Information for how to apply for a US passport can be found here. Passport applications can take months to complete, so please start this process now. If you have an existing passport, please check the validity to make sure it will be valid for AT LEAST 6 MONTHS after your arrival date to Italy in June 2024. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html

UPDATED- U.S. citizens are currently exempt from obtaining a visa to Italy. All American travellers who wish to visit Italy in 2025 will be required to apply for the travel authorization and meet the ETIAS Italy requirements BEFORE any travel to Italy. As such, it should not be required to obtain the ETIAS before the wedding in June 2024. Further information can be found here: https://www.etiasitaly.com/requirements-for-americans/

Italy's largest airport, Rome Fiumicino (FCO), sits a little less than 20 miles from central Rome and offers a couple of easy ways to get into the city by train. The Leonardo Express is a Trenitalia train connecting Fiumicino airport with the main train station in Rome, Termini. It takes roughly 32 minutes and leaves the airport every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours. It's non-stop service from the airport to Termini. The first train leaves the airport at 6:38 a.m., and the last of the day at 11:38 p.m.. Tickets cost €14 each way. After claiming your luggage, follow the signs for the train. It’s about a five-minute walk from the baggage carousels to the train. Do not forget to stamp your train tickets before boarding!

Rome has public water fountains all around the city called Nasoni (integrated in the city in the 1800s), which you can use to fill up your water bottle as you walk around. The water is perfectly safe to drink. Colleen used to do this every day when she lived there!

Rome is extremely safe. There is very little violent crime. However, there is significant pick-pocketing in tourist areas and on public transport (metro, train stations, airport, etc.)—you must be vigilant. Do not leave cell phones on top of tables at restaurants, or purses on the backs of chairs. An across the body bag is preferable. We generally do not recommend bringing a backpack, unless you will be keeping your wallet/valuable items somewhere else (inside a front pocket, jacket, etc.). In touristy areas, foreigners will try to sell roses or umbrellas or random items to you. Do not accept or touch anything from those who try to come up to you while you are walking or eating. This is a scam, so do not even acknowledge those who approach you. Simply carry on with your business and say no Grazie. You will likely see gypsies and some homeless in touristy areas. Note that gypsies often scam/work in unison with a partner to pick-pocket. Again, we strongly encourage that you do not engage.

0%. Servers do not work for tips in Italy. You do not need to do it, as it is not customary. Also, waiters typically will not split checks, and only one person pays. Please keep this in mind for group meals. Italy is still somewhat cash-centered. We strongly encourage you to carry some cash with you at all times. BNL is the sister bank for Bank of America, for those with an account there who do not want extra ATM fees.