Customs & Visas
For those who don't live in the EU, to travel in Italy and return home you need a valid passport, as does every member of your party. No other document is necessary for tourists remaining in Italy up to 90 days. Tourists can receive another 90 days' stay by applying to the local questura, with proof of enough money to be self-supporting. This is necessary only if you have not been out of Italy during the first three months. Hotels require that you leave your passport with them temporarily, because under law they must report your presence to the police. If you are staying at a private home, then you are supposed to report your presence to the questura—this is part of Italy's anti-terrorism program. In practice you will probably never encounter this situation unless you are studying at a language institute or staying in a rented villa. The only other document for tourists is an international driver's license (valid for one year), recommended for those who plan to rent a car but don't speak any Italian. Automobile associations can issue the license and provide same-day service to members and nonmembers. Appear with a valid U.S. license, two passport-size photos (they can make them on the spot, usually), and pay the current fee.Arriving by land in these days of European unity often requires no document or customs check. Airport arrival, however, always does, although customs checks are perfunctory. As a tourist, you probably aren't carrying anything to create problems. For example, you are permitted two still cameras a person plus ten rolls of film, and, in addition, a movie or video camera with ten cartridges of film. From outside Europe, you may bring in 400 cigarettes, two bottles of wine, one bottle of liquor.