United States Visa RequirementsFor Italy passport holders
Italian passport holders can visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days, but must obtain an ESTA authorisation before travel.
Italy passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before departure. The ESTA costs USD 21 (paid by credit card) and is usually approved within minutes. Approval is valid for multiple visits over two years. Bring a valid Italian biometric passport. VWP travellers cannot extend their stay beyond 90 days or change status from within the US.
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 States: What You Need to Know
Italy is a member of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Italian nationals to visit the US for tourism, business or transit for up to 90 days without a visa. Before boarding a US-bound flight or ship, travellers must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA costs USD 21, is valid for two years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple entries.
Practical Tips
The ESTA must be obtained before check-in; airlines will not board VWP travellers without a valid ESTA. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have full discretion on entry. Travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended since US healthcare is very expensive. Popular destinations include New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago and national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Italian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No visa is required, but Italian passport holders must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding a US-bound flight or ship. The ESTA costs USD 21 and is valid for two years or until passport expiry.
How do I apply for an ESTA as an Italian citizen?
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the official US government website). You will need a valid Italian biometric passport, a credit or debit card and an email address. The fee is USD 21. Approval is usually received within minutes to 72 hours. The ESTA is valid for multiple visits over two years.
How long can Italian passport holders stay in the US under the Visa Waiver Program?
Up to 90 days per visit. VWP travellers cannot extend their stay, change visa status or apply for a US visa from within the country once admitted under VWP. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, a US visa must be obtained from the US Embassy in Rome or Milan before departure.
Is travel insurance necessary for Italian tourists visiting the USA?
Yes, strongly. The United States has no public healthcare system and medical treatment is extremely expensive. A single emergency room visit or hospitalisation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical coverage is essential for any visit to the US.