Make sure you have the right bags, and proceed to Customs. As you approach Customs, you'll see green lanes marked “Nothing to Declare” and red lanes marked “Goods to Declare.” Choose the appropriate one, and get in line. If you have nothing to declare, you'll hand your form to an officer and stroll out the exit.

When arriving in Italy (at hubs like Rome FCO or Milan MXP), the customs process is generally divided into the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare) and the Red Channel (Goods to Declare). Most tourists walk through the Green Channel without stopping, as there is no formal "declaration form" required for standard personal items. However, you should expect sporadic spot checks by the Guardia di Finanza (financial police). They are particularly strict about two things in 2026: cash exceeding €10,000 and counterfeit luxury goods. Bringing "fake" designer bags into Italy is a punishable offense with high fines. You are also strictly prohibited from bringing in meat or dairy products from non-EU countries. If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country (like the US or UK), you will clear passport control first, collect your bags, and then pass through the customs walk-through on your way to the exit.