Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
United States citizens need a passport, but not a visa, to visit Italy (and you will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes your identity and nationality to re-enter the United States). We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the first page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency; you can leave your actual passport in the safe in your home.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you call the nearest consulate well in advance of your trip to confirm what you will need prior to travel. For the consulate nearest you, please visit www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en.
In the case of minors, when traveling with your children, but without your spouse or partner, please have a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. If not, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
General Weather Conditions
Lake Como is renowned for its climate, which is generally mild and humid and, thus, furthers the growth of luxuriant vegetation. In winter the temperature is never too cold. In summer, the heat is hardly ever unbearable, because it is mitigated by a very nice breeze. There is a varied and lush Mediterranean vegetation; cypresses, laurel trees, camelias, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and humid areas have tropical and subtropical vegetation.
The lower slopes of the mountains surrounding the lake are covered with chestnut woods; on their upper sides there are plenty of pastures and in spring daffodils and lilies flourish. Since on the Lake shores there are neither ponds nor still water pools, lacustrine vegetation is scarce and is to be found only in areas like the “Pian del Tivano”. The best time to visit Lake Como is from June to September.
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 72; Annual Average Low: 40
Currency
The Euro is the official currency of Italy however you may still run into prices quoted in both Euros and lire. A bank is the best place to exchange currency or traveler’s checks. You will receive a better rate for traveler’s checks than cash and these may be exchanged at the airport and some travel agencies such as American Express. A currency exchange website can be found at www.markets.ft.com. ATMs are the most convenient way to get money. Rates are almost always lower at ATMs than anywhere else.
Time Zone
Lake Como is in the Central European Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Noon in Italy is 6:00 a.m. in New York. Lake Como practices Daylight Saving Time, which begins in May (one hour forward) and goes until late September or October (one hour back).
Voltage
Electricity in Italy is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). For comparison, in the United States it is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC current.
If you plan on using your own 110-volt appliances, you will need a voltage converter, unless your appliance is designed to also work with 220 volt electricity (dual voltage).
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
