The travel authorisation you will need for your Italian wedding
Photo: Gradisca Portento
If you are hosting your destination wedding in Italy from mid 2025 this is information you absolutely must read.
From mid-2025 new legislation will require you to apply for a travel authorisation before entering Italy. This is for you, your fiancé and all of your guests, if you are from countries included on the visa-exempt list.
The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will see visitors from many countries have to organise in-advance this additional travel requirement.
How best to inform guests?
Include it on your wedding website
In invitations
Direct guests directly to the ETIAS website so they can research themselves (save yourself many a panicked call!)
30 European countries now require travellers from visa-exempt countries to apply for an ETIAS prior to travelling to their country. Italy is one of these countries you has stipulated this requirement.
The visa-exempt countries (aka if you're from here you will need a visa) are shown below:
Source: ETIAS
Complete the online application form on the ETIAS website.
You will need to have a valid travel document and pay a EUR 7 application fee.
It can take minutes to apply, but some applications require more information which can take up to 30 days to authorise - give yourselves time!
The authorisation is valid for 3 years or until your travel document expires (or whatever happens first within that 3 year period).
It is for short-term stays, entitling you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.
A very simple answer here - you will be denied entry. It is recommended that you apply for the ETIAS prior to booking any travel. Harder to do for couples planning a wedding, as a venue might be booked over a year in advance. But read the details of the process and the documentation you require to be sure you meet the criteria when you apply.
For your guests we would recommend advising them to sort their travel authorisation prior to booking their travel.
Sticking with the serious vibes over here - have you nailed your budget? It is one of THE most important elements of a destination wedding and getting it right from the start really is an absolute must. Download our free Budget Tracker and start today.
