Italy Travel in 2026: EU Border Controls, New Flights & Venice Fees

Travel to and from Italy will undergo significant changes throughout 2026, driven by new European Union border control systems, expanded flight options, and local tourism regulations. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), a biometric passport check replacing manual stamping, is set to be fully operational by April 2026 following its phased rollout. Non-EU travelers will need to register biometric data upon first entry to the Schengen area, with data retained for three years. Concurrently, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), an online visa waiver akin to the US ESTA, is scheduled to launch by the end of 2026, requiring a €20 fee for most visitors and valid for three years. Separately, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, costing £16 and valid for two years, will see stricter enforcement for non-UK/Irish passport holders entering the UK from February 2026.

Commercial aviation to Italy will see increased connectivity in 2026. Delta Airlines plans to inaugurate the first-ever direct route between the United States and Sardinia in May, enhancing transatlantic access to the Italian island. Meanwhile, Irish budget carrier Ryanair will establish a new base at Trapani’s Birgi airport in western Sicily in January, introducing 11 new routes to various European destinations, thereby expanding low-cost travel options.

Beyond air travel, Italy is implementing other notable changes. Venice will extend its controversial entry fee scheme to 60 days in 2026, effective from April 3rd to July 26th, requiring day-trippers to pay for access to the historic center during peak hours. Furthermore, Trenitalia's high-speed Frecciarossa trains are slated to launch new international services to Austria and Germany in 2026. These include a 6.5-hour Milan-Munich route and an 8.5-hour Rome-Munich line, both incorporating several stops across Italy and Austria, significantly improving rail connectivity across Central Europe.