Palermo Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
As part of Italy and the Schengen Area, Palermo follows EU immigration policies. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.
Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries, and Switzerland can enter freely with no time restrictions
A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient. No visa or entry stamp required for EU/EEA citizens.
Citizens of certain countries can visit for tourism or business without a visa
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure and issued within the last 10 years. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not per country.
From 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization before traveling
Cost: €7 for adults (free for those under 18 or over 70)
ETIAS is not yet operational as of December 2024. Check official EU sources for implementation date. This is NOT a visa but a travel authorization.
Nationals of countries not listed above must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
Required documents include valid passport, completed application form, photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, and proof of sufficient funds (approximately €50-60 per day). Visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
Arrival Process
The entry process at Palermo Airport follows standard EU/Schengen procedures. Travelers arriving from other Schengen countries typically face minimal checks, while those from non-Schengen countries will go through full immigration control.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Italy follows EU customs regulations. Travelers entering from non-EU countries must respect duty-free allowances, while those arriving from other EU countries face fewer restrictions on goods purchased with duty paid.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited under Italian law
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
- Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and documentation
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations)
- Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions
- Plants and plant products from non-EU countries - without phytosanitary certificates
- Offensive materials - including child pornography and materials inciting violence
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - must have prescription and medical documentation; limited to personal use quantities
- Firearms and sporting weapons - require Italian authorization obtained in advance; must declare upon entry
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - may require export certificates from country of origin
- Large amounts of alcohol or tobacco - exceeding personal use may be considered commercial import
- Drones - restrictions apply; registration may be required for operation in Italy
- Professional equipment - may require ATA Carnet for temporary import
Health Requirements
Italy generally has minimal health entry requirements for most travelers. No vaccinations are mandatory for entry from most countries, but health precautions are recommended.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, etc.) should be up to date
- Hepatitis A and B for longer stays
- Tick-borne encephalitis if planning rural activities
- COVID-19 vaccination (check current requirements)
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for visa applicants and strongly recommended for all travelers. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to Italian public healthcare. Non-EU travelers will need to pay for medical services, making comprehensive travel insurance essential.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents may need a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), particularly if traveling with only one parent or with non-parents. This should be in English and Italian, include parent contact information, and be certified. EU citizens: carry family book (libro di famiglia) if available. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements.
Pets from EU countries need: EU pet passport, microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel). Pets from non-EU countries need: ISO-compatible microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and possibly rabies antibody test (varies by country). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Dogs must be registered with local authorities if staying over 3 months. Certain dog breeds face restrictions. Contact Italian embassy for current requirements.
Tourist visas/visa-free stays are limited to 90 days in 180 days. For longer stays, you must apply for: National long-stay visa (Type D) before arrival for purposes like work, study, or family reunion. After arrival with long-stay visa, register with local Questura within 8 days to apply for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). EU citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local municipality (anagrafe) if staying over 3 months. Overstaying Schengen limit results in entry bans and fines.
Business visitors on short stays (under 90 days) can usually enter visa-free or with tourist visa but cannot work for Italian employers. Permitted activities include meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade shows. Carry invitation letter from Italian company, business registration documents, and proof of employer relationship. For actual employment, work visa and permit required before arrival. Digital nomads working remotely for non-Italian companies exist in legal grey area; consult immigration lawyer for extended stays.
Non-EU students must obtain student visa (Type D) before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from Italian educational institution, proof of financial means (approximately €460/month), health insurance, and accommodation proof. After arrival, convert visa to residence permit at Questura. EU students can enter freely but should register at university and with local municipality. Student visas typically allow part-time work (20 hours/week during term).
Passengers on cruise ships docking in Palermo port generally don't go through formal immigration if staying on ship and on organized shore excursions. However, carry passport for ID and in case of disembarkation. If joining/leaving cruise in Palermo, normal entry requirements apply. Schengen visa-exempt travelers can usually go ashore freely. Those requiring Schengen visa should ensure it covers Italy even if cruise departs from another country.