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

U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa, but they must arrive at Italian ports of entry with a valid passport, and the rule 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 the traveler immediately to the United States.

At a glance

• Visa: not needed for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days
• Passport: valid at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area, 6 months recommended, 2 blank pages
• Also required: proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket
• Vaccinations: no vaccination requirements
• Cash limit: 10,000 euros on entry and on exit, or equivalent
• Emergency number: 112

Is Venice safe for travelers?

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. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, on public transportation, at major metro and railway stations, at airports, and from cars parked in city centers and tourist sites. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars and cafes.

Demonstrations can be unpredictable, and the State Department advises avoiding areas around protests and demonstrations. Strikes and other work stoppages often affect transportation (airlines, airports, trains and buses). If you’re traveling during a strike, make sure to reconfirm your reservations and check with your carrier. Before leaving, check your carrier’s status for the days you plan to travel, and keep bags closed and in front of you in crowded places.

Does your health insurance work in Venice?

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. Check with your insurer before the trip and keep a way to pay on hand.

The State Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Ambulance services are widely available, and 118 is the number for urgent medical attention.

The 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 Venice with a U.S. license?

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 for cars driving illegally in areas that need a permit, and the fines are sent to the drivers’ home in the United States.

If authorities stop you driving a car registered abroad, you may have to pay the ticket immediately, so be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails, and drivers often pass on the autostrada at high speeds. Never leave baggage unattended in a car, including in a closed trunk. Before renting a car, ask the agency which historic centers need a permit.

Which local laws surprise visitors in Venice?

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 a train, bus or metro, 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 tickets at tobacco stores, kiosks, or through apps or SMS, and some buses and trams accept contactless bank cards on board.

Should you use cash or cards in Venice?

Italy sets a 10,000 euro currency limit on entry and on exit, or equivalent. Travelers also need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.

A gondola ride costs €90 for a 30-minute tour. After 7:00 p.m. (until 3:00 a.m.), the price is €110 for a 35-minute tour, with a maximum of 5 people per gondola. Basilica San Marco tickets are bought online by choosing ticket type, date and time slot. Some hotels give discounts for booking on their own websites, from 5% to 20% at one and 5% at another.

What are the emergency numbers in Venice?

• Single emergency number: 112, free and dialable without any prefix
• State Police: 113 (accidents, thefts, etc.)
• Fire brigade: 115 (fires, weather emergencies)
• Urgent medical attention: 118
• 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: +39-06-4674-1