travel problems in italy

What you need to know about traveling to Italy right now

Aug 23, 2021 • 6 min read

Tourists return to the Teatro Antico in Taormina, Sicily as Italy relaxes border and domestic restrictions © Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images

Italy has gradually relaxed border controls and most restrictions as travelers return to one of the world's most popular destinations. And while there are plenty of new attractions to enjoy, from newly-opened secret tunnels in the Colosseum to recent discoveries in Pompeii , it isn't business as usual. Italy is still in a state of emergency and some pandemic-related restrictions apply, including the requirement of a green pass to enter indoor venues and large events.

With the ongoing threat of the Delta variant, travelers are warned that increased measures could be enforced with little notice. If you're planning a trip to Italy this year, here's what you can expect.

Can I travel to Italy from the EU?

Italy has adopted the EU digital COVID certificate which facilitates the return of free movement across the bloc. It's a digital or paper certificate that indicates the holder meets the conditions for travel: is fully vaccinated (the last dose administered at least 14 days before departure), or has recovered from COVID-19, or holds a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.

Read more: Planning your perfect trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast

You will need to present this cert to enter Italy, regardless of where you are traveling from in the EU. That's because Italy does not classify risk areas in accordance with the EU's recommendations and currently no country is classified as low risk. So even if you are coming from an EU country that is classified green (low risk) in the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s traffic light system, you are still required to present a digital COVID cert to travel to Italy.

Can I travel to Italy from a non-EU country?

Italy applies border restrictions on travelers depending on the COVID situation in the country they are departing from. Most countries are on the C and D list and quarantine restrictions apply to all of them except for the US, Canada, Japan and Israel . People arriving from those countries are permitted to skip quarantine provided they present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to Italy, using official vaccination or medical documents issued in either of those countries.

Those arriving from the UK will have to undergo a five-day quarantine upon arrival with mandatory testing until at least August 30.

Entry restrictions for individual countries can be found here .

What vaccines does Italy accept?

Italy requires that travelers are fully vaccinated with both doses of an EMA-approved vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca; or with the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Do children need to be vaccinated to enter Italy?

Children under six-years-old are exempt from all vaccine, testing or quarantine requirements in Italy. However, children between the age of six and 18 are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival.

What else is required?

All arrivals are required to fill in a passenger locator form before arrival, regardless of their COVID status or point of departure.

Do I need a green pass in Italy?

Yes, if you want to enjoy most of Italy's cultural attractions, you'll need a green pass. The pass proves that the holder has been vaccinated, has recovered from COVID-19 or has recently tested negative for the virus. People need to present it to enter indoor spaces such as museums, football stadiums, gyms, theme parks, spas, swimming pools and theaters. It's also required to sit indoors at bars and restaurants; and from September 1, it will be required to board public transport in Italy.

Anyone traveling from another EU country, can present their EU digital COVID cert wherever the green pass is required. People traveling from a Schengen Zone country can present their official health documents too.

The Italian government confirmed that it will accept official COVID documents that were issued in Canada, the US, the UK, Japan and Israel from tourists too in place of a green pass. This was later extended to cover all official vaccination certificates that are compliant with Italian or EU guidelines. In order for it to be accepted in lieu of the green pass, the certificate must be in Italian, English, Spanish or French and contain the following information: type of vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J or AstraZeneca), date of doses and lot number, as well as the person's name and the name of the medical authority issuing the certificate.However, despite the guidelines, some tourists have reported difficulty with having their certificates accepted at venues.

If you're not vaccinated, you'll need to be tested via a PCR or antigen test within the previous 48 hours.

Read more: Italy has expanded the use of it 'green pass' - here's what travelers need to know

Can I get tested in Italy?

Many countries, including the US, require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home from an international trip. Fortunately, tests are widely available across Italy in pharmacies, labs and testing centers. Antigen tests cost approximately €20, while PCR tests are generally around €65.

The Red Cross has pop-up testing sites in train stations across Italy , including Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Venice Santa Lucia and Florence Santa Maria Novella for antigen tests. On-site testing is available at Italy's major airports too, and most offer both antigen and PCR tests but check the website of the airport you are traveling through in advance for details.

Read more: Italy visa requirements

What's open in Italy?

Italy is home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, and has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country. Among its popular attractions are Pompeii , where visitors can walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, and Ravenna , home to glittering Byzantine treasures. The gondolas of Venice take in the famous Rialto Bridge , while Rome is home to St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, as well as the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Thankfully, you can experience these sites with relative ease as all Italian regions are now classified as "white zones". Italy classifies its regions into colored areas based on the epidemiological risk; different restrictions apply, depending on the color. White zones are very low-risk zones. Most restrictions have been lifted but social distancing guidelines remain in place in public areas, as do mask requirements in crowded outdoor places, on public transport and in indoor public spaces.

Indoor dining has returned to Italy's restaurants, cafes, bars, ice-cream parlours and pastry shops. Some capacity limits apply but the general rule is no more than six people per table. Anyone who wishes to eat inside will need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a recent negative test. Hotels, spas and swimming pools are open, as well as beaches but visitors must keep at least one meter apart when setting up towels, deck chairs or umbrellas.

Museums and cultural attractions are open for walk-ins with capacity limits Monday to Friday and for those with pre-booked tickets on weekends. Cinemas, theaters and concert halls are generally open at 50% capacity. Again, remember to bring your vaccination card if you're planning to visit any museum or cultural attraction in Italy.

For a full breakdown of restrictions per region, see here .

This article was first published on May 5 and updated on August 23, 2021.

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• The President of the Council of Ministers
• The Government
• The Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Covid-19: travel information

Considering the epidemiological situation, Italy has foreign travel restrictions in place depending on where you are travelling from/to. 

An interactive questionnaire is available from https://infocovid.viaggiaresicuri.it  to check the rules currently in force regarding travel to and from Italy.

