Traveling to Italy
Planning Your Journey to Arezzo
Coming to Italy for a month is exciting! And we want the practical side of your journey to feel easy.
Below you'll find information about entering Italy, traveling to Arezzo, and preparing for your time with Opera Seme.
Before You Book Your Flight
Program Dates
When getting ready to book your flight, please pay close attention to the program dates so you arrive on the correct day. If traveling from North America, the flight to Italy is usually an overnight, so you will arrive a day later than when you fly (ex. you fly from JFK on June 24 but arrive in Rome on June 25.)
We highly recommend students add on travel assistance to and from the program to ensure punctuality.
Passport
It is the responsibility of all students to hold a valid passport during the entirety of the program, with an expiration date no sooner than 6 months from the conclusion of the program (recommended).
Visa
It is the responsibility of all students to secure an appropriate travel or study visa if required. If you're not sure if you need a visa or not, please check on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website.
The Opera Seme Administrative Team is available to provide supplementary documentation (confirmation of housing, enrollment letter, etc.) for visa applications, should you require them. Just ask your Program Director or Student Life Coordinator and they will be happy to help you.
ETIAS
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (United States citizens, for example) travelling to 30 European countries, including Italy.
ETIAS will involve registering online with your travel information and passport details, paying a small fee, and awaiting approval. It is expected to go info effect some time in 2027. We will do our best to keep students informed of this development.
EES
Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of several participating EU countries, including Italy. It's basically an automated passport control machine, replacing manual checks.
Some travelers have experienced long wait times due to this new technology, so be aware that you may have to wait upwards of one hour to clear passport control when entering or leaving Italy.
Travel Insurance
International health insurance is required for all participating students and faculty, and general travel insurance is highly recommended. Your Program Director will give you the option of opting in to a group plan that covers general travel liability as well as health insurance for a fixed fee, usually around $77.
Already Accepted to Opera Seme?
Our Student Handbook contains everything you need to know about preparing for your time in Arezzo, from what to pack and accommodations to daily life, classes, and what to expect during the program. If you have a question that isn't answered in the handbook or on this page, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Opera Seme team.
