- Do I need a visa to travel to Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China?
Italian citizens may enter Hong Kong and Macao for tourism, study and business purposes without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days. Failure to comply with this limit is an offence and may result in serious sanctions by the local authorities, which can lead to arrest and in some cases deportation. It should also be noted that working in Hong Kong and Macao without the necessary work visa is an offence punishable very severely (possible arrest, substantial fines, possible deportation).
Starting from 1 December 2023 and until 31 dicembre 2025, Italian citizens in possession of ordinary passports will be able to travel to the mainland China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes without a visa for up to 15 days (link). Italian citizens who are in Hong Kong may contact the Chinese Authorities in Hong Kong for more information: China Resources Building, 26 Harbour Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Tel.: +852- 34132424; e-mail: fmcovisa_hk@mfa.gov.cn
- Where can I find information on international schools in Hong Kong?
Information on international schools in Hong Kong can be found on the following website:
www.shambles.net/pages/countries/hk_schools/
- Where can I find information on international schools in Macau?
Information on international schools in Macau can be found on the following website:
www.shambles.net/pages/countries/mo_schools/
- Where can I find information on hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong?
Information on hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong can be found on the following website:
www.gov.hk/en/residents/health/hosp/
- Where can I find information on hospitals in Macau?
Information on hospitals in Macau can be found on the following website:
www.ssm.gov.mo/design/services/2010/esrv_menu.htm
- How can I import to Hong Kong medicines/controlled substances without incurring penalties or arrest upon arrival?
Importation of pharmaceutical products and medicines is regulated by the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), which is enforced by the Customs and Excise Department. Pharmaceutical products and medicines imported in the personal baggage of a person entering Hong Kong in a reasonable quantity for their personal use may be exempted from licensing requirement, as provided under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60). Nevertheless, it is advisable to have a doctor’s certificate (with English translation) for the medication prescribed. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section from the website of the Drug Office for more details.
On the other hand, if the pharmaceutical product contains dangerous substances/ingredients as defined by the Dangerous Drug Ordinance (Cap. 134), and a person visiting Hong Kong intends to bring pharmaceutical products containing dangerous drugs substances/ingredients as personal effects and for their own personal use, prior approval in writing from the Chief Pharmacist is required. Please refer to the website of the Drug Office of Department of Health for more information or contact them directly for enquiries at +852 3974 4180 or by e-mail: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk.
For more information on Customs clearance, please refer to the website of the Customs and Excise Department (https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/passenger_clearance/index.html) or contact them directly for enquiries (email: customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk).
- Can I claim a refund of IVA (VAT) on the goods purchased in Italy?
EU non-resident travellers may be granted VAT refund for goods intended for personal or family use purchased in Italy, provided that the overall value of goods exceeds 155 Euro. There are no rebates of the IVA tax on hotels, restaurants or tourist services. Detailed information on how to get IVA refunds and customs formalities are available at the Italian Customs Agency. Please note that invoices or VAT refund forms have to be endorsed by the Customs officials before leaving the E.U., the Italian Consulate is not authorized to endorse any VAT refund forms or invoices of good purchased in Italy or in EU.
For Customs information of foreign tourists entering or departing Italy please consult the Travellers’ Customs Charter.
- I am travelling to Italy for tourism purposes. Do I have customs duty exemption for products and consumer goods that I am carrying in my luggage?
Travellers arriving from a country that is not a member of the European Union are granted an exemption from customs duties for the products and consumer goods in their personal luggage, provided that these objects/goods are of non-commercial nature and that their value does not exceed EUR 175. Such limit is reduced to EUR 90 for children under the age of 15.
- I am travelling to Italy for tourism purposes: how much cash can I bring?
According to the currency regulations in force, the import and/or export of currency or other transferable securities and similar assets is allowed up to a total amount of less than €10,000. Beyond this amount it is necessary to fill out a form which must be submitted to Customs when entering or leaving the customs territory. More information can be found on “Travellers’ Customs Charter” of the Customs and Monopolies Agency.
- Are there customs restrictions on personal belongings and consumer goods when I return from my trip in Italy?
There are no value limits for objects and consumer goods exported from Italy for travellers, however, there may be restrictive provisions established by the countries of destination. Non EU-resident travellers may obtain relief or refund of the VAT included in the sale price of goods purchased in Italy (see above). More information can be found on “Travellers’ Customs Charter” of the Customs and Monopolies Agency.
- What is the tax regime for Italians resident abroad?
Please consult the guide on the tax regime for Italian citizens resident abroad on the website of Agenzia delle Entrate.