Starting from mid-2025, visitors to Europe from 60 visa-exempt territories, including Hong Kong and Macao, will be required to obtain a travel authorization called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter 30 European countries, including Italy, for stays under 90 days in any 180-day period. Visitors can leave and return to these Countries at any time, as long as this time limit is observed.
Travelers can apply online for ETIAS permit via the official website https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en or the ETIAS mobile application. Once the procedure is completed and approved, applicants will receive ETIAS authorisation number via e-mail.
The travel application and related authorization will be linked to the applicant’s passport and will be valid for up to 3 years (depending on when the passport expires). If the applicant gets a new passport, a new ETIAS authorization is needed. Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure from any ETIAS Country.
Applications will need to be uploaded at least 96 hours before flying to Europe and will cost 7 Euros (approximately 58 HKD/MOP).
For people under 18 and over 70 years of age it will be free of charge.
The ETIAS system does not introduce any changes in the visa policy to enter Italy for Hong Kong and Macao passport holders. Hong Kong and Macao passport holders do not need visa if they travel to Italy for tourism, study and business for stays under 90 days.
