TRAVEL INFORMATION - APRIL 1 Update

🛂 DO YOU NEED A VISA OR ANY SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION?

NO.

U.S. citizens can enter Italy and the rest of the EU with just a passport — no visa, no fees, no pre-registration. You may have heard about something called ETIAS, but that system doesn't launch until late 2026, so it has nothing to do with our trip.

What IS new: when you arrive in Italy, border control will take your fingerprints and a photo as part of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES). It's quick, automatic, and there's nothing you need to do in advance.

📘 CHECK YOUR PASSPORT — THIS ONE'S IMPORTANT

Please check your passport expiration date right now. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months after you leave Italy. Since camp ends May 5, that means your passport must be valid through at least August 5, 2026.

If it expires before then, get your renewal in now — processing times can take longer than you'd expect.

🏥 TRAVEL INSURANCE

You may consider getting travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation. Your U.S. health insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) won't cover you in Italy, and hospitals typically require upfront payment.

💊 MEDICATIONS

Bring your own prescription meds in their original containers — you can't bring medications for other people. If you rely on a specific medication, don't assume you can get it there easily.

🔌 PLUG ADAPTER

Italy runs on 220 volts with Type L plugs. Grab a plug adapter (and possibly a voltage converter) before you leave home.

Sources & Links:

United States Dept. of State Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

European Union (EU) website: https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en