Please find below a list of other useful web pages:

• Covid-19 Information for travellers  
• Information for Italian nationals returning to Italy and foreigners in Italy
• Information from Embassies and Consulates
• Useful information for travellers on the ‘Viaggiare sicuri’ website  

Italy travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Italy travel in 2024 with official Italy travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Italy has a special place in our hearts, and we finally returned in Fall 2022.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: July 2020.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *  

Photo credit: Annalisa, Rome January 2024: “Tourism in Italy right now is flourishing, and although it is low season, there is a considerable amount of travelers both in art cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, and in small villages. In tourist spots such as museums and archaeological areas there are no restrictions of any kind, except in cases of overbooking such as for the Colosseum in Rome, so I recommend booking tickets at least two months in advance. The business of restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes is normal and busy. Access to health care takes place as usual, with regular and free access to checkups and treatment through hospital emergency rooms for Italian residents and nonresidents. As for Covid tests, although they are not required by any tourist facility, they can be done in all Italian pharmacies for a cost of €10-15.” -Annalisa of Rome Travelogues , Resident of Italy

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Italy so you’ll get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Can US citizens travel to Italy? Can I travel to Italy right now?

Italy is open to all travelers, including US citizens who are traveling for tourism.

As of June 2022 , all travelers, including US citizens are no longer required to show a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival to Italy. All travelers can enter Italy without quarantine.

Most Italy travel restrictions have been lifted as of May 1 for activities inside the country. See regional restrictions here and regional zone classifications  here .

Visitors from over 60  visa-exempt countries , including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries . The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

Quarantine rules in Italy: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Italy.

For those who test positive for Covid while in Italy, self-isolation for five days or until testing negative, followed by masking up to 10 days, was the latest requirement. More recently, locals report that quarantine is no longer being enforced.

Italy Green Pass Requirements to Enter Restaurants, Attractions and Large Events 

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants and attractions in Italy?

Italy’s green pass (basic or super green pass) is no longer required to access restaurants, businesses, public transport, or participate in certain activities.

However, the Super Green Pass is still temporarily required for anyone age 12 and older to access hospitals or care homes.

Can Americans travel to Italy in May 2024? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Summer?

Travel to Italy in May is open . Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Italy FCO or CIA Rome International Airport right now? In Rome, body temperature checks through thermo scanners may be taken at the entrance of the airports. The airports sanitize their spaces daily. 

For travelers entering Italy from other countries, check with your airline about current mask requirements on board.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Italy?  Quarantine is not required upon arrival.

See details above.

Does Italy check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Body temperature may be scanned in the airports for inbound and outbound travelers. 

Does Italy require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers? A negative Covid test is no longer required to enter Italy.

Does Italy require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? Proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Italy.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Neither proof of vaccination, negative test, nor quarantine are required to travel to Italy. 

Is a booster shot required for travel to Italy? A booster shot is no longer required to enter Italy.

However, a booster shot is needed for the US vaccination card to be considered a valid Green Pass to enter healthcare settings while in Italy. See Green Pass Requirements above.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Italy? PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens and visitors in Italy. Antigen tests cost approximately 20-30 euros while PCR tests can cost around 70.

Individuals in Italy can get a Covid test from the following:

• Government-approved testing labs
• Testing facilities with English-speaking doctors in Italy
• On-site testing facilities at international airports in Italy, such as Milan, Rome Fiumicino, Cagliari, Florence, Malpensa, Bari, Venice,  Pisa, and others.
• Private testing labs and pharmacies in Italy

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Italy who get the virus? Tourists and visitors may access Italian health care and emergency services by paying out of pocket or with privately purchased travelers’ insurance. Tourists can also contact the Italian Covid hotline at 1500 (free toll number).

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Italy? Bars, restaurants and all other establishments are open. Both indoor and outdoor dining are allowed.

Are face masks required in Italy? As of October 2022, wearing of masks in Italy is no longer mandatory except in healthcare settings. 

Are buses and trains running in Italy? Public transportation is available throughout Italy at normal capacity. Masks are no longer required on buses, trains, etc.

Will Italy impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Italy?

Italy was the first country in Europe affected by COVID-19 and was hit hard by the outbreak, requiring strict lock downs. Another large spike in cases occurred at the end of October 2020. A nationwide state of emergency continued through 2022. 

Italy’s economy, which includes a large tourism sector, has faced its deepest recession in history. More than 200,000 tourism-related jobs were discontinued in Italy by the end of 2021– accounting for a massive shortage of workers in the country. 

In May 2021, Italy formally opened its borders to international travelers from select countries to revive tourism. In June, Italy eased its restrictions for international travelers, then tightened somewhat due to the Delta variant and Omicron variant.

Italy’s state of emergency ended on March 31, 2022. 

Italy obtains its vaccines via an EU procurement program. On December 27, 2020, Italy vaccinated the first residents against COVID-19. Currently, three quarters of Italians are fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Italy – including how bad is covid in Italy today, total COVID-19 positive cases; daily number of cases in Italy; and COVID-19 recovery rates in Italy, please see the statistics here .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Italy?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in public spaces and required in healthcare settings. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Italian locals and recent travelers say about visiting Italy now?

What is it like to visit Italy right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

October 2023 – Louisa Loring of EatingAroundItaly , resident of Italy:  “Expect to come to Italy and travel as freely as before the COVID pandemic. Currently, there are no laws or recommendations for masking, social distancing or public gatherings. Today, all historic monuments are open as usual without restrictions.

There is no requirement for those who show symptoms. The Italian public healthcare system has removed its state of emergency and it’s easy to access the emergency room.. Private healthcare facilities are free to test patients if they choose too.

Since COVID, there has been an enormous increase in pre-bookings for museums in Italy. Although not all museums require that you pre-book, most people do and it can save you a lot of time waiting in line. Most museums have an easy and hassle free online booking system with paperless tickets.”

September 2023 – Linda of insieme-piemonte.com , resident of Italy:  “Italy has, especially in summer, many crowded places. However, beautiful Piedmont, in the northwest of the country, remains a hidden gem: cheap, hospitable and visited by Italians at most in high season.

At the moment, Covid is no longer an issue. There are no restrictions or protective measures. During the pandemic, however, very strict rules prevailed throughout the country, including house arrest for several weeks.”

June 2023 – Natalie Deduck of Best of Turin , visitor: “My husband and I come to Turin to stay a month and later travel to other destinations in Italy.  

The main tourist destinations such as Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Milan are receiving a tremendous influx of tourists this Spring and Summer. We are glad that we choose Turin for our longer stay. It is an incredible destination but not as famous as the other places, so here we can enjoy all the best of Italy without hassling with crowds.

Since I landed in Italy, I didn’t see any advice or signals about Covid measures or how to behave in public spaces. No one wears masks, and businesses are open as usual, including bars, restaurants, clubs, museums, and open-air markets.

