Travel Guidance

EU and Schengen citizens can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies for travel to business meetings and conferences. Other visa-exempt countries include the United States, Canada and Australia for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. 

Non-exempt countries include India, China and Russia who will have to apply for a Schengen visa. You can request a visa from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and it will generally be issued after 90 days. To find out all countries which require a visa to enter Italy, please visit esteri.it.

Countries outside of the EU and Schengen Area please check with your local embassy for any additional Italian government’s entry requirements. 

If you do require a visa support letter, please fill out our visa support letter form. To apply for a visa support letter, you must be registered to attend Routes Europe 2026 before the request is made. Please be aware that you can expect to receive the letter within 3-5 working days from your request.

Request a Visa Support Letter

If you have any questions on entry requirements or travel to Italy please email routestravelteam@informa.com, for any registration or letter enquiries please contact routeseventregistration@informa.com

Italy follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

The European Union (EU) has introduced the new Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen area. This system is designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry and exit process for travellers.

What You Need to Know:

• Biometric Registration: When entering the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. This process is completed at the border and does not require any action before your arrival.
• No Cost: There is no fee for EES registration.
• First-Time Entry: On your first visit to a Schengen country, you may be directed to a special booth to register your biometric details before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow the instructions provided at the airport upon arrival.
• Exit Requirements: You may also be required to provide biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when leaving the Schengen area.
• Processing Time: EES registration may take additional time, so be prepared for longer wait times at the border compared to the previous system.
• System Replacement: EES replaces the manual passport stamping process for short stays in the Schengen area.
• Record Validity: Your digital EES record will remain valid for three years, but you may need to input biometric details each time you enter or exit the Schengen area.

Travellers are advised to plan accordingly and allow extra time for border procedures when traveling to or from Schengen countries.