SmartRents

Taking a hire car abroad and to Italy's small islands

Of the 24 companies whose terms we read on October 19, 2026, 22 allow Switzerland, 22 France, 22 Austria and 22 Croatia, almost always with a surcharge or an authorisation to request in advance; only 7 let you go to Switzerland, France and Austria at no cost. Greece, Malta and Albania are excluded by most (15, 18 and 20). In Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia you need a motorway vignette; on some smaller islands hire cars cannot land at certain times of year.

Official sources read on October 19, 2026.

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Which countries you can drive to

The rules are set by the rental companies, not by law: each has its own list of permitted countries and often asks for a surcharge (“cross border”) or a written authorisation to be requested before pick-up. Without it, you risk a penalty and losing your cover. San Marino, the Vatican and Monaco often show as not permitted simply because they are missing from a closed list. The rules also change by category (premium cars, electric cars and vans often have to stay in Italy) and by pick-up location.

Bar chart: how many rental companies, out of 24, allow each country, free or with a fee: Switzerland 22, France 22, Corsica 14, Austria 22, Slovenia 22, Croatia 22, San Marino 7, Vatican City 5, Monaco 10, Greece 8, Malta 5, Albania 0.
Bar chart: how many rental companies, out of 24, allow each country, free or with a fee: Switzerland 22, France 22, Corsica 14, Austria 22, Slovenia 22, Croatia 22, San Marino 7, Vatican City 5, Monaco 10, Greece 8, Malta 5, Albania 0.
CountryAllowedWith fee or authorisationNot allowedNot stated
Switzerland71511
France71511
Corsica5937
Austria71511
Slovenia61611
Croatia61611
San Marino16116
Vatican City14136
Monaco2886
Greece35151
Malta32181
Albania00204

Vignettes and tolls in neighbouring countries

Documents to carry with a hire car

Tell the rental company before you set off that you will cross the border: it has to authorise it and can give you the right documents. Keep the vehicle registration document, the rental contract and the insurance documents in the car.

Smaller islands: where hire cars cannot land

Every year, by decree of the President of the Region (since 14 December 2024 no longer of the Ministry), some islands ban non-residents' cars from landing and circulating for part of the year. The dates below apply to the 2026 season: always check the decree before you board.

Ferries: who allows them

Taking a ferry also depends on the rental company: some allow it, others require authorisation, others ban it outright. For Sicily and Sardinia, the “ferry” pages for each place show the rule of every rental company there, next to its offers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a car hired in Italy to Switzerland?

With 22 of 24 rental companies, yes, almost always with a surcharge or an authorisation to request in advance; you need the Swiss vignette, CHF 40.

And to Croatia or Slovenia?

Slovenia is allowed by 22 rental companies and Croatia by 22, usually for a fee. In Slovenia you need the e-vignette (€16 a week); in Croatia you pay distance-based tolls.

Can you go to Greece, Malta or Albania?

Almost never: Greece is excluded by 15 of 24 rental companies, Malta by 18 and Albania by 20.

Can I take a hire car to Capri or Ischia?

Not to Capri until 2 November 2026: the decree expressly bans hire cars. On Ischia the ban (until 31 October 2026) applies to vehicles of people or companies based in Campania. Also check whether the rental company allows ferries.

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