Everything is pretty much back to normal. My husband and I lived in Turin in 2019 and 2020 during the pandemic. We experienced Italy in its worst moment, and it’s so good and heartwarming to see life back to what it was before the pandemic.”

January 2023 – Zoe of Together In Switzerland, EU visitor: “For our visit to Como, Italy for 2023, the location was pretty busy and lively. All shops and restaurants are open and seemed like a good mix of locals and tourists.

It’s not mandatory, but many do choose to wear a mask such as on the local bus or when in the main shopping area. There were absolutely no checks during our whole visit in Como, however you do see that local stores do still have a those plastic protection areas at the cashier tills and hand sanitizers is available at entrances. We personally didn’t see many people using these and no minimum space was needed. The only crowded area we encountered was for a busy local restaurant that everyone wanted to eat at.”

October 18 2022 -Michelle, Intentional Travelers: “Italy’s tourism feels back in full force and daily life has resumed as normal. Some people wear masks in grocery stores, trains, or other public areas but not many. On the train back to Rome airport, we saw staff sanitizing handrails in all the train cars. Lines at FCO airport seemed typical, and we passed through check-in, security and customs relatively quickly (25 minutes) on a weekday morning. We didn’t have to show any Covid documents, only passports.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers:  “We flew into Florence, Italy and took trains through Tuscany in September. To enter Italy, we only needed our passports. Air Dolomiti airlines required masks on the flight.

The Florence airport tram into town had signs that masks were required but maybe 50% of people were masked. Around Florence, it is as busy as ever and highly recommended to make reservations for big attractions in advance. Masks were still required on the regional trains in Italy, enforced by staff and audio announcements. Otherwise, tourism does seem back to normal.”

June 3, 2022 – S.M, American digital nomad – “I flew today to Rome from Croatia. They didn’t ask for anything covid related. No test or vax cards. But we had to wear N95 mask on the plane, that’s it.”

May 2022 – Lyndsay at thepurposelylost.com : “I’ve been living in Italy and exploring the country for six months now, and the past few days were the busiest I’ve seen the cities! As the weather gets warmer, we’re expecting an uptick in tourism, which is definitely what I’ve encountered so far. Tourists are eager to experience la dolce vita again!

Although you don’t need to wear a mask walking around outside, masks are still required on public transportation like busses, metros, and trains, and highly encouraged for all inside spaces like restaurants and shops. You’ll even find a mix of people wearing masks at public outdoor events.”

March 24, 2022 – Heather American/Italian dual citizen:  “I flew into Rome and then proceeded to take several trains and a bus to get to a tiny village in Abruzzo where I will be living for the next five months. Masks are required inside all buildings, and most buildings have signs indicating you need to show a Super Green Pass for entrance. Trains and buses did check for my Super Green Pass and my CDC card showing my booster was accepted readily.

Italians are still taking things pretty serious, regarding masks, etc.”

March 2, 2022 – Sarah Wilson of Life Part 2 and Beyond , British visitor:  “I’m in Florence for 10 days learning Italian. I was surprised how many tourists were here over the weekend. Queues were long to many of the major sites. They do check your Green Pass every time you enter a tourist attraction, and restaurant. Some shops also insist on seeing your Green Pass but not all. Masks are being worn inside but not needed outdoors. 

There are plenty of pharmacies, many offer COVID testing or the rapid antigen tests. All the pharmacists in a city like Florence speak great English. To reduce waiting in line, I recommend booking attraction tickets online in advance.”

Candice of Mom in Italy , Permanent Resident: “It’s a nice time to visit because you can visit places like the center of Florence and its museums without any crowds.

We’ve also been visiting smaller villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano, but they’re a little too empty. Almost all shops and restaurants are closed, due to the lack of local visitors. For anyone thinking of coming to Italy right now, I’d stick to the bigger cities, where you’re guaranteed to find things open and still full of Italian ‘vita.’

Throughout the entire pandemic, I’ve been impressed by the cooperation of Italians. People here wear masks when/where required and for the most part, respect the rules. Visitors need to follow the rules too – for example, if you don’t have the Green Pass here, you can’t sit down in an indoor restaurant. Owners don’t distinguish between locals and tourists – everyone has to have their Green Pass scanned or checked.

It’s easy to get tested in Italy – there are private clinics and you can also get tested in pharmacies. You can also get English translations easily. It’s not a great time to come to Italy if you aren’t vaccinated (or have proof of recovery from COVID within the last 6 months). Pretty much anything you’d want to do as a tourist right now requires the Green Pass.

We haven’t found any long lines or crowds, although I expect there will be an influx of visitors in the spring because Italy’s precautions help make it a less risky destination and people are ready to come back to Italia!”

January 2022 – Claudia of Strictly Rome , Italian resident:  “All attractions and places of interest for tourists are currently open in Italy. Visits to restaurants typically start with the staff coming to the table to check your “green pass” (the Italian vaccination card). Much like locals, tourists are required to show proof of vaccination or of having recovered from Covid to access attractions, restaurants, hotels and transport – including trains and local / city buses. Everyone in Italy follows the rules, wearing masks wherever required and showing their vaccination card to access public places, restaurants, attractions, transportation and the like. Antigen tests are available at any pharmacy, best if upon booking and depending on the city and region in Italy there may be a line to get tested. Access to health care remains free for everyone on Italian territory, including visitors. You will be significantly better off making restaurant reservations as with Covid restrictions and social distancing availability for tables in popular tourist destinations may be limited.”

December 2021 – Or of My Path in the World , Israeli traveler:   “I flew to Turin for a one week leisure trip in December 2021. I felt very safe in Turin as everything was well organized and it seemed like the locals were determined to live “normally” again. Everyone follows the current restrictions, and some people even wear masks outdoors though it’s not mandatory. You can’t enter a museum or a restaurant without your Green Pass being scanned (unless you’re sitting outside), and some attractions require a reservation in advance because you need to pick a specific timeslot for your visit. There are quite a few places for covid tests, and a PCR test for your flight back home will cost you about 70 Euros.”

November 30, 2021 – Morgan Fielder, Crave the Planet , E.U. expat: “It’s so great and easy to get reservations at awesome restaurants with fewer tourists. The airports in Italy have gotten more efficient and travel has been extremely easy since August if you are vaccinated and keeping your mask on appropriately. Yes, people follow the rules. Access is good to hospitals and if there’s any hint of problems, then businesses and events have gone to only letting in vaccinated or recovered people. Contract tracing is done via app when you go inside a venue or restaurant.”

