According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, an Italian passport will provide visa-free access to 121 destinations in 2025, making it one of the world’s most powerful passports. Visa-free access includes countries such as Belgium, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and Peru. However, some destinations may still require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa on arrival.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the power of the Italian passport and the many countries it provides visa-free access to. This is what to expect.
The Power of an Italian Passport
The Italian passport is one of the most powerful in the world. Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) ranks it 23rd on the Global Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 121 countries. The GCS Passport Index not only measures travel freedom but also provides a broader view of your passport’s value. Italy ranks 6th on the Enhanced Mobility Index, 49th on the Investment Index for economic strength, and 25th on the Quality of Life Index, which considers aspects like healthcare, education, and personal safety.
Italy Passport Rankings
121 Italian Passport Visa-Free Countries
Italian passport holders can travel easily with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 121 countries, including Belgium, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and Peru. This makes it a great passport that also makes international travel almost effortless.
Andorra
United Arab Emirates
Antigua and Barbuda
Albania
Armenia
Angola
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Barbados
Brunei
Bolivia
Brazil
Bahamas
Botswana
Belarus
Belize
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cape Verde
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Fiji
Federated States of Micronesia
Grenada
Georgia
Gambia
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Haiti
Jamaica
Japan
Kyrgyzstan
Kiribati
South Korea
Kazakhstan
Saint Lucia
Lesotho
Morocco
Moldova
Montenegro
Marshall Islands
North Macedonia
Mongolia
Mauritius
Mexico
Malaysia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Palau
Paraguay
Serbia
Solomon Islands
Singapore
Senegal
Suriname
Sao Tome and Principe
El Salvador
Eswatini
Thailand
Tajikistan
East Timor
Tunisia
Tonga
Turkey
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Taiwan
Ukraine
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Venezuela
Vietnam
Vanuatu
Samoa
South Africa
ZambiaItaly Passport Free Visa Countries
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Switzerland
Cyprus
Czechia
Germany
Denmark
Estonia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
Hong Kong
Croatia
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Latvia
Monaco
Macau
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Palestine
Portugal
Romania
Sweden
Slovenia
Slovakia
San MarinoItalian Passport Visa on Arrival Countries
Bangladesh
Algeria
Guinea-Bissau
Indonesia
Comoros
Lebanon
Maldives
QatareTA Countries for Italian Passport
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
Israel
Kenya
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sri Lanka
New Zealand
SeychellesCountries Where Italian Passport Holders Need a Visa
Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
Burkina Faso
Bahrain
Burundi
Benin
Bhutan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Cuba
Djibouti
Egypt
Ethiopia
Gabon
Guinea
Equatorial Guinea
India
Iraq
Iran
Jordan
Cambodia
Kuwait
Laos
Libya
Madagascar
Myanmar
Mauritania
Malawi
Namibia
Nigeria
Nepal
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Pakistan
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Syria
Chad
Togo
Tanzania
Uganda
ZimbabweHow can Italian citizens apply for a visa?
As highlighted, Italian citizens hold one of the strongest passports in the world, giving them visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 129 countries. The way they apply for a visa depends on the destination country’s rules:
- Visa-free entry – No application is needed; just a valid Italian passport.
- Visa on arrival – Apply directly at the border by filling out forms and paying the fee.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA/ESTA/eVisitor) – Apply online before departure, usually a quick process.
- Standard visa: Apply at the embassy/consulate or online. This visa is required mainly for longer stays, work, or study.
General visa application process for Italian citizens (when a visa is required):
- Check entry requirements for the destination (visa-free, visa on arrival, eTA, or standard visa).
- Prepare documents – valid passport, photos, travel plans, proof of funds, and insurance.
- Submit application – online, at the consulate, or upon arrival (for visa on arrival).
- Pay the fee (varies by country and visa type).
- Biometrics/Interview – only if required by the destination.
- Receive approval for a visa, eTA, or entry stamp, depending on the case.
How to get an Italian passport
To get an Italian passport, there are several possible routes. Italian citizenship by Descent allows individuals with Italian parents or grandparents to claim citizenship directly. Foreign nationals can pursue citizenship through long-term residency, starting with permits like the Italy Golden Visa, the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, or the Italy Elective Residence Visa; these visas can lead to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship after meeting residency requirements. Citizenship is also possible through marriage to an Italian citizen or naturalization after a long-term legal stay in Italy. Each route has its own requirements and timelines, but can ultimately make you eligible for an Italian passport.
