Travel Tips

What is an ETIAS and do I need one for my Italian wedding?

If you’re a UK bride getting married in Italy in 2026 then stop what you’re doing and read this blog. A huge change is about to come into effect that affects how you travel to Italy (thanks Brexit.)

Expected to come into force in the last quarter of 2026, new legislation will mean that you and your guests will have to apply for travel authorisation before entering Italy. It applies to anyone travelling from countries that are on the ‘visa exempt’ list, which includes the UK.

This travel authorisation is known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS.) It’s similar to the ESTA you might be familiar with if you’ve travelled to America.

Here’s everything you and your guests will need to know.

What is an ETIAS?

As of 2026 (with the exact date still to be confirmed), 30 European countries will require any travellers from ‘visa exempt countries’ to apply for an ETIAS before they visit. Italy is one of these countries.

The UK is a visa exempt country, meaning guests from the UK will need one, as well as guests travelling from any of the countries listed below.

European Countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Rest of the world: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela

The document gives you authorisation to stay in Italy for up to 90 days, within any 180 day period.

It covers you for 3 years, so you don’t need a new ETIAS each time you travel, providing your ETIAS is still valid and you don’t exceed the 90 days within a 180 period.

How do I apply for my ETIAS?

It’s easy enough – you’ll just need to fill out an application form on the ETIAS website, which is here. You’ll need to have a valid passport (and it must be the passport you’re travelling with, so if you’re due to renew your passport then wait until your new passport arrives before applying. If you lose your passport after you’ve applied, you’ll need a new ETIAS.)

It’s a really quick application process and in most cases it will be confirmed quickly. However, you might be asked for more information so we recommend applying at least 30 days before you travel.

How much does an ETIAS cost?

The cost for an ETIAS is currently €7.

When should I apply for an ETIAS?

It’s usually a very quick process but occasionally you will be asked for more information which can take up to 30 days to authorise. We recommend applying at least 30 days before you travel.

How long does an ETIAS last?

Your ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until your current passport expires (whichever happens first.)

You don’t need a new ETIAS each time you travel to Italy, so long as it’s still valid and you don’t spend more than 90 days in Italy over a 180 day period.

What happens if I don’t get an ETIAS?

It’s not good. If you don’t have an ETIAS you won’t be allowed into Italy

How should I let my guests know about the ETIAS?

Include it on your invitations (if you haven’t already sent them), on your wedding website and remind them where you can. You don’t want any panicked phone calls or worse – a guest at the airport who isn’t allowed into the country!

For more information, visit the ETIAS website here.

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