Know Before You Go to Florence: Money, Driving, Health and Local Laws

U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa, and a valid passport is what gets you through the border. The State Department says this regulation is strictly enforced: a passport that has ever been reported lost or stolen, or that is expired, can lead Italian authorities to deny entry and return you immediately to the United States.

At a glance

• Visa: none needed for U.S. citizens, up to 90 days
• Passport validity: at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, 6 months recommended, 2 blank pages
• Also required: proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket
• Currency limit: 10,000 euros on entry and on exit, or equivalent
• Vaccinations: no requirements
• Emergency number: 112

Is Florence safe for travelers?

The State Department says Italy has a moderate rate of crime. Although there are incidents of theft, violent crimes are rare. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing and car break-ins. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars and cafes. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians, and resisting can be dangerous.

Never leave baggage unattended in a car, including in a closed trunk. Break-ins of rented vehicles are common throughout the country. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Strikes and other work stoppages often affect airlines, airports, trains and buses. If you’re traveling during a strike, reconfirm your reservations and check with your carrier.

Does your health insurance work in Florence?

U.S. Medicare or Medicaid don’t work abroad, so make sure your insurance plan works abroad. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. Before you leave, ask your insurer how a claim works once you’ve paid.

Supplemental insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Ambulance services are widely available.

If you take prescription medicine, the Italian Ministry of Health says foreigners can bring up to 30 days’ worth of personal medications into Italy. Bring a copy of your prescription.

Can you drive in Florence with a U.S. license?

Seat belt use is mandatory in Italy, and outside cities drivers must always use headlights. Seat belt use is mandatory. When driving outside of cities, you must always use headlights. In autumn and winter, you must have winter tires or snow chains on certain roads, especially in mountainous regions. Authorities fine drivers without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns across Italy. Cameras take pictures of license plates, and the fines go to the driver’s home in the United States.

Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails and inconsistent speed limits. Drivers often pass on the autostrada at high speeds. If authorities stop you driving a car registered abroad, you must pay the ticket immediately under certain conditions, so keep some cash in local currency on hand. Before renting a car, ask the agency which downtown areas need a permit.

Which local laws surprise visitors in Florence?

Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories), defacing historic monuments, and using aerial drones. Many cities in Italy have rules for fountains and monuments that ban activities like eating, drinking, sitting, or bathing. There are also restrictions on drinking alcohol after certain hours.

Before boarding, you must validate your ticket at a machine (usually near the entrance). If you don’t, an inspector may fine you. If you don’t pay right away, the fine will double and be sent to your home address. Travelers buy train, bus or metro tickets at tobacco stores, kiosks, or through apps or SMS. Some buses and trams accept contactless bank cards on board.

Should you use cash or cards in Florence?

Museum prices are set in euros. On the day of entry, the Uffizi and Vasari Corridor single ticket costs €43, the Pitti Palace €16 and the Boboli Gardens €10. A Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens ticket costs €22. The 5 Days Ticket for all museums costs €40, or €58 with the Vasari Corridor. The annual pass costs €80. From January 1, 2026, the Uffizi ticket costs €16 for those entering from 4 p.m. onwards.

The combined Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens ticket costs €15 and is available only at the ticket offices on the day of admission. Groups of 11 persons and more pay an extra fee of €70 at the Uffizi. If you carry cash across the border, Italy sets a 10,000 euro limit on entry and on exit, or equivalent.

What are the emergency numbers in Florence?

• Single emergency number: 112, free and dialable without any prefix
• State Police: 113 (accidents, thefts, etc.)
• Fire brigade: 115 (fires, weather emergencies)
• Medical emergencies: 118, also relevant for mountain or cave rescue
• Roadside assistance (Automobile Club d’Italia, all hours): 803.116
• U.S. Embassy Rome, Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Rome: main and after-hours emergency telephone +39-06-4674-1