Custom Italy Tours

07/15/2024

04/14/2024

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03/26/2023

12/19/2021

Siena Cathedral

04/08/2021

Statue of Leonardo da Vinci, Florence

04/06/2021

Milan Cathedral

09/12/2019

What To Expect From The New EU Registration Requirements For U.S. Travelers
by Adam Leposa
Sep 11, 2019 11:58am

While it’s not a visa, U.S. travelers will need to begin pre-registering for travel to 26 countries in Europe starting in 2021. Travel Agent spoke with Ryan Amizi, editor for etias.com, a website dedicated to spreading awareness regarding the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), to learn more on what to expect.

“To enter European member countries right now, [U.S.] travelers can just hop on a plane and go through customs,” says Amizi. “With ETIAS they need to be cleared to travel by applying at least 72 hours prior to boarding.”

The new rules apply to European Union (EU) countries that are part of the Schengen area, for travelers from the United States and other countries offering visa-free travel to Schengen members. There will be a 7 Euro per person processing fee, although processing will be free for travelers under 18.

While the minimum requirement for an ETIAS application is 72 hours in advance, Amizi advises travelers apply at least a week beforehand. “Processing should be instant, but if someone has a hit – say, their name matches someone on an Italian criminal database – it’s likely there will be some additional processing to see if this person is ok,” Amizi says.

Importantly, third parties – including travel advisors – will be able to fill out an ETIAS application on behalf of their clients. “They will need to disclose on the form,” Amizi says.

The new ETIAS was established last July to improve security following the introduction of similar programs in the United States and Canada.

“After the terrorist attacks in France and Germany over the past two years, they just want a better understanding of who’s entering their borders, and one area they looked at is visa-free travel,” Amizi says. “It’s reciprocating American and Canadian programs that are already in place.”

Finally, Amizi recommends those traveling in early 2021 apply well in advance. “There will be some hiccups as there always are when deploying systems like these.”

Visit etias.com

07/10/2019

Rome Administers New Rules for Tourists

Ancient Romans dubbed Rome the “eternal city,” so for it to remain standing strong, the latest legislation updates were enacted to protect the city. But don’t worry, you can still toss your coins into the Trevi Fountain.

On June 8, Rome city council approved legislation updates to laws that were introduced in the 1940s. According to a statement from Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, these amendments aim to promote respect for common goods, public spaces, commercial rules and decorum. They apply to locals and tourists so even you’re visiting friends and family, you’re expected to follow along.

The updated legislation prohibits:

1.Walking around the city topless and barefoot.
2.Linking love padlocks to bridges.
3.Eating or spilling near historic landmarks.
4.Touching the spout of drinking fountains with your lips.
5.Dragging suitcases along ancient steps, like the Spanish Steps.
6.Ticket-touting around tourist hot spots. So be on the lookout for “skip-the-line” tours near places like the Vatican or the Colosseum and stay away.
7.Swimming, bathing or jumping into fountains around the city. This goes for pets and people.
8.Hanging laundry on lines between buildings.
Singing, dancing and playing instruments on public transportation.
9.Dressing like a centurion and charging tourists for photographs.

Sanctions vary, but if you fail to follow the new rules, you could be fined or banned from the area, which is referred to as the “urban daspo.” Police will continue to patrol historic sites in order to improve the city, ensure safety and guarantee tourist decorum.