September 20, 2021 – Sarah Wilson , British expat in Malta:  “I was in northern Italy at the beginning of September for two weeks and now I’m in Sicily until the end of the month. The locals are very welcoming. It’s been a tough time for many businesses in Italy, so they are very happy to receive tourists. I literally had Rome to myself, so if you enjoy travelling without the crowds, now is the time to visit. To enter any restaurant, museum or tourist site, you do have to show your vaccine certificate. Some places like the restaurants in Lake Como also asked for your name and phone number. Masks are worn on all public transport and indoors and majority comply. Sicily has recently turned yellow which means masks are supposed to be worn indoors and outdoors – very few wear them outdoors – it’s too hot.”

August 2021 – Abigail, American traveler : “I went to Italy for a weekend. I felt safe and all of the stores were open. There was a green pass that people used to dine indoors, however since I’m a US Citizen I did not have one. Instead I showed my vaccination card, and it was asked for at every establishment. They did not ask for the Covid pass for public transport for Venice or Milan during my stay. For sit down restaurants, they wouldn’t let you in the door if you could not show vaccination. I did see a lot of seats for outdoor dining everywhere I went though.”

August 2021 – Caroline A., South African/Italian visitor: “My husband, 7 year old son, 4 year old daughter and I are in Rome for three months for an adventure as we have dual citizenship. Tourists are very much welcome in Rome at the moment although museums are requiring the green pass to enter. Since we are not vaccinated, we have been getting tested for entering museums, which lasts 48 hours. Testing is widely accessible. Most attractions are open for visits with covid protocols in place. There is a festive mood in the air as many people take their vacation over this time. It is wonderful not to have to wear a mask outside.”

July 2021 – Kathryn, American Traveler: “I flew from Spain to Naples, Italy and stayed 2 days in Positano, 2 days in Sorrento, and 4 days in Rome. The locals were happy to have patrons in their cafes and restaurants. We had several people tell us how happy they are to see return of tourism. All public transportation was running as it would pre-pandemic (masks always required). We took planes, trains, taxis, boats and buses with no restrictions. Some restaurants required you to write down name, phone number, country of origin for contact tracing. Otherwise, no restrictions for outdoor dining and tables were quite close to each other as you would typically experience in Europe. Indoor dining often had more space between tables to allow for social distancing. In Rome, there were quite a few walk-up COVID testing tents throughout the city to use if needed. Rome sights were much less crowded than what I’ve experienced past summers. All major tourist sites were open. They offered both advance tickets and walk-up (usually wouldn’t be possible due to large numbers of tourists in the summer, but with less tourists this year it was possible to purchase day-of tickets). They had temperature checks at most major sites and required masks if indoors.”

June 2021 – Alexander and Cynthia, Travel your Memories , Dutch visitors: “We flew to Rome and visited for 4 days. After Rome we travelled to Florence for 2 days. Because you can do many activities outside, Italy is prefect to travel to at the moment. The population pays very close attention to the guidelines of COVID. All sights have been adjusted accordingly. Only a maximum number of people are allowed in the shops (depending on the size). If you get cold symptoms, you can go to a test street. For major sights it is important to book your ticket in advance because you have to fix a time slot.”

May 2021 – Sarah, Benvenuti Arts, American: “I have a visa as I’m here to teach at a University, and traveling into Italy felt joyful! The crew on the flight were so happy to see us all, and there were only about 30 passengers on the plane. The customs officials were very nice and the people doing COVID-testing in the airport were very friendly.  While the rules, as read, seemed more strict than the US, I’m noticing people’s interpretation of those rules is just as scattered as in my country. I happened to arrive right when they reopened after the Easter lockdown, and people seem to be thrilled to be outside. We wear masks in all public areas, and there is no indoor dining, so in general it feels safe. But I am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by crowded areas, like places where students hang out. That’ll take some time to get used to again! I would say, if someone is traveling soon, be respectful and be overprepared. Rules were changing weekly in the lead up to my visit, so I have so much documentation printed that I haven’t needed. Everything takes a bit more preparation than you might be used to in Italy, too. Some restaurants require reservations. Museums are open, but with timed, pre-reserved tickets. There is no indoor dining. There’s a curfew. I am usually loose with my planning when I travel, but am doing more of it just because it’s required. But the food is amazing, the people are lovely, and the city is beautiful, so even with some adaptations, it’s amazing to be here!”

April 2021 – Chicca, Cooking in Tuscany , Italian resident: “We have been living a lockdown life since October – I have to say we’ve got so use to it. But just these days our prime minister has announced to relax some of the strict coronavirus measures starting April 26. The vaccination plans are rolling out quite consistently to have the majority of the population vaccinated by this summer. I read here and there that maybe borders will be opening first to Europeans and then to Americans. We don’t know when but, yes, I start dreaming of having visitors again.”

January 2021 – Clotilde, A Princess Travelling with Twins , Italian living abroad:  “I flew to Rome, with my husband and our twins over the Christmas period for 10 days to visit family.  People working in the tourist sector are really welcoming and try their best to respect, and make customer respect, the rules and regulations. They have been suffering a lot from the lack of tourists and all the imposed restrictions, so they are happy to see tourists coming back but other people are more cautious. News of the new variants of the virus have particularly made people more alert. The biggest issue when travelling to Italy right now is the rules change really quickly, the country can ban specific countries without warning as happened over Christmas with people coming from the UK. On top of that, each Italian region is defined by a colour depending on the level of the infection rate. This reflects also in services opening times that change unexpectedly and often forget to update their websites or search engines. For example you could be stranded at the airport wondering what to do as the rental car office where you booked your vehicle has closed and the curfew time is approaching, as happened to us! “

September 2020. Rebecca Ann Hughes, journalist – permanent resident of Venice:  “Tourist numbers in Italy have been low all summer. For those who come to visit, they are seeing popular tourist destinations as never before, but many businesses are struggling. Locals whose work is fed by tourism are eager to welcome back visitors but many of them, along with those who do not work in the tourism sector, are pushing for a change in tourism. Particularly in Venice, they want visitors who travel “slow”, who are respectful, and who interact with the community. This includes following COVID regulations imposed by local councils and the government. Recently, a tourist on a vaporetto (waterbus) in Venice refused to wear a mask, angering locals and causing a fight to break out. Visitors should be well prepared to follow the regulations in Italy, even if they differ from their home country.

