Directory A–Z - Rome - page 777

Travellers with Disabilities
Rome isn't an easy city for travellers with disabilities. Cobbled streets, blocked pavements and tiny lifts are difficult for
the wheelchair-bound, while the relentless traffic can be disorienting for partially sighted travellers or those with hearing
difficulties.
Getting around on public transport is difficult. On metro line B all stations have wheelchair access except for Circo
Massimo, Colosseo, Cavour and EUR Magliana, while on line A only Cipro-Musei Vaticani and Valle Aurelia have
lifts. Note that bus 590 covers the same route as metro line A and is wheelchair accessible. Newer buses and trams have
access for travellers with disabilities; it's indicated on bus stops which routes are wheelchair accessible.
If travelling by train, ring the national helpline 199 303060 to arrange assistance. At Stazione Termini, the Sala
Blu Assistenza Disabili ([e-mail]; 6.45am-9.30pm) next to platform 1 can provide information on
wheelchair-accessible trains and help with transport in the station. Contact the office 24 hours ahead if you know you're
going to need assistance. There are similar offices at Tiburtina and Ostiense stations.
Airline companies should be able to arrange assistance at airports if you notify them of your needs in advance. Altern-
atively, contact ADR Assistance ( www.adrassistance.it ) for assistance at Leonardo da Vinci -Fiumicino Airport or
Ciampino airports.
Some taxis are equipped to carry passengers in wheelchairs; ask for a taxi for a sedia a rotelle (wheelchair).

Organisations
The best point of reference is CO.IN ( www.coinsociale.it ; Via Enrico Giglioli 54a) , an umbrella group for associations
and cooperatives across the country, which can provide useful information and local contacts.
Other useful resources:

Handy Turismo ( 06 3507 5707; www.handyturismo.it ) A comprehensive and easy-to-use website with informa-
tion on travel, accommodation and access at the main tourist attractions.

Roma per Tutti ( 06 5717 7094; www.romapertutti.it ) A council-backed venture to provide assistance and free

guided museum visits.

Sage Traveling ( 1-888-645-7920; www.sagetraveling.com ) This US-based agency, started by wheelchair user John
Sage who has visited more than 70 countries, offers advice and tailor-made tours to assist travellers with disabilities,
specialising in Europe.

Visas
EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy. Nationals of some other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel,
Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Italy is one of the 15 signatories of the Schengen Convention, an agreement whereby participating countries abolished
customs checks at common borders. The standard tourist visa for a Schengen country is valid for 90 days. You must ap-
ply for it in your country of residence and you cannot apply for more than two in any 12-month period. They are not re-
newable within Italy.
Technically, all foreign visitors to Italy are supposed to register with the local police within eight days of arrival.
However, if you're staying in a hotel you don't need to bother as the hotel does this for you.
Up-to-date visa information is available on www.lonelyplanet.com - follow the links through to the Italy destination
guide.