ESTA Application for Citizens of Italy

This page is available in the following languages:
ENGLISH
ITALIAN
Country:

Italy

Capital: Rome
ESTA Required: YES

In October 1989, Italy joined the United States of America Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The U.S. created the program to allow consular resources to address higher-risk areas and make it easier for Italian citizens visiting the USA. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), launched by the U.S. in 2009, was created to improve the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA allowed holders of Italian passports to apply online for authorization to travel to the U.S.

Online applications are not allowed for the ESTA. It grants admission to the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism (including medical) and non-credit study purposes. An ESTA does not replace a visa. If you are visiting the U.S. to do anything other than the ones listed here, you must apply for a regular tourist visa. You will need to check if you require an ESTA before you apply for a visa.

U.S. immigration statistics for Italian visitors

  • The total amount of visitors from Italy: 1 384 255
  • Approved ESTA applications: 1 248 156
  • Students and exchange visitors: 30 922
  • Temporary workers and family-related applications: 54 110
  • Diplomats and other official representatives: 10 143
  • Other types of visitor categories: 5 808
ESTA Application

It's possible to travel to the U.S. starting from Rome, Italy

You can fly non-stop from Rome to the following American cities:
  • Rome - New York City (9-10 hours), carriers: Alitalia, Delta, and Norwegian
  • Rome - Detroit (10.30 hours), carriers: Delta
  • Rome - Atlanta (11.17 hours), carriers: Delta
  • Rome - Miami (11.10 hours), carriers: Alitalia

You can get to Rome's airport by bus, car, or scooter

You can reach the airport by driving along the Grande Raccordo Anulare, then to the A91 Rome-Fiumicino highway. If you’re coming from Civitavecchia, take the road towards Rome and follow the signs to the airport once you have passed the tollbooth. This is an overview of parking: ADR.it/parking

Responsible travel is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint. You can also use carsharing in Italy to reduce your carbon footprint.

Check the bus timetables. These companies offer COTRAL Shuttle, SIT Bus Shuttle, and Terravision.

You can check the traffic to the airport here if you’re planning a last-minute trip or organizing a group trip.

Take the train

Traveling by train to the airport from most places in Italy is possible.
  • Leonardo Express is a nonstop service for passengers only from airports to/from Rome Termini railway stations. It departs every 15 minutes* and takes 32 minutes.
  • Regional FL1 trains to/from Rome Tiburtina, which includes Rome Tiburtina, depart every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30-min on weekends and holidays.
To get an in-depth overview of the airport’s operations, visit ADR.it.

Travel to the U.S. from Milan, Italy

You can fly non-stop to the United States from Milan Malpensa airport. Here’s the complete list:
  • Milan to New York City (7-9 hours), airlines: Air Italy, Delta, and American
  • Milan - Miami (11.05hrs), carriers: American

Driving to Malpensa airport

Malpensa airport can be found 49km (30 mi) north of central Milan, right next to the Ticino River. There are two terminals, two runways, and a dedicated cargo terminal. All U.S.-bound planes fly from Terminal 1.

It is easy to get to the airport via car if you are driving from Milan or other areas north or east of the airport along the A8 highway. Follow the A8 road to the BUSTO ARSIZIO – MALPENSA exit. Take the State Highway SS336 to the GALLARATE – MALPENSA section.

You can also take the A4 highway if you’re coming from the South or West. You must drive on the road to the MARCELLO MESERO exit. From there, follow the MARCELLO – MESERO – MALPENSA direction and then take SS336DIR to the MALPENSA – A8 — MILAN ­ VARESE direction.

Here are some details about parking. These numbers are available for direct inquiries:

  • CCISS Viaggiare Informati: 1518 toll-free number
  • Società Autostrade: (+39) 06 43632121
It is possible to rent a car in Italy’s north. Learn more about these car-sharing sites: Car2go and E-Vai.

You can also travel by bus or train.

There are many options for trains. You can find the complete overview here: Malpensa train.

The airport is easily accessible by bus from Milan Central Station, Fiera Milano City/Fiera Rho Pero, or Milan Linate Airport. Malpensa airport can connect Lombardy and Piedmont, Liguria, and the Canton de Ticino. You can find the complete overview at Malpensa by Bus.

When should an Italian apply for ESTA?

All ESTA travelers must apply for an ESTA 72 hours before boarding an aircraft. Italian citizens should apply for ESTA weeks or months before, to ensure that their travel authorization (ESTA) is approved. If denied, applicants must apply for a tourist visa at their nearest U.S. Embassy. This can be difficult and time-consuming. Apply as soon as possible if you plan to visit the United States. Learn more about the ESTA application.

Italian travelers who have an approved ESTA may check their status or make changes. For more information, visit this page: verify/update ESTA.

Below is an example of a travel authorization if the ESTA application is approved:

Quick facts

  • Online application for ESTA is possible for Italian citizens
  • For visitors to Italy, the ESTA is valid two years
  • Italians are allowed to stay up to 90 days in the U.S. with an approved ESTA
  • Italy's overstay rate only: 0.54%