Most tourist attractions, public transport, restaurants, bars and other amenities are open and functioning as normal, albeit with social distancing rules and the obligation to wear a mask. It is possible that some tourist attractions will require advanced booking and may have longer queues if the venue is taking temperatures upon entry. Visitors may often have their temperature taken when entering a restaurant. When entering a building or getting on public transport, use hand sanitiser if it is provided. Testing booths have been set up in many airports and visitors can download a contact tracing app for Italy.”

Planning a trip to Italy?

Check out our other Italy travel resources: – Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Lucca Day Trip Guide & Walking Tour – A Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast – Cooking in Tuscany Classes – Hiking Cinque Terre Itinerary – Packing List for Europe in Fall/Winter – 7 Hidden Gem Towns on Tuscany’s Coast – Best Beaches in Tuscany Italy – Tuscany Castles to Rent or Visit – Why Visit Italy in September

If you have questions or updates about travel to Italy during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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32 Comments

Very useful information, thank you, I will be staying in Sicily for 10 days this July!

Hi! Great info! Is it safe traveling to Italy now from the US because of Ukrania- Russia conflict? Thanks!

Thanks, Wilda. We have a good friend in Tuscany who tells us there is no concern about safety in Italy currently, however, prices and availability of some products/delivery is being significantly affected. We recently sent out a Europe update to newsletter subscribers with the following: “If you have plans to travel to Europe, you may be wondering if it’s still safe. Right now airspace over Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova are on the EASA risk list [CNN]. But most of Western Europe is hundreds of miles from the conflict, and experts are saying there’s no need to cancel trips [AFAR].” We are planning to travel to Italy ourselves in September-October. Of course, as with Covid, each of us have to make our own assessment based on the level of risk we’re willing to accept when we travel.

Is there a current ban on US citizens (vaccinated or not) traveling to Italy?

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Italy at this time as you stated below. I copied and pasted from your article…. Can Americans travel to Italy in January 2022? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Winter? Travel to Italy in January is now allowed for US citizens visiting for any reason, including tourism. Read on for details and check back for updates.

Hi Jamie. I think perhaps you have misread “is NOW” as “is not”? I’ll reword it to prevent future confusion. As you’ll find throughout the rest of our post, Italy IS open to Americans under certain protocols. Thanks for visiting.

Hi Michelle, thank you for making this information easy to digest. I’m unclear on the “green pass” and “super green pass”.

– Green pass: proof of vaccination – so our white vaccination cards work – correct? And no proof of booster is required?

– Super Green Pass: unclear here.

Also, is the “health declaration form” and the “dPLF” form the same? If not, are both needed?

I plan to visit Italy starting late Feb – Mar ‘22 and am now wondering if I should push this to June. With it all changing so fast, maybe I’m being overly-cautious?

Kate, I’m glad you’ve found our post helpful. Whether pushing the trip back to June will make much difference is hard to say. I’ve shared a bit about my philosophy on canceling/rescheduling trips here .

Some of the green pass rules are quite new and it is admittedly confusing. Also it may change again by March! Firstly, yes, your white CDC vaccination card will work as your pass, as long as the latest vaccination date qualifies.

There is now a time limit on vaccination for the Green Passes (though not for entry into the country). At the moment, this means that if your last Covid shot was more than 9 months ago, you would need a Covid test within 48 hours before checking into accommodations or taking public transit. Starting February 1st, a booster shot will be needed for persons who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months. As I read it, if your last Covid shot is more than 9 months old, then you would not be allowed to do the activities under the Super Green Pass like indoor dining, museums, or spas without a booster. Again, there is not a lot of detail available about how this works practically yet.

Sorry for the confusion about the forms – the self-certification health form I think might be an old term so I’ll update that in our post. The dPLF digital Passenger Locator Form is what is now required before travel.

Hi there and thank you for your lovely blog. I am traveling to Italy in February, and my second vaccine dose would be older than 6 months, and not able to get a third dose before arrival. Does than mean that I won’t have a green pass and need to undergo a pcr to enter some places?

Auba, thank you for your question. We were surprised by this restriction. It’s all quite new so how this works out practically may change, but I read it as you do. To confirm, I also found this: “All arrivals to Italy with vaccinations considered as expired by Italian standards (see line above) are required to do Rapid COVID-19 tests (available in local pharmacies and test centres) to obtain a Green Pass, which will be valid for 48 hours. The test provider will print your test results and will email you a unique code. You will then need to access the Government website (in Italian) and enter your details. Select the option ‘Utente senza tessera sanitaria’ (‘User without a health card’). You will be prompted to enter the type and number of the ID you showed when you got your test, as well as the code on your test certificate. Click ‘Ricupera certificazione’ (‘Get certificate’) to download your digital test result. You will need to continue with this process for the duration of your stay to enable travel within Italy and to access hospitality and leisure venues including bars, restaurants, museums, exhibitions, sporting events, fairs, civil or religious ceremonies and large events.”

Nice post! I recently applied for an Italy Visa but was sceptical about the travel restrictions imposed by Italian authorities. So, I started searching for some answers and that is how I came across your informative article. It talks about all the important details that a first-time Italian traveller like me should know. Do share such informative blogs about other countries and any possible restrictions that they are imposing. It might come in handy for a lot of tourists who want to get out of their homes after a long season of the pandemic.

Thanks for a great info. Did they ask the covid pass in the public transport? I read that in intercity trains require at least but would like to know the reality. And if Unvaccinated customers can enter an establishment to buy food, but they are not allowed to eat indoors, are there many restaurants with outdoor areas that can be used without the passport? Thanks a lot

Thanks for your questions. The green pass is required in Italy for domestic planes, ferries, inter-regional trains and long-distance buses. For public transit within a city like buses and metros, there are capacity controls and masks required but not the green pass. Taxi drivers do not check for the green pass. Yes, many restaurants in Italy have outdoor seating. We’ll do our best to gather more testimonials about what this looks like on the ground to update our post in the future.

Trying very hard to find out exactly what happens and what options are available to you should you happen to test COVID positive before your flight back to USA. Especially now that fully vaccinated folks are testing positive. Please advise as soon as possible. Thank you!!

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. According to the CDC website , “People should self-isolate and delay their travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not present a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.” So options are pretty limited at the moment if you test positive before returning to the U.S., and I haven’t heard whether that will be reevaluated any time soon.

