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

U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa, according to the U.S. State Department. The passport is the thing to check first: it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area, and an expired passport, or one ever reported lost or stolen, can lead to denied entry.

At a glance

• Visa: none needed for stays up to 90 days
• Entry papers: valid passport, at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area (6 months recommended), 2 blank pages for the entry stamp
• Proof on arrival: sufficient funds and a return plane ticket
• Cash limit: 10,000 euros or equivalent on entry and on exit
• Vaccinations: no requirements
• Emergency number: 112

Is Cinque Terre safe for travelers?

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. Italy has a moderate rate of crime, and violent crimes are rare. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets work at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars and cafes.

Never leave baggage unattended in a car, including in a closed trunk. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Strikes 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 Cinque Terre?

U.S. Medicare or Medicaid don’t work abroad. Make sure your insurance plan works abroad before you leave.

Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. The State Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Check that your policy covers both.

The Ministry of Health says foreigners can bring up to 30 days’ worth of personal medications into Italy. Bring a copy of your prescription. Ambulance services are widely available.

Can you drive in Cinque Terre with a U.S. license?

Seat belt use is mandatory. When driving outside of cities, you must always use headlights. Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails and inconsistent speed limits, and drivers often pass on the autostrada at high speeds. 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 are sent to the driver’s home in the United States. Before driving into any old town center, ask the rental company whether a permit is needed. If authorities stop you driving a car registered abroad, you may have to pay the ticket immediately, so keep some cash in euros on hand.

Which local laws surprise visitors in Cinque Terre?

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. Buy train, bus or metro tickets at tobacco stores, kiosks, or through apps or SMS.

Should you use cash or cards in Cinque Terre?

Italy sets a 10,000 euro currency limit on entry and on exit, or the equivalent. Coperto, the table charge at restaurants, is 1.50 to 3 euros per person and is not a tip. Carry some euros for the places that ask for cash, such as roadside fines for a foreign-registered car.

• Cinque Terre Treno Card, 1 day: 14.80 to 35 euros, depending on the season and attendance (prices as listed on the sources below)
• Cinque Terre Treno Card, 2 days: 26.50 to 36.50 euros
• Regional train along the coast: under 20 euros end to end
• Guided visits: 10 euros per person
• Walking Park excursion fee: 10 euros per person, free for Cinque Terre Card holders
• First stretch of the Via dell’Amore with guided tour booking: 5 euros
• Two loungers and an umbrella at a beach club on the Riviera delle Palme: 25 to 40 euros a day

What are the emergency numbers in Cinque Terre?

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