Before you go · Tuscany
Tuscany essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, so you can spend your time enjoying Tuscany.
Updated October 2026
Entry: EES and ETIAS
The EU’s Entry/Exit System has been fully in operation at all Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors are registered digitally, and passports are no longer stamped (European Commission).
ETIAS, the EU’s travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation; the EU will announce its start date months ahead. Check travel-europe.europa.eu before you travel.
Booking the big sights
Book the Uffizi, the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli on uffizi.it, the Accademia on its own site, the dome climb with the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Leaning Tower on opapisa.it. Resale sites charge more for the same tickets.
Driving and the ZTL
Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca close their historic centres to unauthorised traffic, enforced by cameras: fines arrive by post, including for hire cars. Park outside, or ask your hotel to register your plate.
Money and tipping
Italy uses the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Restaurants often add a cover charge (coperto) per person, shown on the menu; tipping beyond that is modest. Towns charge a tourist tax per night, paid at your hotel.
Weather and seasons
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. July and August are hot inland and busy on the coast; the grape harvest is in September and October.
Etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees in churches, including the cathedrals of Florence and Siena. Lunch is from about 1pm and dinner from about 8pm.
Questions and answers
Do I need ETIAS to visit Italy?
Not yet. ETIAS is not in operation; the EU will announce a start date months in advance. Non-EU visitors are registered at the border by the Entry/Exit System, in operation since 10 April 2026.
Can I drive into central Florence?
Not without a permit. The historic centre is a limited-traffic zone (ZTL) enforced by cameras. If your hotel is inside it, ask it to register your number plate.
Which airport is best for Tuscany?
Pisa has the most flights; Florence is closest to the city, linked by tram line T2. Both are run by Toscana Aeroporti.
Rules change: check official sources such as travel-europe.europa.eu and each museum’s own website before you travel.