Italy is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community and is also part of the Schengen area. It is expected that from May 2023, travel to Italy will only be possible with a valid ETIAS visa. This small effort will increase security in the Schengen area for all parties involved. ETIAS is a similar system to ESTA, which enables safe and fast entry into the USA.
A brief overview of the history of Italy
The following brief outline covers only the more recent history of Italy. During the Renaissance, Italy was an important trading nation. At that time, there were several independent centres of power on the peninsula, such as the Duchy of Milan, the Kingdom of Naples, Florence, Venice and the Vatican. After the discovery of America, trade shifted more to the overseas colonies, which was also the end of the Italian duchies and republics as a major trading nation. In the 16th century, southern Italy and Lombardy were dominated by Spain. At the turn of the 19th century, Napoleon ruled and was crowned King of Italy in 1805.
The Italian state did not form until the 19th century. The national movement is known today as the Risorgimento, the driving force being the freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi. From 1848 to 1870 there were three wars of independence, which finally led to the unification of Italy. In 1870, Rome was successfully captured and became the capital of Italy in 1871.
In October 1922, Benito Mussolini marched with his followers to Rome, had himself appointed head of government by the king and from then on ruled the country totalitarian as Duce. In the following years, Mussolini allied himself with Hitler and entered the Second World War alongside Germany and Japan. After heavy losses, Italy withdrew from the alliance of countries, Mussolini was captured and a new military government was established. Germany then invaded Italy, so that the two countries were enemies for the last 18 months of the war.
The Second World War ended with Italy's surrender on 2 May 1945, and a new constitution was adopted on 22 December 1947, which came into force on 1 January 1948. In the years that followed, there were frequent changes of government, almost always involving the Christian Democrats (Democrazia Cristiana).
From 1994 to 2011, Silvio Berlusconi decisively determined Italy's politics, repeatedly entering into new alliances.
The Italian political system
In Italy, the parliament plays a decisive role, while the prime minister has relatively little power. A special feature is the strong influence of the population on ongoing procedures. Constitutional amendments often have to be confirmed by a referendum. A legislative initiative can also come from the people.
The government consists of the Council of Ministers, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic appoints the ministers on the proposal of the Prime Minister.
The legislative body, the Parliament, consists of two chambers, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Chamber of Deputies consists of 630 deputies who are elected every five years.
The 315 senators are also elected every five years. These are not determined nationwide, but each of the 20 regions elects a certain number of senators. There are also five senators for life, appointed by the President of the Republic. All former state presidents are also senators for life.
The supreme court is the Court of Cassation and for the Constitution the Constitutional Court.
Entering Italy with ETIAS
An ETIAS application should be submitted in good time before travelling. This can only be done using a computer, laptop, mobile phone or comparable device. Correct completion is only possible with the data of the valid passport. The information must be transferred correctly, as an error will render the application invalid. Since the authorities do not have the document, the information cannot be verified. Travellers must be particularly careful with the passport number. It is easy to make a mistake and the application is invalid. Often, it is only the border official who notices this and refuses entry. A new application can be submitted, but often the plane is already on its way to Italy by the time it arrives. The same applies to the name and date of birth.
The first destination is binding. ETIAS is valid for three years, the destination country is optional for further trips.
Those who do not have an internet connection and a suitable terminal can also have the application filled out by friends, acquaintances or an agency.
By the way: A valid ETIAS application does not guarantee entry. The border official always makes the final decision. If the border official is of the opinion that the traveller poses a danger, he or she will refuse entry.
Excursus: Entry to San Marino and Vatican City
San Marino and Vatican City are two enclaves completely surrounded by Italy. They are not part of the Schengen area, but entry with ETIAS is no problem. Neither San Marino nor Vatican City has its own airport. Entry is therefore only possible via Italy's airports. Therefore, travellers whose first destination is San Marino or Vatican City must indicate Italy as their first destination.
Conclusion: Travelling to Italy is safer with ETIAS
Crimes and terrorist attacks occur time and again, even on European soil. With an ETIAS application, it is possible to check all travellers before they cross the border. This makes Italy and the entire Schengen area safer for tourists and residents.
