Bari Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Bari, the capital of Italy's Puglia region, welcomes international travelers through its Karol Wojtyła Airport and seaport. As part of Italy and the European Union's Schengen Area, entry requirements for Bari follow standard EU regulations. Most travelers from Western countries can enter visa-free for short stays, while others may need to apply for a Schengen visa before arrival. The immigration process in Bari is generally straightforward, particularly for EU/EEA citizens who enjoy freedom of movement. Non-EU travelers should prepare standard documentation including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. Bari's port also receives international ferry traffic from the Balkans and Greece, with the same entry requirements applying regardless of arrival method. Before traveling to Bari, ensure your passport has at least three months validity beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area, and that it was issued within the last 10 years. Familiarize yourself with Italy's customs regulations and any current health requirements. While Bari is a smaller entry point compared to Rome or Milan, all standard Italian and EU immigration procedures apply.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa requirements for Bari follow Italy's Schengen Area policies. Your nationality determines whether you can enter visa-free, need an electronic authorization, or must apply for a traditional Schengen visa.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Italy and the Schengen Area without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Argentina Brazil Chile Mexico All EU/EEA countries and Switzerland (unlimited stay rights)

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Italy. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens only need a valid national ID card.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

90 days within any 180-day period (same as current visa-free)

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area

Includes

All currently visa-exempt countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.

How to Apply: Apply online at official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Most applications approved within minutes. Valid for 3 years or until passport expires.
Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50 USD). Free for travelers under 18 or over 70.

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from ETIAS requirements. Implementation date subject to official EU announcement.

Visa Required

Typically 90 days within 180 days for short-stay (Type C) visas; longer for Type D national visas

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen visa before travel

How to Apply: Apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days (but no more than 6 months) before travel. Appointment usually required. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days in some cases.

Required for citizens of China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, and many other countries. Must apply for Italian Schengen visa if Italy is main destination or first point of entry. Visa fees approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport or Bari seaport, all travelers must pass through immigration and customs controls. EU/EEA citizens typically experience minimal processing, while non-EU travelers should allow extra time for document verification.

Arrival and Immigration Queue

Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration.' EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use designated EU lanes; all others use 'All Passports' or non-EU lanes. Have your passport and any required documentation ready.

Document Verification

Present your passport to the immigration officer. Non-EU travelers may be asked to show return tickets, accommodation confirmation, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance. Officers may ask questions about your trip purpose and duration.

Passport Stamping

Non-EU/EEA travelers will receive an entry stamp in their passport. Check that the stamp is clear and legible—this proves your legal entry and starts your 90-day count. EU/EEA citizens typically do not receive stamps.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Check baggage carefully for damage and report any issues immediately to your airline's desk.

Customs Control

Pass through customs using either the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel or red 'Goods to Declare' channel. Random checks may occur even in the green channel.

Exit to Arrivals

Once cleared, exit to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and tourist information.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use national ID cards instead.

Visa or ETIAS (if required)

Depending on your nationality, have your Schengen visa or ETIAS authorization ready (when ETIAS becomes mandatory). Print a copy as backup even if electronic.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Should cover entire duration of stay in Italy.

Return or Onward Ticket

Evidence of your intention to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed timeframe. Can be flight, ferry, train, or bus reservation.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks. Italy requires approximately €45-50 per day, though this is rarely checked for tourists from visa-exempt countries.

Travel Insurance

Recommended for all travelers; mandatory for visa applicants. Should cover medical expenses of at least €30,000 and be valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and allow adequate time for immigration on arrival, especially during peak summer season.

Keep all important documents in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage. Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport and visa.

Be polite and answer questions honestly and concisely. Immigration officers have discretion to deny entry if they're not satisfied with your answers.

If arriving by ferry from Albania, Greece, or Croatia, the same immigration procedures apply. Processing may take longer due to higher volumes.

Have contact information for your accommodation readily available, including address and phone number in Italy.

Ensure your entry stamp is legible and dated correctly. An unclear stamp can cause problems when exiting the Schengen Area.

Download offline copies of important documents and keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.

Customs & Duty-Free

Italy's customs regulations align with EU standards. Travelers entering from non-EU countries must be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items. Those arriving from other EU countries face fewer restrictions on goods purchased within the EU.

Alcohol

From non-EU countries: 1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine, PLUS 4 liters of still wine. From EU countries: no limits on alcohol purchased duty-paid in EU for personal use.

Must be 17 years or older. Amounts above these limits from non-EU countries subject to duty and VAT.

Tobacco

From non-EU countries: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. From EU countries: guideline amounts are 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, or 1kg tobacco for personal use.