Hi Michelle! I am a US citizen and I planned for an Italian trip Sept 3-15. Today is the first day i see about the quarantine requirement lift being ended on August 30. Does this mean August 30 they may decide to implement the quarantine period again? Do you think I will be able to do my trip or will it depend on how the Italian government reacts to this upcoming month? Thank you!

Kim, thanks for visiting our blog. The requirements may not necessarily be lifted but rather *reevaluated* at the end of August. It’s not possible to predict what the decision will be at this time. I’m sure Italy wants to keep tourism open and has new protocols like the Green Pass in place to do so more safely, but each country has to weigh that against health and hospitalization risks. For vaccinated travelers, being able to travel is more likely this Fall but nothing’s guaranteed as things continue to change quickly with this delta variant. I know the uncertainty is difficult, which I wrote about in our recent post here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/

Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for the reply, we knew there would be a risk to canceling the trip and we are very understanding and flexible. I just hope that we know in advance enough to not give our hopes up. We are vaccinated so hopefully if they restrict anything it’s unvaccinated folks. I’ll keep an eye out for updates!

We are having a lay over at Heathrow Airport. My interpretation of the Covid rules say we will have to quarantine in Venice for 5 days. Is there a “safe zone” in Heathrow that will allow us to enter Venice when we arrive. We are both vaccinated and have digital copies of our CDC vaccine card.

Thanks for visiting our blog, David. It is my understanding that a layover in the UK would mean you’d need to quarantine for five days in Italy, even if you’re only transiting through the airport unfortunately. I have seen reports of recent travelers rerouting flights to avoid the UK for this reason. It appears the requirement is to be in place through August 30, so if you travel after that, it’s possible the rule could change but there are no guarantees.

Hi. I am traveling to Italy in 3 weeks. Where can i get a negative covid test for my re entry to the US. Pharmacy?? Thanks.

Ciao Gianna. Please see the section in our post labeled “What Covid testing options are available for travelers returning to the U.S.?” for these details.

Great blog We’re travelling to Northern Italy in September and supposed to go to a outdoor concert in Marostica. Do you know if there is any plans to cancel outdoor gatherings? Thanks

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. It’s still too early to know what restrictions might be in place in which regions come September, but we will be sure to update this post as the situation changes. If the concert takes place as scheduled, you’ll likely need a “green certificate” to attend.

How as an American travelers do I obtain a Green Pass?

Thanks for your question. We were actually just in process of updating this post with new information! More details may be forthcoming but it appears that Americans will be able to show a hard copy of their vaccination card, official proof of recovery, or a negative test result taken within 48 hours in place of the digital pass. We’ll be sure to update our information here as more details become available.

Is colosseum ticket free on the first Sunday of every month after pandemic?

That is a good question. We have covered the free first Sunday opportunity previously on our blog, however, the colosseum now follows a different schedule. Entrance is free on select dates throughout the year, however, I have not been able to find a list of those dates for 2021. I would expect that might be published in a bit further in the future.

News all say US travelers can present CDC vaccination card to skip testing. Not true? June 30 2021

Hi Jiang. Thank you for visiting our blog. That information is correct. A CDC vaccination card can be used by US travelers to obtain a “Green Pass”. US travelers with a “Green Pass” are no longer required to undergo testing or quarantine in Italy.

Excellent info!

Thank you for visiting the blog. Safe travels.

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Is It Safe to Travel to Italy? Warnings You Need to Know

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We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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Deciding to visit Italy is almost a no-brainer. The boot-shaped nation has pretty much everything any traveler would want: sights, art, history, dreamy Mediterranean beaches, and arguably the best food in the world. But is Italy safe for travel right now?

What with terror threats ongoing throughout Europe and Italy’s notorious reputation for organized crime, as well as the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters, it’s a fair question.

Generally, the answer is yes, Italy is indeed a safe country to visit. The nation’s violent crime rates are low these days, and global safety rankings consistently place Italy higher than both England and the United States. That said, there are some factors that travelers should keep in mind in order to protect themselves when traveling to Italy.

Tips for Staying Safe in Italy

• Is it safe to travel to Italy? Yes, but you have to know where to go—and where it’s best to keep your wits about you. Understand that there are parts of Italy where you’re more likely to become a crime victim, including packed city centers, crowded tourist attractions, and certain parts of Milan.
• If you’re planning on traveling around Italy, stay safe by being vigilant on public transit, making sure that any taxi you get into is official, taking the typical rideshare precautions, and keeping all valuables under wraps.
• How safe is Italy when it comes to terrorism? Fortunately, Italy hasn’t been as plagued by terrorism as its neighboring countries have been. But travelers to Italy are still advised to be on high alert in crowded tourist spots, report suspicious packages and people, listen to local authorities in the event of an attack, and enroll in the STEP program to make it easier to find you in the event of an emergency.

Crime in Italy

Although there aren’t any truly dangerous parts of Italy—most tourists won’t have to deal with safety concerns other than petty crimes—there are cities and regions of Italy that do tend to be less safe than others.

Travelers in Rome, for instance, have a higher than average risk of being pickpocketed or scammed and a moderate risk of being mugged, according to SafeAround . And though Venice is mostly safe, popular tourist spots are also popular targets for pickpockets and scammers.

As for Naples, it has the unsavory reputation of being a mafia hotspot (in Italy, more than 1,600 mafiosi are arrested per year), although it’s quite rare for mafia activity to affect tourists. Nonetheless, the risk of scams is high in Naples, and drive-by purse snatchings do happen.

Florence also suffers from a higher than average risk of pickpocketing and scams, especially in the popular Piazza Del Duomo area , where thieves have been known to pose as beggars to distract tourists while the crooks’ accomplices steal purses and wallets.

Milan, for its part, is slightly more dangerous than other major Italian cities, holding the dubious distinction of being Italy’s top spot for thieves (followed, respectively, by Bologna, Florence, Turin, Catania, and Rome). So be even more defensive against pickpockets and scammers in Milan, especially while you’re riding on public transit.

Milan’s city center is rife with counterfeiters selling fake goods. Note if you’re caught having purchased any of it, you can be fined up to 10,000 euros . In the city’s Brera and Montenapole districts, home of Milan’s exclusive high-fashion shops, the police presence is palpable; nonetheless, be wary of petty criminals here as well—and avoid the area around Central Station, especially after dark.