Français
Español
English
Deutsch
venice-gba8467e0b_640.jpg
Italy is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community and is also part of the Schengen area. It is expected that from May 2023, travel to Italy will only be possible with a valid ETIAS visa. This small effort will increase security in the Schengen area for all parties involved. ETIAS is a similar system to ESTA, which enables safe and fast entry into the USA.
A brief overview of the history of Italy
The following brief outline covers only the more recent history of Italy. During the Renaissance, Italy was an important trading nation. At that time, there were several independent centres of power on the peninsula, such as the Duchy of Milan, the Kingdom of Naples, Florence, Venice and the Vatican. After the discovery of America, trade shifted more to the overseas colonies, which was also the end of the Italian duchies and republics as a major trading nation. In the 16th century, southern Italy and Lombardy were dominated by Spain. At the turn of the 19th century, Napoleon ruled and was crowned King of Italy in 1805.
The Italian state did not form until the 19th century. The national movement is known today as the Risorgimento, the driving force being the freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi. From 1848 to 1870 there were three wars of independence, which finally led to the unification of Italy. In 1870, Rome was successfully captured and became the capital of Italy in 1871.
In October 1922, Benito Mussolini marched with his followers to Rome, had himself appointed head of government by the king and from then on ruled the country totalitarian as Duce. In the following years, Mussolini allied himself with Hitler and entered the Second World War alongside Germany and Japan. After heavy losses, Italy withdrew from the alliance of countries, Mussolini was captured and a new military government was established. Germany then invaded Italy, so that the two countries were enemies for the last 18 months of the war.
The Second World War ended with Italy's surrender on 2 May 1945, and a new constitution was adopted on 22 December 1947, which came into force on 1 January 1948. In the years that followed, there were frequent changes of government, almost always involving the Christian Democrats (Democrazia Cristiana).
From 1994 to 2011, Silvio Berlusconi decisively determined Italy's politics, repeatedly entering into new alliances.
The Italian political system
In Italy, the parliament plays a decisive role, while the prime minister has relatively little power. A special feature is the strong influence of the population on ongoing procedures. Constitutional amendments often have to be confirmed by a referendum. A legislative initiative can also come from the people.
The government consists of the Council of Ministers, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic appoints the ministers on the proposal of the Prime Minister.
The legislative body, the Parliament, consists of two chambers, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Chamber of Deputies consists of 630 deputies who are elected every five years.
The 315 senators are also elected every five years. These are not determined nationwide, but each of the 20 regions elects a certain number of senators. There are also five senators for life, appointed by the President of the Republic. All former state presidents are also senators for life.
The supreme court is the Court of Cassation and for the Constitution the Constitutional Court.
Entering Italy with ETIAS
An ETIAS application should be submitted in good time before travelling. This can only be done using a computer, laptop, mobile phone or comparable device. Correct completion is only possible with the data of the valid passport. The information must be transferred correctly, as an error will render the application invalid. Since the authorities do not have the document, the information cannot be verified. Travellers must be particularly careful with the passport number. It is easy to make a mistake and the application is invalid. Often, it is only the border official who notices this and refuses entry. A new application can be submitted, but often the plane is already on its way to Italy by the time it arrives. The same applies to the name and date of birth.
The first destination is binding. ETIAS is valid for three years, the destination country is optional for further trips.
Those who do not have an internet connection and a suitable terminal can also have the application filled out by friends, acquaintances or an agency.
By the way: A valid ETIAS application does not guarantee entry. The border official always makes the final decision. If the border official is of the opinion that the traveller poses a danger, he or she will refuse entry.
Excursus: Entry to San Marino and Vatican City
San Marino and Vatican City are two enclaves completely surrounded by Italy. They are not part of the Schengen area, but entry with ETIAS is no problem. Neither San Marino nor Vatican City has its own airport. Entry is therefore only possible via Italy's airports. Therefore, travellers whose first destination is San Marino or Vatican City must indicate Italy as their first destination.
Conclusion: Travelling to Italy is safer with ETIAS
Crimes and terrorist attacks occur time and again, even on European soil. With an ETIAS application, it is possible to check all travellers before they cross the border. This makes Italy and the entire Schengen area safer for tourists and residents.