Must be 17 years or older. Customs may question larger quantities even from EU countries if suspected of commercial purposes.

Currency

No limit on amount you can bring, but amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared.

Declaration required when entering or leaving the EU. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation. Applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and certain securities.

Gifts/Goods

From non-EU countries: goods up to €300 value by air/sea (€430 if arriving by air/sea), €150 if arriving by land. From EU countries: no value limit if purchased duty-paid for personal use.

Applies to goods other than alcohol and tobacco. Travelers under 15 have lower allowance of €150 regardless of transport method.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - illegal under Italian law
Counterfeit or pirated goods - subject to seizure and penalties
Weapons and ammunition without proper authorization - strict controls apply
Endangered species products - protected under CITES regulations (ivory, certain shells, exotic leather)
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions due to disease control
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - agricultural protection
Obscene or pornographic materials - particularly involving minors

Restricted Items

Medications - bring prescription and doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances; limited to personal use quantities
Live animals and pets - require EU pet passport or health certificates, rabies vaccination, and microchip (see special situations)
Firearms for sporting purposes - require prior authorization from Italian authorities
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - may require export licenses from country of origin
Large amounts of cash - must be declared if €10,000 or more
Drones and electronic devices - commercial drones may require permits; check aviation regulations

Health Requirements

Italy generally has minimal mandatory health requirements for most travelers, but recommendations vary based on your country of origin and current global health situations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever - required only if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (parts of Africa and South America). Certificate must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and seasonal influenza
Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
COVID-19 - check current requirements as policies may still be in effect or recommended

Health Insurance

While not legally required for visa-exempt travelers, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage). EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare. Non-EU travelers will be charged for medical services, so insurance is essential.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 entry requirements have been largely removed but may be reinstated. Check the Italian Ministry of Health website and your departure country's travel advisories before traveling. Some countries may still require testing or vaccination proof. Health screening may occur at ports of entry during disease outbreaks. Register with your embassy upon arrival for health and safety updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Rome or nearest consulate in Southern Italy for citizen services

Register with your embassy's traveler program before departure. Check your government's travel advisory website for Italy-specific warnings and updates.

Italian Immigration Authority

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (www.esteri.it) for visa information; Polizia di Stato for immigration matters in Italy

For visa applications, contact the Italian embassy/consulate in your country. For extensions or permits while in Italy, visit the local Questura (police headquarters) in Bari.

Emergency Services

112 - Pan-European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)

Also available: 113 (Polizia di Stato - State Police), 118 (Medical emergencies), 115 (Fire department). English assistance usually available on 112.

Bari Airport Information

Aeroporti di Puglia: +39 080 580 0200

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services at Karol Wojtyła Airport

Tourist Information

Bari Tourist Information: InfoPoint locations at airport and city center

Puglia tourism website (www.viaggiareinpuglia.it) provides regional information in multiple languages

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) in English and Italian, including contact information and trip details. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate. For children traveling with adults who aren't parents/guardians, notarized authorization from both parents is essential. Italy takes child protection seriously and immigration may deny entry without proper documentation.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need: EU pet passport, microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel). From non-EU countries: health certificate issued by official veterinarian (within 10 days of travel), microchip, rabies vaccination and antibody test (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Birds and other animals have different requirements—check with Italian health authorities before travel.

Extended Stays

Tourist stays are limited to 90 days per 180 days in the Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate visa/permit before the 90-day limit: work permit (requires job offer), student visa (requires enrollment), family reunification, or elective residence visa (for retirees/financially independent). Apply at Italian embassy/consulate in your home country. Once in Italy on long-stay visa, register with local Questura within 8 days and apply for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Dual Citizens

If you hold both Italian/EU citizenship and another nationality, you must enter and exit Italy/EU using your Italian/EU passport or ID card. Using a non-EU passport may cause confusion about visa requirements and length of stay limitations. Italian citizens are required by law to use Italian documents when entering/leaving Italy.

Business Travelers

Business activities allowed on tourist visa/visa-free entry include attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and signing contracts. Activities NOT permitted include paid employment or providing services. For work requiring payment or extended business activities, obtain appropriate work visa/permit. Carry invitation letter from Italian company, proof of business registration, and evidence of ties to home country.

Students

Study periods over 90 days require student visa (Type D) obtained before arrival. Apply with acceptance letter from Italian institution, proof of accommodation, financial means (approximately €460/month), and health insurance. Upon arrival, register with university and apply for residence permit. Short courses under 90 days may be possible on tourist entry, but check with institution and immigration authorities.