The most common crime in Italy is theft. More than 1 million cases are reported per year, with the highest theft rates being in the provinces of Rimini and Milan. The big city centers, such as Rome, are more vulnerable to pickpockets and bag snatchers, so it’s especially important to keep your belongings under wraps there, and to guard against being distracted.

Common scams targeting travelers in Italy often involve street vendors selling counterfeit goods, usually fashion items. Occasionally, Italian thieves will impersonate police officers who ask to see your ID, then take your wallet. Other times, thieves use motor scooters to snatch purses or bags—so never leave your belongings unattended. If you’re driving, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. And if you’re drinking alcohol, never leave your drink unattended, as there have been instances of spiked cocktails at Italian bars and nightclubs.

Natural Disasters in Italy

If it’s natural disasters you’re concerned about in Italy, you’ll want to beware of summer wildfires, especially on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and of autumn rain’s resulting in coastal landslides, including in Calabria, on the Amalfi coast, in Cinque Terre, and in Sicily and Tuscany. Venice is famously prone to flooding as well.

All of Italy is an active seismic zone, and recent years have seen multiple earthquakes cause death and destruction. The country also has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily; Mt. Stromboli, on the island of Stromboli; and Mt. Vesuvius, near Naples.

How to Get Around Safely in Italy

Though Italy’s crime rate is generally low, it’s still smart to be aware of your surroundings on public transit and in crowded areas like city centers, especially in and around Rome’s Termini station . (Note that you need to endorse your ticket in a ticket machine before starting a train trip—if you don’t, you’re liable to be fined on the spot.)

When using taxis in Italy, stick to officially licensed vehicles with a taxi sign on the roof, and make sure that the driver resets the meter before you get going. Fake taxis have been known to prowl Milan, stealing passengers’ belongings before they get in or wildly overcharging them at their destination.

Uber rides are available only in Rome and Milan, and it’s as important in Italy as it is anywhere else to take the typical precautions when using app-based hired cars: Choose a busy, well-lit area when waiting for your ride, confirm that your vehicle’s license plate and driver match what’s listed on your phone, sit in the back, and share your ride’s progress with a friend or loved one. Also, don’t tell the driver your name when you arrive; ask for the name on the booking instead.

As in most places, safety in Italy is more of a concern if you’re female. Italian men aren’t exactly known for their subtlety, and this can translate into what most American women would consider harassment. Solo female travelers may get a lot of unwanted or aggressive flirtation, along with direct and prolonged eye contact that’s beyond U.S. cultural norms. Your options in this situation include walking away, ignoring the attention-seeking perpetrator, telling him that your husband (“ marito” ) is due shortly, or reporting groping incidents to the police. In Italy, the three worst cities for sexual assault are Bologna, Florence, and Milan .

Another factor to know in the realm of Italy travel warnings is that prostitution is rampant and legal in Italy, and that sex workers are easy to find on streets, at “massage” salons, and online. However, organized prostitution, solicitation, and brothels are all illegal, and their existence spikes the Italy crime rate, especially in northern Italy, where prostitution-related crimes are more abundant . Trieste leads the pack, followed by Catania, Ravenna, Ancona, and Alessandria.

Terrorism in Italy

As in many parts of Europe, a key consideration when pondering whether Italy is safe to travel to is the threat of terrorism. Thankfully, Italy has largely sidestepped the incidents of terrorism that have plagued some of its neighboring countries—you won’t see terrorism covered often in Italy news—but that doesn’t mean that it’ll never happen.

Italy is considered at moderate risk for terrorism, and the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to “exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism.” The agency also states, “Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.” The U.K. government seems a little less alarmed, noting that “there are isolated cases of domestic terrorism … generally aimed at official Italian targets.”

Either way, to ensure your safety in Italy—and anywhere you travel—be hyper-aware of your surroundings whenever you’re in crowded tourist spots, report suspicious packages and people, listen to whatever the local authorities tell you to do in the event of an attack, monitor local media and Italy news stations for breaking information, and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that you become easier to find in case of emergency.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 8 Hidden Italian Islands Where You Can Escape the Crowds
• Bringing Ruins to Life at Rome’s Cat Sanctuary
• 11 Secret Italian Villages to Visit Before the Crowds Do

—original reporting by Avital Andrews

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Warnings and insurance

This travel advice page also covers the Vatican City.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

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No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all of the advice in this guide and and any specific travel advice that applies to you:  

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Can you travel to Italy – latest travel information [May 2024]

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Many people are asking can you travel to Italy in 2024. In this article we outline the conditions for travel to Italy, protocols required on arrival and what to expect when you get there. We will continue to update this page as the situation changes. We do not speculate on the prospects for changes in legislation or on any health related matter.

Last updated: May 2024

Please note that as information can change quickly particularly with respect to different country advisories please check your own government travel advisories and call the Italian embassy in your country for specific information relating to your unique circumstances. We have provided links to these sources below.

You should also check your airline requirements as, depending on the route taken, any stop-overs and specific airline procedures, different protocols may apply.

What are the rules for travel to Italy for tourists?

This page is to assist travelers who have planned leisure or tourist trips to Italy. Different rules and regulations may apply if your travel relates to other purposes such as business, family reasons etc. While every effort is made to keep this page up to date, please check advice from your airline and local authorities for the latest information that applies to your situation.

Article contents

Entry requirements to Italy in 2024

To enter Italy, visitors must:

• Have a minimum of 3 months validity on your passport
• Have a current and valid visa if required (no visa or visa waiver is currently required for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or European Union)
• There is no requirement to show proof of covid-19 vaccination

Documents required on entry to Italy

All passengers (except children under 6 years old) will need to show proof of:

• Your valid passport
•  Visa if required

Do I need to take a covid-19 test to enter Italy?

Covid testing is no longer required to enter Italy

Do I need a visa to enter Italy?

Citizens of most countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK can travel to Italy and wider Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. You can check the visa requirements for your country on this Italian government website .

ETIAS Travel Authorization

The European Union including Italy has announced they will introduce a new travel authorization process called ETIAS for visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and 60 other countries starting in 2025.  There is no confirmed start date for this new process which has already been delayed many years. 

Once active, visitors to Europe will need to visit an online site to complete their application and pay a small fee of around €7 per person. The process is expected to take minutes with application approvals also expected to take minutes. There is more information on the official European Union ETIAS website .

