New rules in Italy being introduced will make it much more confusing for Brits arriving on holiday
STRICT rules could affect your holiday to Italy as new measures for holidaymakers have been introduced in the country.
The popular country welcomed around six million British holidaymakers in the last 12 months.
Last month, the Italian government banned key lock boxes and other self-check-in systems.
The ban comes after residents in Rome, Florence and Milan sabotaged key lock boxes earlier this year.
Locals in Italian cities were protesting against short-term rental properties because they typically drive up house prices.
Guests staying in short-term rental accommodation will now need to be met by the owners in person to get the keys to rental properties.
Property owners will then need to confirm the identity of holidaymakers by checking their documents.
While the measure came into force on November 18, 2024, local authorities and police have only recently started liaising with property owners and rental platforms to ensure the measure is enforced.
Until the measures have been introduced across the country, it is likely they will be confusing for Brits who’ve already booked short-term rental stays.
The Italian interior ministry have introduced the measure to keep its citizens safe.
They said the measure was brought “in relation to the possible accommodation of dangerous individuals or those linked to criminal or terrorist organisations.
“[Properties] could be occupied by one or more individuals whose identities remain unknown to the relevant police authorities posing a potential danger to the community”.
The measure was also introduced before next year’s jubilee celebrations in Rome.
Earlier this year, Venice imposed measures banning tour groups of more than 25 people.
The ban came into force on August 1, 2024, following a two-month delay.
Loudspeakers were also been banned because officials claimed that they caused both “confusion and disturbances”.
Tour guides often use loudspeakers to communicate with their tour groups, who they lead through the narrow streets.
The measure were initially announced last December, with officials saying they wanted to improve life for residents in the city.
Earlier this week, Spain also introduced new rules for holidaymakers, with Brits heading anywhere in the country needing to give hotels and accommodation providers extra personal details.
Among the 31 new pieces of information to be shared are home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Families will also be asked for their relationship to any children travelling with them, as well as their group size.
Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance.
- Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
Meanwhile, this popular tourist destination is also planning to increase its daily tourist charge.
And this UK seaside town became the first to tax tourists this year.