How Long Can Americans Stay in Italy?

Italy is consistently one of the most popular destinations for American travelers. Whether you're planning a two-week vacation or an extended stay exploring the country's regions, the good news is that US citizens can visit for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which means your time there counts toward a shared 90-day limit across 29 European countries. Here's what you need to know about the rules, entry requirements, and options for staying longer.

The Short Answer: 90 Days Without a Visa

According to the US State Department, Americans can enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

This 90-day limit follows the Schengen Area's standard rule: you can stay for 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. The "rolling" part is important. It means immigration officials look back 180 days from any given date to calculate how many days you've spent in the zone.

And because Italy is part of Schengen, time spent in France, Spain, Germany, or any other member country counts toward your 90 days. You can't reset your limit by hopping from Italy to France.

Entry Requirements for Italy

The State Department lists these requirements for entering Italy:

• Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area (6 months is recommended)
• Two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps
• Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket (if requested by border officials)

The "Declaration of Presence"

Italy requires non-EU visitors to file a "Declaration of Presence" when arriving. If you fly directly into Italy from the US, your passport entry stamp serves as this declaration. However, if you enter Italy from another Schengen country (where you don't go through passport control), you technically need to register with local police within 8 days.

In practice, most tourists arriving at Italian airports don't need to do anything extra beyond getting their passport stamped.

Currency Declaration

If you're carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it when entering or leaving Italy.

Rules to Know While in Italy

The State Department highlights a few things that catch American tourists off guard:

• Counterfeit goods: Buying fake designer items can result in fines or even detention. Street vendors selling knockoff bags may seem harmless, but the penalties are real.
• Pickpocketing: Extremely common on public transit and in crowded tourist areas. Keep valuables secure.
• Monuments: Defacing or damaging historic sites carries legal consequences.
• Drones: Strict restrictions apply. Check local regulations before flying.

The EES and ETIAS Changes

European border systems are changing. As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) started rolling out at Schengen borders. This system collects your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and automatically tracks how long you stay.

Looking ahead to late 2026, Americans will also need to register through ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. This is an online application that costs €20 and is valid for three years. It's not a visa, just a pre-screening requirement.

Neither system changes the 90-day limit. They just make it easier for border officials to track your time in Europe.

Tracking Your Days

The 90/180 rule can be tricky to track, especially if you're visiting multiple European countries or making several trips throughout the year.

Key points to remember:

• Days in France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and other Schengen countries all count toward your 90
• The 180-day window is rolling, not based on calendar dates
• Time in the UK, Ireland, or Croatia does NOT count (they're outside Schengen or have separate rules)

If you're planning multiple trips to Europe, use our free Schengen calculator to see how many days you have available. For ongoing tracking, the Days Monitor app automatically calculates your remaining days based on your travel history.

Staying Longer: Your Visa Options

If 90 days isn't enough, Italy offers several long-stay visa options. You'll need to apply at an Italian consulate before your trip.

Digital Nomad Visa

Italy's Digital Nomad Visa was formalized in 2024 and is now fully operational. According to Citizen Remote, the requirements include:

You'll also need health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage and proof of accommodation in Italy.

Elective Residency Visa

The Elective Residency Visa is popular with retirees and those living off investments. Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, this option does NOT allow you to work in Italy.

Other Options

Student visas are available for those enrolled in Italian educational institutions. Work visas require a job offer from an Italian employer. Italy also offers a Golden Visa for those investing at least €250,000 in the country.

The Path to Italian Residency

If you hold a long-stay visa, you can eventually apply for permanent residence after five years of legal residency in Italy. Italian citizenship is possible after ten years with a permanent residence permit, though the requirements include demonstrating Italian language proficiency and maintaining continuous residence.

Planning Your Italy Trip

For most American tourists, 90 days provides plenty of time to explore Italy's cities, countryside, and coastline. If you're considering a longer stay, start researching visa options early since processing can take one to three months.

Keep track of your time if you're combining Italy with visits to other Schengen countries. Our free Schengen calculator can help you plan your trips, and the Days Monitor app handles ongoing tracking automatically.