Passports and Visas

Only a passport is needed to enter Italy from the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and other European countries. No visas, no vaccinations (unless you're traveling from a known infected area). Getting through customs is typically a lax affair, with the customs officers barely taking notice of your presence. These, of course, should be taken as famous last words. In other words, don't attempt anything inadvisable, for the Italian justice system, while slow to get up to speed, comes down heavy in the end.

If you do not currently have a passport, you can go to your Post Office to fill out the application forms. Be sure to give yourself at least two months before you travel in order to receive your passport.

Customs

The basic rule of thumb (ATW) is that each member of your party is allowed to bring back up to US$400 of goods duty-free. Art objects and antiques can only be brought back under license, and an application must be made to the Italian Chamber of Art. For complete details on customs rules, you might want to get the U.S. Customs booklet "Know Before You Go" which you can order from the Customs Office free of charge.