For travelers to Sardinia, it’s essential to understand the necessary travel documents. Citizens of countries in the European Union that are part of the Schengen Agreement can use a valid ID card or a passport with at least six months of validity as their travel document. For citizens coming from other countries, a valid passport is required, and if necessary, they must obtain an entry visa before arriving at the border.
Passport or ID Card
For citizens of Schengen Area countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Malta, and Switzerland, a valid ID card or passport is sufficient for travel in Sardinia. Additionally, thanks to agreements with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, citizens of these countries can cross European Union borders with just an ID card or passport.
It is also recommended to ensure that children traveling with you each have their own ID card or passport or are registered with the accompanying adult’s documents.
Visa
Visitors from countries outside the European Union, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, do not require a tourist visa if their stay in Italy does not exceed 90 days. Possessing a valid passport is sufficient.
For those coming from other countries, obtaining an entry visa specifying the duration of the stay and the destination is mandatory. This visa should be requested at Italian consulates in the country of residence and is usually issued within 90 days of the request, with the specified purpose of travel.
Upon arriving at the destination, if not staying in accommodation with automatic registration, visitors must register at the local police station within 8 days of arrival. However, for tourists staying in hotels or other types of tourist accommodations, registration is automatic through the accommodation’s reception.
It is strongly advised to verify the current requirements by contacting the Italian Consulate or Embassy before embarking on your journey, as conditions may change.
Driving Documents in Italy
If you plan to explore Sardinia by car, ensure you have the right documents. Driving licenses issued by any European Union member state are recognized as valid in Italy and throughout the European Union. However, if you possess a license issued by a non-EU state, you must have an international driving permit or a sworn translation of your license to drive in Sardinia.
To drive in Italy, you must be at least 18 years old.
Driving Regulations
In Italy, driving is on the right side of the road, and overtaking is done on the left.
For all motor vehicles, it’s mandatory to use dipped headlights, position lights, and number plate lights on extra-urban roads and highways. In cities, the decision to use lights is at the driver’s discretion. However, the use of lights remains mandatory in cities for two-wheel vehicles like mopeds and motorcycles.
The horn should not be used within urban areas unless required for emergency situations.
At intersections, the general rule is to give way to vehicles approaching from the right, unless road signs indicate otherwise.
Road Safety
The use of seat belts, both in the front and rear seats (if the vehicle is equipped with rear seat belts), is mandatory, with fines applicable to both drivers and passengers.
On roads with two or more lanes, the right lane should be occupied, and the left lanes are reserved for overtaking.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have third-party liability insurance coverage. For those traveling to Italy from abroad, it is recommended to obtain the “Green Card,” an insurance document that can also be obtained at the border and has a validity period of 15, 30, or 45 days.