Essential customs rules and
restrictions for entering Italy
Traveler’s Guide by Parlaxy | Updated: February 3, 2025
When traveling to or from Italy, understanding the latest customs regulations is key to a hassle-free experience. Failure to comply with border rules can result in delays, fines, or even confiscation of your possessions.
To help you navigate these requirements with confidence, we’ve compiled a detailed guide covering everything you need to know.
Money Limits: Find out how much cash you can legally carry when entering or leaving Italy.
Declaring Goods: Learn which items require mandatory declaration and which are prohibited altogether.
Customs Rules: Get clear information on restrictions, applicable duties, and how customs fees are calculated.
Since these regulations are frequently updated, we recommend bookmarking this guide. Having up-to-date information at your fingertips will save you time and stress, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.
Prepare in advance so your trip to Italy is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
Full guide below
| Documents Required for Entry | Italy is a Schengen-area country, so its entry rules follow common EU regulations. All foreign visitors generally need a valid travel document (usually a passport), and some may also need a visa depending on nationality and length of stay. Below are the key points about entering Italy as of 2025. Valid Travel Documents: A valid passport is required for most travelers. Italy recognizes diplomatic, service/official and ordinary passportsesteri.it. The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, contain at least two blank pages, and remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Areaesteri.it. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, San Marino and the Vatican City can enter Italy using a national ID card or passport (no visa needed). Visa-Free Short Stays (≤90 days): Nationals of many countries (besides the EU) can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day periodesteri.it. This includes, for example, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most Latin American countries (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico) Short visa-free visits cover tourism, business, family or academic exchanges and transit. Upcoming ETIAS Requirement: Beginning in late 2026, most travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering Italy (and other Schengen countries)government.nl. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel permit valid for up to 3 years (or until your passport expires)government.nl. It applies to nationals of about 59 countries (including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many Latin American and Asian countries) who currently enjoy visa-free access. Schengen (Short-Stay) Visa (Type C): Nationals not on the visa-exempt list must apply in advance for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) at an Italian embassy or consulate. These visas allow stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day. They cover tourism, business trips, family visits, short studies or training, etc. Applicants must submit passport photos, proof of travel plans, and other supporting documents per the embassy’s requirements. Long-Stay (National) Visa (Type D): Visitors (non-EU/EEA) who plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days need a national (Type D). This long-stay visa is issued for purposes such as employment, long-term study, family reunification, or cultural exchange. It must be obtained before arriving in Italy – applicants apply in person at an Italian consulate in their home country. A Type D visa allows one or multiple entries into Italy, and holders may travel to other Schengen states for short visits (up to 90 days in six months) while the visa is. Passport and Entry Conditions: Upon arrival, travelers must present their passport (or national ID for EU/EEA) and, if required, a valid visa or ETIAS. The passport should have at least two blank pages for entry/exit. Italian authorities also require that your passport was issued within the last 10. Make sure to carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds if asked by border officers. |
| Currency Export and Import Restrictions | Since 2022, the export of euros from EU countries to Russia and Belarus has been prohibited. |
| Currency Export and Import Limits by Amount | €10,000 – Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared. |
| Restricted Items for Import | Meat and Dairy Products. From Non-EU Countries: The importation of meat and dairy products from non-EU countries is generally prohibited, regardless of quantity. Exceptions exist for specific items like powdered infant milk, baby food, and special foods required for medical reasons, provided they meet certain conditions. From EU Countries: Travelers are permitted to bring meat and dairy products from other EU member states for personal consumption. However, these products must be in their original, unopened packaging, and quantities should be reasonable, indicating personal use rather than commercial intent. Recent Restrictions: Due to outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in Italy, there are temporary restrictions on the importation of certain bovine products from Italy. These measures aim to prevent the spread of the disease and may affect the importation of specific animal by-products and dairy items. New Items in Factory Packaging. Personal Use: New, unopened items in their original factory packaging are generally allowed for personal use.However, quantities should be reasonable and not suggest commercial intent. Customs Declarations: Travelers may be required to declare such items at customs, especially if the quantity exceeds typical personal use amounts. It’s advisable to keep receipts and be prepared to explain the intended use of the items. |
| Prohibited Items for Import | Illegal drugs and psychotropic substances (narcotics, doping drugs) Counterfeit goods (fake designer products, pirated media) Firearms, ammunition, weapons, and explosives, including certain knives, tasers, pepper spray (unless explicitly authorized) Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals/plants, ivory, furs, corals, exotic skins) Cultural heritage items (artworks, antiques, artifacts over 100 years old) without proper export/import permits Pornographic material involving violence, minors, or animals |
| Alcohol Import Regulations | From non-EU countries (for travelers 17+): 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol 2 liters of alcoholic drinks up to 22% (e.g. wine, aperitifs) 4 liters of still wine 16 liters of beer From EU countries (personal use only): 10 liters of spirits 20 liters of fortified/sparkling wine 90 liters of wine (max 60 L sparkling) 110 liters of beer |
| Alcohol Export Regulations | There are no specific Italian legal limits on how much alcohol you can take out of the country, as long as it’s for personal use and not restricted by your destination country. |
| Tobacco Product Import Regulations | Up to 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigars, or 1 kg of tobacco. |
| Tobacco Product Export Regulations | For exports outside the EU, the same duty-free limits apply, but always check the destination country’s import rules. Typical allowance for personal duty-free export from Italy is: 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 g tobacco) |
| Restrictions on Importing Medications and Dietary Supplements | Medications (Personal Use) Prescription medications are allowed into Italy if: They are in their original packaging with clear labels. You carry a doctor’s prescription or medical certificate that includes drug names, dosages, and your diagnosis. The quantity is reasonable for personal use — typically up to a 30-day supply. Keep medications in their labeled containers and carry any supporting documents separately for easy inspection. Controlled or narcotic medications require additional documentation from the prescribing physician and issuing authority. Specific rules apply to labeling and validity, and you may need prior authorization. Italian customs may inspect or question large or borderline quantities, especially if they appear intended for commercial use. Dietary Supplements & Herbal Products When bringing dietary supplements or herbal products into Italy: Imports from non-EU countries must be pre-notified to the Italian Ministry of Health and listed in the national registry. Only approved vitamins, minerals, and botanical substances are allowed. Any novel ingredients require prior authorization at the EU level. Products must meet EU and Italian labeling and purity standards, including limits on daily doses, contaminants, and allergens. Items may be inspected at the border by Ministry of Health officials (USMAF), especially at airports and seaports. |
| Restrictions on Importing Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Importing Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Cultural goods over 100 years old may be subject to import restrictions if they are classified as national cultural heritage by Italy or protected under EU regulations. Prior authorization and documentation may be required. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Same as import |
| Restrictions on Importing Pets | Check transport rules with your airline well in advance. Prohibited dog breeds: Some breeds classified as dangerous—such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans—may be restricted or banned. Rules vary by region; check local laws before travel. CITES-protected species: Importing endangered animals and plants requires special permits. This includes: -Tigers, lions, gorillas, panthers -Elephants, wild boars -Certain snakes, amphibians, and reptiles -Endangered orchids and rare plants -Only domesticated animals with proper documentation are allowed. Always confirm current rules with Italian customs and CITES authorities before bringing any live animals or exotic species. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Pets | The same animals protected under CITES or classified as dangerous are also subject to export restrictions from Italy. This includes certain wild species, exotic pets, and endangered plants. Pet transportation from Italy requires a specific set of documents, which may vary by airline. Always consult your airline in advance for detailed requirements and ensure you have all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and export permits. |
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