25 Apr Liberation Day, 1 May Labor Day, 2 Jun Anniversary of the Republic, 15 Aug Assumption, 1 Nov All Saints' Day, 8 Dec Immaculate Conception, 25 Dec Christmas Day, 26 Dec St Stephen's Day.~
In addition, local days may be held in honor of patron saints, usually however shops and offices remain open Dates include:- Turin/Genoa/Florence: 24 Jun (St John the Baptist), Milan: 7 Dec (St Ambrose), Siena: 2 Jul and 16 Aug, Palio horserace, Venice: 25 Apr (St Mark), Bologna: 4 Oct (St Petronius), Naples: 19 Sep (St Gennaro), Bari: 6 Dec (St Nichola), Palermo: 15 Jul (St Rosalia), Rome: 29 Jun (St Peter), Trieste: 3 Nov (St Giusto).
Emergency Services: Police: 113. Fire: 115. Ambulance: 118
Clothing: Lightweights in summer, except in mountains. In winter, light or medium weights in the south with warmer clothing required elsewhere. Alpine wear is advised for winter mountain resorts.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

No recommend immunisations however check travellers have up to date tetanus & polio immunisations. Italy is a participant of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC scheme) which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector for free or reduced-cost medical treatment and emergency care.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Passport General: Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Holders of National Identity Cards issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain & Switzerland
2) Holders of passports expired a maximum of 5 years issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Italy (not allowed to depart using an expired passport), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino & Switzerland
Passport Validity: 1) Where a visa is not required, passports must be valid when returning from Italy
2) Where a visa is required, passports must be valid for 3 months beyond validity of visa
Visa General: The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Italy
2) For stays up to 90 days by citizens of: a) United Kingdom
b) Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (S.A.R. passport holders), Hungary, Ireland Rep, Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (S.A.R. passport holder), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City & Venezuela
The following DO require a visa: a) Bolivia
Visa Special Notes: 1) All visitors must hold onward/return tickets, documents required for next destination & sufficient funds for length of stay, except nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland Rep, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden & United Kingdom
2) Member of Schengen Visa Agreement, however we strongly recommend that travellers make enquiries prior to travel with the appropriate Embassies of the countries within the agreement which they plan to visit.

MISCELLANEOUS

It is strongly recommended that tourists do not attempt to purchase any counterfeit items, as this may end up costing them well more than an authentic product. As of May 2005 a new legislation was implemented which carries fines of up to 10,000 Euros for people caught purchasing counterfeit products, and criminal charges for anyone caught selling counterfeit goods.