Legalities

General guidelines

• Be calm, composed, and pay attention
• Wait in line patiently and follow any signs or directions
• Phones are not allowed to be used, so keep it tucked away
• Talking is generally not permitted either
• When it’s your turn, an official might ask you “What is the purpose of your stay?”
• Your answer: Travel around Italy or experience Italy’s culture
• OR Learn Italian and experience Italy’s culture (if you have a student visa)
• Legally, you are a tourist (or student, if you are staying longer than 90 days)
• If you respond with an answer like, “I’m working,” or “I’m going to be an au pair!” they will ask you for your working visa (which you don’t have)
• When you don’t have it, they’ll ask you to turn around and go home ​​
• Technically you are a Rome Abroad “Traveler,” so it’s the truth 🙂
• If they ask about where you are staying, you can say honestly with friends​

Note: As a tourist you are not allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. Do not overstay your limit of 90 days.

YES

• You are a tourist (OR student in some rare cases)
• You are there to experience the culture and travel
• You are staying with friends (if they ask)

NO

• You are NOT an au pair
• You are NOT working
• If you are on a tourist visa, DO NOT stay in the Schengen Zone longer than 90 days within a 180-day period