# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

What Do You Need to Travel to Italy?

From floating down Venice's romantic canals to witnessing Rome's arresting architecture, there are many alluring reasons to travel to Italy. To ensure your time is spent sightseeing and not in Italy's immigration office, make sure you know the local travel laws.

Documentation
- Visitors need a valid passport to enter Italy.
  
  American tourists or business travelers may stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. They must have a current passport that will be valid for at least three months beyond their stay, according to the U.S. Department of State.
Visas
- If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in Italy or are traveling for a purpose other than business or tourism, such as studying abroad, you need to obtain a visa from the Italian Embassy or Consulates before traveling, according to the U.S. Department of State.
Considerations
- Make sure border officials stamp your passport to prove your entry and exit dates in Italy.
  
  Italian immigration officials may ask tourists to provide information on their lodgings, such as hotel booking information, and to see their return tickets home to prove they will not stay in the country beyond 90 days.