United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Italy passport holders
Italian citizens can visit the United Kingdom for up to 180 days (6 months) without a visa for tourism or short business visits, following Brexit.
Great news! Italy passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for tourism stays up to 180 days. Check UK government guidance on whether the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, GBP 10) is currently required for Italian nationals. For work or study, a UK visa is required since Brexit.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Italy to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Since the UK left the EU and Schengen in January 2021, EU free movement to the UK ended. However, the UK maintains a visa-free policy for Italian nationals for short stays. Italian passport holders can stay up to six months for tourism or business without applying for a visa. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now required for most visitors, though at the time of data collection Italians were still entering without it. Check current UK government guidance as ETA rollout for EU nationals was ongoing in 2024-2025.
Practical Tips
Since Brexit, Italian nationals living in the UK need Settled or Pre-Settled Status. Rights for new arrivals are different from pre-2021 arrivals. The NHS is not free for short-stay visitors since Brexit, so travel insurance covering medical costs is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Italian citizens need a visa to visit the UK after Brexit?
No visa is required for tourism stays up to 180 days. However, the UK is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for EU nationals. Check the UK government website (gov.uk) for the current status of ETA requirements for Italian passport holders before travel.
What happened to the rights of Italian citizens in the UK after Brexit?
Italian citizens who were residing in the UK before 31 December 2020 were eligible to apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. New arrivals from Italy after that date must apply for a visa for any purpose other than short-term tourism (work, study or long-term residence).
Is healthcare free for Italian tourists in the UK?
No. Since Brexit, the EHIC card is not valid in the UK for new visitors. Italian tourists visiting the UK are no longer covered by the EU health reciprocal agreement. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs is essential for any visit to the UK.
What is the currency used in the UK?
The United Kingdom uses the pound sterling (GBP). It is not part of the eurozone. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks and Post Offices. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is near-universal. ATMs are widely available.