Italy customs

What can you take with you to Italy and how much alcohol and tobacco is allowed? Here we provide an overview for you.

Alcohol Italy

• Travelers aged 17 and over are allowed to import alcoholic beverages in Italy. The quantities mentioned apply per person.
• Imports from an EU country
• 10 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of more than 22% and
• 20 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of no more than 22% and
• 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and
  110 liters of beer.
• Imports from a non-EU country
• 1 liter of beverage with an alcoholic strength of more than 22% or
• 2 liters of alcohol with a maximum alcohol content of 22%
• with in addition:
• 4 liters of non-sparkling wine and
• 16 liters of beer.

Particularities

• The minimum age for the consumption and / or purchase of alcoholic beverages may deviate in the country itself from the minimum age for the import of alcoholic beverages.
• Please note: For alcoholic drinks from the Italian duty-free areas Livigno, Campione d’Italia or the waters of Lake Lugano *, the same amounts apply as from a non-EU country. (* From the bank to the political border of the zone between Ponte Tresa and Porte Ceresio, the other area is Swiss territory.)

Tobacco Italy

• Travelers from the age of 17 are allowed to import tobacco into Italy. The quantities mentioned apply per person.
• Imports from an EU country
• 800 cigarettes and
• 400 cigarillos and
• 200 cigars and
• 1 kg of tobacco.
• Imports from a non-EU country
• 200 cigarettes or
• 100 cigarillos or
• 50 cigars or
• 250 g of tobacco or
• a proportional distribution of the above products.

Particularities

• For tobacco from the Italian duty-free areas Livigno, Campione d’Italia or the waters of Lake Lugano * the same amounts apply as from a non-EU country. (* From the bank to the political border of the zone between Ponte Tresa and Porte Ceresio, the other area is Swiss territory.)

Bringing your pets to Italy

• Italy is a dog-friendly country, if you respect a number of rules. There are numerous guest houses and holiday homes where you can stay with a dog. A dog is also welcome on most campsites, provided that it stays on a leash.
• In the north of Italy your dog on beaches and around the big lakes is not always welcome. However, more and more beaches for dogs are being created. These beaches are clearly indicated.
• In the woods is indicated when dogs are allowed to run loose, this does take hunters into account. The hunting season is open all year. A fluorescent collar can offer a solution.
• In restaurants dogs are usually not allowed, eating on the terrace with your dog is usually not a problem. Sometimes an exception is made for small dogs that are in a bag.

Identification

• A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available from the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (standard is the ISO microchip 11784/11785 inserted) and the proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health

• Dogs and cats must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the trip (rabies vaccination). The validity period depends on the guidelines of the manufacturer of the vaccine (1-3 years).
• Note: the chip must have been inserted against rabies before the vaccination (on the same day).
• No mandatory additional treatments are required in Italy.
• Dogs and cats do not have to quarantine in Italy.
• Italy is a risk area, a dog or cat can get sick during the holidays as a result of ticks or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Please contact the vet at least 4 weeks before departure.
• The temperature can rise significantly in Italy in the summer. A dog can therefore quickly overheat. Always ensure sufficient water and cooling.

Forbidden dogs

• In Italy there is no ban on certain dog breeds.

Pets and transportation

• In the train, small dogs in a basket or bag can travel for free, large dogs traveling at a reduced rate. Large dogs are only allowed in trains with compartments and must remain on a leash and muzzle.
• In the bus, tram or metro dogs are usually not allowed.
• The taxi driver determines whether you can take the dog in the taxi.
• If you carry more than one dog in the car, the animals must sit in the rear seat in a special dog car seat belt, in a travel kennel or behind a rack in the trunk.
• The Italian government has no specific rules for the transport of a dog or cat in the car. However, we recommend to not transport a pet in the car in such a way that it leads or can lead to dangerous situations or traffic nuisance.

Young animals

• As of December 29, 2014 all puppies and kittens that are taken to Italy must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks on. The statutory waiting time after vaccination is 21 days, so that animals under the age of 15 weeks are no longer allowed to enter.

Particularities

• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public places.
• Make sure you always carry the EU animal passport and a copy of your third party insurance with you, this can be requested.
• Also remember to look at the rules of countries you travel through on your way to Italy.

Money

Import money to Italy

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be imported without restriction from an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from a non-EU country to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be declared at the customs.

Export money from Italy

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be exported to an EU country without restriction.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely transferred to a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be decared at the customs.

Bringing your medicines to Italy

• It is advisable to bring a medical passport. The European Medical Passport contains information about medication use, diseases or disorders. It is available for a small fee, including from general practitioners and pharmacies.

Medical statement

• To take medicines that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleeping pills, ADD drugs and strong painkillers), you must have a so-called Schengen declaration (legalized medical certificate) for these medicines.
• Traveling with these medicines without explanation is punishable.
• The declaration is valid for 30 days after the specified commencement date.
• We recommend you to request the declaration at least 4 weeks before departure.

Customs rules Italy miscellaneous

Foods

• Imports from an EU country: food, fruit and flowers may be imported without restrictions, provided they are intended for personal use.
• Imports from a non-EU country: a limited quantity of foodstuffs may be freely imported for 1 to 2 days.
• Animal products may not be imported with the exception of products from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. To a limited extent, these may be imported if they originate from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, provided they are intended for personal use.

Other goods

• Imports from an EU country: other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be imported without restriction, provided they are intended for personal use.
• Imports from a non-EU country: other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be freely imported up to a value of € 430 if you enter the country via an air or sea port, persons under 15 years up to € 150 and other travelers up to a value of € 300.
• For the execution of antiquities, works of art (paintings, sculptures, old vases and furniture older than 100 years) and archaeological or historical objects, a special certificate is required from the Ministry of Culture.

Here you will find more information about Italy.