Americans in Italy: Roadblocks to a driving licence deal and where US nationals live
Welcome to our regular look at everything you need to know about life in Italy for The Local's readers from the US. This newsletter is published monthly and you can receive it directly to your inbox before we publish by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below.
With its warm climate, unique landscapes, famous cuisine and relaxed ways of life, Italy has long been a popular destination for Americans looking to start a new life abroad.
But just how many US nationals have made Italy their home and where do they live?
We looked at the latest data from Italian statistics agency Istat to determine what regions and cities Americans prefer – and which parts of the country they tend to avoid.
The difficult but often vital process of getting an Italian driver's licence is largely considered to be one of the biggest challenges faced by Americans moving to Italy.
The absence of a US-Italy licence exchange agreement means that Americans in the country must take Italy's driving exam to get an Italian licence (which they need to continue legally driving after one year of residency).
But what's stopping the two countries from reaching a licence exchange deal? And could this change anytime soon?
We spoke to Italian lawyer Nick Metta and Senator Francesca La Marca to give you the lowdown on the subject.
The number of American nationals travelling to Italy has grown in recent years after the Covid pandemic led to a significant slump in visitor numbers.
But market experts believe numbers may further increase in the coming years, as a large cohort of American residents prepare to enter retirement age and a strong dollar continues to encourage people to spend money on overseas travel.
A number of US airlines, including American, United and Delta, have jumped at the chance to capitalise on higher demand by launching new direct flights to Italy, particularly in the summer months.
Here's a breakdown of the new routes and when they're scheduled to be launched.
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