I'm currently in Italy, and my entire stay will be july 27 - august 28. Will I get hassled at the airport for being in the country for more than a month? Do I need to worry about getting some permit? Thanks for the help!
Kelly
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
With an American passport, you can spend up to 90 days in the EU (Schengen Zone) without a visa. Did you get your passport stamped at entry? EDIT - Great question from Karen.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
Were you elsewhere in Europe before Italy, or did you go straight there from the US?
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Technically, you can stay in the "Schengen zone" for up to 90 days on a US passport, with no visa or other "permit" required. The Schengen zone includes every EU country except Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, the UK, and Ireland. Those countries also welcome US visitors, but their entry & exit requirements may differ a bit from Schengen zone countries. That's why Karen is asking you where else you might have been before Italy.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8203 posts
I agree that much more info is needed in order to help. -What is your citizenship? -how and when did you get to europe? -Where have you traveled in Europe so far?
-Are you already there on something other than a passport? (student visa, work visa, military, etc.) Other than that, on a typical US passport and as a tourist, you can spend 90 days in the schengen zone with no other paperwork. Italy does have some registration requirements you may have heard about, but Hotels usually take care of this without you even knowing. If at an apartment or at a friends, then ask around or stop by the Police station.
Posted by
OP
Ramona, CA, USA
73 posts
Thanks for the responses. I am a US citizen, I am not here on any visa. I landed in England for just one day, and then flew down to Italy, where I'll be until I fly back to England for one night and then fly back to the US. I've spent these first ten days in rental apartments and hotels, and am going to volunteer at an arts organization for my last three weeks. Hopefully that info helps, sounds like I might be okay as just a tourist. Thanks!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
@Kelly: red flags on your "going to volunteer with an art institution". Volunteer work is still work. I'd check thoroughly whether the exact nature of your work, albeit unpaid, still entitles you to travel visa-free to Italy, not because of length but because of purpose.