A complete list of visas for the United Kingdom is available on the UK Government website.
The content published by the Italian Embassy in London on the topic of entry visas to the United Kingdom is for informational purposes only and has no legal value.
The Italian Embassy cannot provide assistance with the issuance of entry visas for the United Kingdom, which remains the exclusive responsibility of the British authorities.
TOURISTS
Italian citizens who intend to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, visits to family and friends, and other limited short-term activities provided for under UK law are exempt from the visa requirement (so-called Standard Visitor Visa) for stays of up to 6 months. For more information on the activities permitted under UK law, please refer to the website of the competent British authorities.
On this page, prepared by the European Commission, further information is available on the documents required for entry into the United Kingdom by EU citizens.
The competent UK border authorities may ask visitors to provide further information regarding the nature of their trip and stay. By way of example, the British authorities may verify, among other checks, that:
the activity to be carried out in the country falls within those permitted and provided for by law;
there is an intention to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the stay (for example, you may be asked to show a return ticket);
there is no intention to remain in the country for long periods (longer than six months), nor to establish domicile or residence there.
The time limit for a stay is 6 months from the date of arrival in the country. Subsequent and repeated entries may give rise to further checks by the competent British authorities.
Failure to comply with entry procedures and/or UK law may expose the individual concerned to the risk, among others, of being refused entry to the United Kingdom and being turned back at the border.
PLEASE NOTE: From 2 April 2025, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) has been introduced as a travel requirement. This obligation also applies to Italian citizens. The ETA is not technically a visa, but rather a prior (electronic) authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom reserved for foreign nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement. The ETA authorisation is required for short stays. It is therefore mandatory to obtain an ETA before departing for the United Kingdom.
For further information on the ETA (including the applicable fees), please refer to the website of the competent British authorities.
Foreign nationals residing in the United Kingdom who hold a valid residence permit are exempt from the ETA requirement, including holders of pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) and since when has it been in force for Italian tourists?
The UK Government has introduced the ETA as a travel requirement. As of 2 April 2025, this obligation applies to European citizens and therefore also to Italian citizens. The ETA is not a visa, but a prior (electronic) authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom reserved for foreign nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement. The ETA authorisation is required for short stays (not exceeding 6 months). For further information on the ETA (including the applicable fees and how to apply online), please refer to the website of the competent British authorities.
Do I need private health insurance to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism?
If in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC – European Health Insurance Card), Italian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom as visitors are entitled to receive emergency or medically necessary healthcare.
Failure to hold a health insurance card may result in direct payment of medical expenses incurred through the UK National Health Service.
In any case, it is recommended to take out private health insurance valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom.
For further details, please consult this link.
Can I enter the United Kingdom as a tourist and look for a job, applying for a visa once I arrive?
No. Since 1 January 2021, it is not possible to enter the United Kingdom for work without first obtaining a work visa. It is permitted to attend job interviews during the visa-free period; however, if successful, you will need to leave the United Kingdom and apply for a work visa from Italy (or in any case from abroad).
Can I drive in the United Kingdom with my Italian driving licence?
Yes. EU citizens may drive any type of vehicle covered by their European driving licence.
Can I work while attending an English language course during the six-month visa-free period?
No. It is possible to attend an English language course in accordance with the applicable rules. However, entry into the United Kingdom as a visitor does not allow you to be employed or to carry out any work activity.