One of the most visited countries in the world, Italy offers many attractions that are hard to resist. Rome alone offers so many attractions, it’s impossible to list or to visit them all.
Before you plan your trip to Rome, you should check if you need a visa.
Italy is part of the Schengen area, which includes 27 European countries that comprise the largest border-free area in the world. If you are part of these Schengen countries, you do not require a visa to enter Italy, and there is no time limit on how long you can stay.
Other countries outside the European Union (EU), including the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia, can also travel to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within any 180 day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure date, and you may be required to show documentation during the Immigration process, justifying the reason for your stay and your date of departure. To see if you need a visa to enter Italy, use the questionnaire on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The 90 days rule applies to all Schengen countries. If you stay 30 days in one country, you have 60 days left in other Schengen countries.
The EU plans to bring its long-awaited ETIAS visa waiver system in 2024. Non-EU passport holders who currently travel visa-free to Italy will need to get preauthorization before travel, similar to the United States’ ESTA program.
Visitors from all other countries require a Schengen visa to enter Italy and other Schengen participants. Countries include India, Pakistan, China, Egypt, Thailand, the Philippines and Rwanda. https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en#BMQuestionario lists requirements by country.
If required, you can apply for a visa at the nearest Italian consulate in your country of origin. You will need a recent passport-size photograph and a valid passport with an expiry date of at least three months longer than of the visa requested. You may also be asked to show proof of a return ticket and booked accommodation, as well as proof that you have the financial means to support yourself during your visit to the country, and health insurance to cover your trip.
Now that you have obtained all the necessary paperwork to visit Rome, you might want to explore some of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy. Some of the must-see-attractions include The Vatican City – with it’s museums and Basilicas, or Ancient Rome where you can visit Palatino, the Colosseum, the Capitoline Museums – the oldest public museums in the world, Piazza Navona – home to beautiful baroque palazzos and street artists, Trevi Fountain, and so many more! The Rome Tourism website can offer you a lot of helpful information.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, Rome has mild winters and hot summers. There are 2,500 hours of sun every year, so your chances are pretty good you will find sunny weather during your visit. You can visit Rome throughout the year, but the best time to travel is in spring or autumn. The Mediterranean sea keeps the temperatures comfortable during this time of year, and it’s generally sunny. During the dry months – July & August – temperatures can get very high, often over 30 degrees. Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The winters tend to be colder and wet, but there is little chance of snow.
You can get around Rome by metro, bus, train, taxi, car, or trolleys. Driving your own car can be challenging with the traffic and with parking. Click HERE for great and useful information about getting around Rome, schedules, fares, and more.
You should plan a minimum of three days to visit Rome, but the longer you stay, the more you get to explore Italian cuisine, the history and hidden gems.
Like any big city, be mindful of your surroundings and take usual safety precautions. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
How to stay connected while visiting Rome
Now that you are planning on traveling to Rome and want to stay in touch with your family and friends, or need to stay connected on your business trip, how do you avoid excessive roaming fees? Ever considered an eSIM? Download the Red Bull Mobile Data App to avoid expensive roaming fees.
eSIMs also allow for more flexible mobile plans, as users can switch carriers or plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards. This can be especially useful for international travel, as users can switch to a local carrier or data plan without needing to purchase a new SIM card.
How do you get an eSIM?
With an eSIM you do not need to physically swap out SIM cards to stay connected to the internet and avoid expensive roaming charges.
Simply download the Red Bull MOBILE Data app, choose your data plan for your destination, and follow the instructions on how to activate the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM data plan. Your device will prompt you to set up your eSIM, which typically involves selecting a mobile plan and confirming your activation. Once your account is activated you are ready to connect to the world without any basic or roaming fees. You will be able to email, chat, set up video conferencing and use your social media accounts. Connecting with your family and friends around the globe is instantaneous.
You don’t have to switch out SIM cards, just switch to your eSIM plan for data on your device while traveling and when you get back you just switch to your regular SIM card.
Are there more advantages to an eSIM other than traveling around the globe?
One of the many advantages of an eSIMs is that it can support multiple profiles, allowing you to use different carriers or plans on the same device. This can be useful if you travel frequently or have different needs for different situations. You could use it to separate your business account
from your personal account for emails and phone calls by switching between those profiles. Please note, you can only use one profile at a time.
Another advantage of an eSIM is that you can access the Red Bull MOBILE Data app wherever you are. So if your travel plans change or you decide to go to a new country simply log in to the app, and choose a new destination and bundle, and you are all set!
Do all devices support eSIM?
Not all devices support eSIM, so you should check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. You can usually find this information in the device specifications under Settings.
iOS devices: Go to Settings > Mobile Data or Cellular Data, if you have the Add Mobile Plan or Add Data Plan option, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Supported devices include iPhone XS, XR and newer models
Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If you have the “Add mobile plan” option, your smartphone supports eSIM.
The majority of newer Android smartphones are supported including the Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer models, Google Pixel 3 or newer models, Huawei P40 and many more.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps to use an eSIM may vary slightly depending on your device and mobile carrier. So, it’s always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by your carrier and device manufacturer.
Here are some tips on how to avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling:
Turn off automatic app updates: To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off automatic app updates on your phone. This can be done in your phone’s settings.
Turn off background data: Many apps use data in the background even when you’re not actively using them. To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off background data for apps that you don’t need.
Use a data monitoring app: Download a data monitoring app that can help you keep track of your data usage. This can help you avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional fees.
By following these tips, you can avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling and stay connected without breaking the bank.
