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Entry rules for Canadians traveling to Italy – do you need a visa?
Canadian citizens can visit Italy without a visa for short-term trips. Under the visa-free regime, you are allowed to stay in Italy and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay longer or travel for purposes such as work or study, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa.
Required documents for Canadian citizens to enter Italy
To travel to Italy, Canadian citizens need the following documents:
- Valid passport – It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Italy.
- Proof of travel purpose and accommodation – This can be a hotel reservation, an invitation from friends or relatives, or any other document confirming your place of stay.
- Return or onward ticket – To show that you do not intend to overstay your permitted period.
- Proof of financial means – You must have sufficient funds for your stay in Italy.
Border officers may ask for additional documents, so it’s best to have them ready to avoid any issues.
Do you need medical insurance for a trip to Italy?
Technically, medical insurance is not always a strict requirement for visa-free travel to Italy. However, we highly recommend getting a policy. Medical emergencies can be expensive, and having insurance will protect you from unexpected costs. On Visit World, you can easily compare and find the best travel insurance for your trip.
Unique travel tips for Canadian citizens visiting Italy
If you're planning a trip to Italy, here are some unconventional recommendations to make your experience even better:
1. Explore beyond major cities – Small towns and villages often offer a more authentic feel, with hidden landmarks and fewer tourists.
2. Try regional specialties – Italian cuisine varies by region. Taste spicy 'nduja in Calabria or a creamy risotto in Veneto for a true local experience.
3. Take the train – Italy has an excellent railway system, offering a scenic and cost-effective way to travel.
4. Visit wineries – From Tuscany to Sicily, Italy is a paradise for wine lovers. Discover lesser-known vineyards and enjoy exclusive tastings.
Must-visit places in Italy for travelers from Canada
If you're traveling from Canada and looking for unforgettable places in Italy, check out these top destinations:
- Cinque Terre (Liguria) – A stunning stretch of five colorful villages perched on cliffs above the sea. Walking the scenic trails between them is a must-do experience.
- Matera (Basilicata) – A fascinating city with ancient cave dwellings known as "Sassi," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s especially magical at night.
- Alberobello (Apulia) – Home to unique "trulli" houses with cone-shaped roofs, making it feel like a fairytale town.
- Procida Island (Campania) – A hidden gem with charming pastel-colored houses and quiet beaches, perfect for a relaxing escape.
- Chianti (Tuscany) – A dream destination for wine lovers, offering scenic vineyards and unforgettable tasting experiences at local wineries.
Depending on how you travel (by plane or by sea), there are two types of Italian transit visas:
- Italian airport transit visa (ATV).
- Italian transit visa for sailors.
They have different requirements and validity periods.
Transit visa for Italy airport
The Italian airport transit visa is valid for 24 hours only and does not allow its holder to leave the airport transit zone.
You need an Italian airport transit visa if you are stopping at an Italian airport to catch another flight and continue your journey to a destination outside the Schengen area.
However, not everyone needs a transit visa for an Italian airport.
Who needs a transit visa for an Italian airport?
You need an airport transit visa to change flights at an Italian airport if you are from the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Senegal
- Syria
However, even if you are a citizen of the above countries, you may be exempted from a transit visa to Italy's airport if you meet one of the following conditions:
1. You already have a valid visa or residence permit in one of the Schengen countries or for:
- Andorra
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Ireland
- Japan
- Romania
- San Marino
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
2. You are a family member of an EU citizen.
3. You have a diplomatic, service or special passport.
4. You are an airline crew member and a citizen of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Requirements for obtaining a transit visa to an Italian airport
When you apply for a transit visa to Italy airport, you must submit the following documents:
- A completed and signed application form for a Schengen visa for Italy.
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
- Two recent identical photos that meet the Schengen photo requirements.
- A visa issued by the country you are traveling to from Italy (if a visa is required).
- A booked airline ticket for the country you are traveling to from Italy.
- Travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 euros, all medical emergencies and the entire Schengen area.
- Paid Italian visa fee.
REMEMBER that if you want to change planes in Italy to travel to another Schengen country, you need a regular Schengen type C visa, even if your final destination is a non-Schengen country.
- Valid veterinary certificate (owner's data, description of the animal, identification and vaccination data)
- A valid rabies vaccine. If the rabies vaccination was the animal's first vaccine, it must wait 21 days before entering the country. There is no time delay for booster injections; provided there is evidence that the booster was administered before the last vaccine expired.
- Tattoo or microchip (compatible with ISO-11784 standards).
- The cage or carrier must have the owner's name, address (or designated person) and contact numbers in Italy.
- To enter the territory of Italy, the animal must be over three months old.
- To bring pets to Italy from third countries, it is NOT necessary to subject the animals to tick or echinococcus treatment.
- Police (Polizia) - 113;
- Ambulance service (Soccorso Pubblico di Emergenza) - 118;
- Carabinieri - 112;
- Rescue service (Soccorso Pubblico di Emergenza) - 113;
- Vigili del Fuoco - 115;
- "Hotline" for tourists (Easy Italia) - 039-039-039.
Foreigners need an international driving license to drive in Italy for up to six months. All driving licenses issued in the European Union are valid in Italy, even without an international driving permit. However, if you are from a non-EU country, you must have an international driving license in Italy. An international driving license is required in Italy, especially for driving licenses that are not in Italian or English.
When renting a car, you must present your international driving license along with your local driving license.
Car rental companies will require the following documents from you:
- a valid driver's license;
- international driving permit;
- a credit card;
- a visa in your passport.
- Age requirements vary from car rental company to car rental company, but the most common age is 21 years old. Some companies allow drivers to rent if they are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license for at least one year.
For more information on driving in Italy, follow the link.
You can find Italian embassies around the world here: https://www.embassy-worldwide.com/country/italy/
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