Italy

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language: Italian
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
International Direct Dialing Code: 39
Driving: Driving is on the right. Pink UK licence required or International Driving Permit. Minimum driving age is 18
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Italian, many executives speak French and English. Smoking is prohibited in most public buildings and on transport. Request permission before smoking in offices, cars and restaurants. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years
Public Holidays: 2008
Jan 1 New Year`s Day, Jan 6 Epiphany, Mar 24 Easter Monday, Apr 25 Liberation Day, May 1 Labour Day, Jun 2 Anniversary of the Republic, Aug 15 Assumption, Nov 1 All Saints` Day, Dec 8 Immaculate Conception, Dec 25 Christmas Day, Dec 26 St Stephen`s Day.
Emergency Services: Police: 113. Fire: 115. Ambulance: 118
Clothing: Lightweights in summer, except in mountains. In winter, light or mediumweights in the south with warmer clothing required elsewhere. Alpine wear is advised for winter mountain resorts

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
Compulsory Vaccinations: None.
Recommended Immunisations: Hepatitis A*, tick-borne encephalitis*
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.
Reciprocal Health: Participant of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC scheme) which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector for free or reduced-cost medical treatment and emergency care.

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
Passport General: Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Holders of National Identity Cards issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain & Switzerland
2) Holders of passports expired a maximum of 5 years issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Italy (not allowed to depart using an expired passport), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino & Switzerland
Passport Validity: 1) Where a visa is not required, passports must be valid when returning from Italy
2) Where a visa is required, passports must be valid for 3 months beyond validity of visa
Visa General: The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Italy
2) For stays up to 90 days by citizens of: a) United Kingdom
b) Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (S.A.R. passport holders), Hungary, Ireland Rep, Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (S.A.R. passport holder), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City & Venezuela

The following DO require a visa: a) Bolivia
Visa Special Notes: 1) All visitors must hold onward/return tickets, documents required for next destination & sufficient funds for length of stay, except nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland Rep, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden & United Kingdom
2) Member of Schengen Visa Agreement, however we strongly recommend that travellers make enquiries prior to travel with the appropriate Embassies of the countries within the agreement which they plan to visit

CURRENCY, CUSTOMS & EXCISE INFORMATION
Import Allowances: For persons of 17 years of age or older:

1) Travellers entering from non-EU countries (including Canary Islands, Channel Islands & Gibraltar):
a) 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250gr of tobacco
b) 1 lit of spirits of more than 220 proof or 2 lit of up to 220 proof
c) 2 lit of still wines
d) 50gr of perfume & 0.25 lit of eau de toilette
e) Other goods to the value of EUR 175 (EUR 90 for travellers under 15 years)

2) Travellers entering from EU countries (goods obtained duty & tax paid - guidance levels):
a) 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars & 1 kg of tobacco
b) 10 lit of spirits, 20 lit of fortified wine, 90 lit of wine (of which, a max of 60 lit of sparkling wine) & 110 lit of beer

• Italian Tourist Board