Italy

Italy maintains one of the most strategic aviation markets in Europe, serving as a gateway to the Mediterranean. Air traffic is regulated in compliance with the norms of the European Union (EU) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The primary domestic regulatory body is the ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile), which oversees safety, technical regulation, and passenger protection within Italian territory. The sector is characterized by a strong presence of low-cost carriers and an extensive network connecting major hubs, such as Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan-Malpensa (MXP), to the rest of the world.

• ETIAS: Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.
• Passport: Must have a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Visas: Citizens of non-exempt countries continue to require a traditional Schengen Visa for short-term tourism.

Italy fully enforces Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. Passengers departing from Italian airports or arriving in Italy on European airlines enjoy robust rights:

• Delays: If a flight is delayed by more than 2 hours (short-haul), 3 hours (medium-haul), or 4 hours (long-haul), the airline must provide assistance (meals, communication, and hotel accommodation if necessary).
• Financial Compensation: In the event of a cancellation or a delay exceeding 3 hours not caused by "extraordinary circumstances," passengers are entitled to compensation of:
• €250 (flights up to 1,500 km);
• €400 (intra-EU flights > 1,500 km or external flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km);
• €600 (extra-EU flights > 3,500 km).
• Denied Boarding (Overbooking): If a passenger is denied boarding against their will, compensation is mandatory, in addition to the choice between a refund or re-routing.

In Italy, each airline sets its hand and checked baggage allowance; ENAC requires clear information:

• Airlines must show the final price, with mandatory taxes, from the start of booking and state baggage costs clearly.
• Mobility equipment of persons with disabilities (such as wheelchairs) is carried free of charge under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006; strollers usually travel free, according to the airline's policy.
• In case of loss or damage, the Montreal Convention applies, limiting the carrier's liability to about 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger.

To enter Italy with dogs, cats, or ferrets, the following are required:

• Microchip: Electronic identification compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
• Rabies Vaccination: Administered after the microchip is implanted and at least 21 days prior to travel.
• Pet Passport (or Health Certificate): Issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin, certifying the animal's health history.
• From Brazil and other countries not listed by the EU: a rabies antibody test, taken at least 3 months before travel, is also required.
• Quarantine: Italy does not require quarantine for pets originating from EU countries or countries listed as low-risk for rabies, provided the documentation is in compliance.

• Unaccompanied minors: Italian children under 14 travelling abroad without their parents need the dichiarazione di accompagnamento, signed by the parents and stamped by the Questura (police), naming the responsible adult or airline. Foreign children are advised to carry a travel consent signed by the parents or legal guardians, with notarised signatures.
• Priority: Families with young children generally receive priority boarding and access to priority security lanes at Italian airports ("Fast Track" services may be free or paid, depending on the airport).

Italy complies with Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility:

• Free Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at airports (from the moment they arrive at the terminal until they are seated on the aircraft).
• Requesting Assistance: This must be requested from the airline at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Equipment: The transport of wheelchairs and essential medical equipment is free of charge and does not count toward the baggage allowance.

• ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile): https://www.enac.gov.it/
• European Union Travel Portal (Passenger Rights): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visas): https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/
• ETIAS (Official Information): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
• Italian Border Police (Travel for Minors): https://www.poliziadistato.it/