Italy

Italy is a member of the Schengen Agreement. See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, what countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary: • There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty; there may be such controls temporarily, such as in connection with important events and various crises. • The operators may carry out identity checks before passengers board international flights, ferries or trains, even between Schengen countries. • Citizens of the EEA countries and Switzerland do not need visas to travel in the Schengen area, and may stay up to 90 days with no requirements other than having a valid ID card or passport. See European Union#EEA citizens. …

For emergencies, call 113 (Polizia di Stato - State Police), 112 (Carabinieri - Gendarmerie), 117 (Guardia di Finanza - Financial police force), 115 (Fire Department), 118 (Medical Rescue), 1515 (State Forestry Department), 1530 (Coast Guard), 1528 (Traffic reports). If you're not sure which number to call, you can call 112 and explain the emergency. The operator will forward your call directly to the relevant department. Alternatively, you can download the WhereAreU App • through which you can call 112 (even if you can't talk) and they will know your exact position through your phone's GPS. Italy is a safe country to travel in like most developed countries. There are few incidents of terrorism/serious violence and these episodes have been almost exclusively motivated by internal politics. …

Italy has a reputation for being a welcoming country and Italians are friendly and courteous, as well as very used to small talk and interacting with foreigners. Culture and identity Although this is a very broad generalisation, Italians in the North are perceived to be much more reserved compared to Italians in the South. Despite stereotypes, it is uncommon for Italians to strike up conversations with strangers. Acting too familiar with someone can cause someone to be uncomfortable. Italians are generally neutral communicators. They make efforts to be polite and respectful, but they are quite comfortable with speaking their minds. Sure, Italians are known for being sociable and talkative, but you should make every effort to be tactful with your words. Just because they seem confident does not mean that they are difficult to offend. …