Citizens of nations belonging to the Schengen Agreement do not need visas to visit Sicily or any other part of Italy. These include Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and most European Union nations. Visas are also not required for citizens of Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Seychelles, South Korea, Singapore, Venezuela, Uruguay, New Zealand, and most North American countries. Macau and Hong Kong SAR passport holders do not need visas, either.
However, citizens of countries which do not belong to the European Free Trade Association or European Union may not stay in Sicily, Italy, or any other part of the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days within a single 180 period and cannot work while staying here.
Citizens of nations outside the EFTA and EU must also declare their presence within eight days of arriving in Italy when staying for shorter time periods than 90 days and make sure to get their passports stamped when entering and departing from the Schengen Area. Visitors who require visas to enter Sicily and Italy must also possess passports valid for at least three months beyond the length of their stay in the country.
Health and Safety
Pickpockets in the largest cities are the biggest safety threat visitors will encounter during their stay on the island. Tourists should also keep their eyes peeled for motorcyclists who snatch cell phones, handbags, and wallets as they drive by. Most of Sicily’s dangerous neighbourhoods are situated well outside its tourist attractions and the island’s infamous Mafia rarely target tourists.
Passengers should not sit alone on trains and women are advised not to walk alone after dark in Palermo’s La Kalsa district or city centre. Parking in secure and private lots is the best way to avoid vehicle theft in the capital.
In the rare instances when visitors require medical treatment in Sicily, hospitals are good quality and will grant emergency assistance to patients from anywhere in the world, but tourists from outside the European Union must pay out of pocket for non emergency care.