Italy is part of the Schengen Area and many countries are visa exempt. Visa policy of the Schengen Area lists the requirements. The U.S. is one of the exempt countries, so if you are a U.S. citizen you do not need a visa to visit or transit through Italy.

Whether you need a transit visa for Italy depends on your nationality and your specific flight itinerary. If you are a citizen of a "visa-exempt" country (like the U.S., UK, or Canada), you do not need a transit visa for a layover in Italy, provided you stay within the international transit area of the airport and your final destination is outside the Schengen Area. However, citizens of several countries (including India, Pakistan, and Nigeria) are required to have an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even if they don't leave the airport. Furthermore, if your connection involves "self-transfer" (re-checking bags) or moving between two Schengen countries (e.g., New York to Rome to Paris), you are technically "entering" the Schengen Area and may need a standard Schengen Visa instead of a transit visa. In 2026, with the introduction of the EES (Entry-Exit System), it is vital to check the latest requirements on the official Il Visto per l'Italia website, as even a short layover that requires passing through passport control will trigger the need for valid entry documentation.