The European Union has not confirmed when this process will come into place. We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Venice Tourist Tax

In 2024 the city of Venice is introducing a new tourist tax aimed at day trippers to the city. The €5 per person, per day fee applies on certain days of the year and visitors must be able to show proof of payment OR exemption if asked by authorities or risk a fine. Exemptions apply for those staying overnight in Venice, children under 14 and people with a disability. 

Here is the official site for paying the tax or applying for your exemption. You can read more about the Venice tourist tax on this page of our website

Traveling to Italy in 2024?

Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover you for medical emergencies > check out Safety Wing or review policy options and compare quotes  

FAQ about travel to Italy in 2024

Is italy allowing international visitors to enter the country.

Yes, the latest advice for international travel from the Italian government was given in June 2022. To check what the situation is for your country of residence and nationality, please go to this Italian government website that aims to clarify the situation for you. This page from the Italian Health Ministry usually has the most up to date general health information and you can find a good summary of information for tourists at the Italian Tourist Board .

Do I need to quarantine on arrival in Italy?

There is no need to quarantine on arrival due to covid-19 however this may not be the case for other infectious diseases. Please see this Italian government website for more info

What is the latest guidance on travel to Italy from my country?

Currently the following advisories are in place. While every effort is made to keep this information current it is best to check with your country travel advisory in the “read more” links below.

• United States – Level 2 – Exercise increased caution – read more
• United Kingdom – Exercise caution – travel info . 
• Australia – The Department of Foreign Affairs advises Australians to exercise a normal degree of caution in Italy – read more
• Canada – Take normal precautions in Italy – read more
• New Zealand – Do not travel overseas at this time – read more

Citizens of countries not on this list should refer to their country foreign affairs department.

Can I buy travel insurance to cover my trip?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international travel however many travel insurance companies will not cover your trip for cancelations or health problems related to covid19. Check all policy inclusions carefully before purchasing insurance. Note – many companies will not sell or honor policies at all where a travel ban exists for your country of residence.

Need travel insurance? Review policy options and compare quotes now

There are many reasons to take out travel insurance for Italy – you can read about them in this article .

No matter what decision you make, ensure you understand the risks associated with not having insurance and read the terms and conditions carefully should you decide to purchase a policy .

What is the situation in Italy now?

Is there a state of emergency.

No. The Italian parliament ended the covid state of emergency on March 31st, 2022. From that date, covid restrictions were gradually eased across the country.

Are many people still ill with Covid-19? Are cases increasing?

Cases are stable in Italy. Some restrictions remain in place including mask wearing in some indoor venues such as cinemas and hospitals and on public transportation. To check the latest figures and updates by region visit the Italian Ministry of Health (use Google translate to see English language).

What restrictions and social distancing rules apply?

FFP2 or KN95 masks are required to be worn in hospitals and care homes. 

Restrictions by region in Italy

Some regions implement rules differently in Italy. Please check the following pages for regional requirements. Specifically Sicily and Sardinia often add extra requirements.

For specific rules relevant to the areas you are visiting, please visit the following pages. 

Abruzzo  –  Basilicata  –  Calabria  –  Campania (Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples) – Emilia-Romagna (Bologna) – Friuli Venezia Giulia  –  Lazio (Rome) – Liguria (Cinque Terre) – Lombardy (Milan, Lake Como) – Marche  –  Molise  –  Piedmont  –  Puglia  –  Sardinia  –  Sicily  –  South Tyrol (Dolomites) – Tuscany (Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena) – Trentino  –  Umbria  –  Valle d’Aosta  –  Veneto (Venice)

Are the main attractions open?

Museums and galleries are open as usual. Check the main websites regularly for latest updates. You must book your tickets online in advance and attend at your scheduled time. 

Do I need to wear a mask in Italy?

You are required to use FFP2 or KN95 face masks in hospitals and care homes.  Fines of €400 – €1,000 apply for non compliance. Masks are not mandatory on public transport from 1st October 2022.  

Can I travel by train?

Yes you can travel by train. You are no longer required to wear a mask.

Can I eat out at restaurants?

Yes restaurants and bars are open for both indoor and outdoor dining without restriction.

What happens if I fall ill with covid when in Italy?

If you have symptoms you should contact the regional health authority where you are staying immediately. They will arrange a test and determine next steps which will likely mean isolating for at least 5 days and potentially up to 14 days at your own expense if you test positive.

You must be symptom free for 2 days before you able to take a test to show that you are negative and can be released from isolation. Make sure you have adequate health insurance to cover you if such a situation occurs and be aware that your insurance company may not honor claims if you are in Italy when a do not travel order there exists.

Departing Italy – Info for visitors needing to test on departure

Some countries require residents to show proof of negative test prior to boarding your flight home from Italy. Here you’ll find important information on testing and what to do if you test positive before your flight departure. 

Testing required on departure from Italy

Here are some useful links for finding a place to get a covid-19 test in Italy

• Book your rapid test in Rome online here
• This is a useful site for finding testing sites in Italy  
• Many of our readers from the United States use the BINAX proctored home tests

What happens if I test positive prior to boarding my flight home from Italy?

Should you test positive prior to departure you maynot be able to join your flight. You will need to contact the regional health authority where you are are immediately. They will arrange a further test and determine next steps which will likely mean isolating for at least 5 days and potentially up to 14 days at your own expense at a private property or government quarantine hotel.

You must be symptom free for 2 days before you able to take a test to show that you are negative and can be released from isolation.For this reason travel insurance that covers this scenario is strongly recommended.

FAQ about planned vacations

Sadly many people had trips to Italy canceled in 2020 and 2021. If you have travel plans in 2024 here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about reorganizing travel. While we do our best to keep this as accurate as possible, please refer to your own country consumer law and advice for the latest information.

Unfortunately we cannot assist with individual requests for assistance rebooking or canceling trips.

Will I need to prove I have received a Covid vaccine to enter Italy?

Currently this is not a requirement

Is my flight / cruise / tour still departing?

Flights, tours and cruises may be canceled in 2022. Check with your travel agent or if you booked directly with relevant airlines and cruise companies for the latest information.

What should I do if my flights have been canceled?

If your airline cancels your flights you should be entitled to a full refund under most consumer jurisdictions. Once your flight cancelation is confirmed, the airline should advise when you will receive your refund. Make sure to also cancel accommodation, activity and tour bookings. You can also try to move your travel insurance coverage to new dates.

Refunds apply when the airline cancels your flight. If you choose not to fly then you will be subject to the change and cancelation rules of your fare and any special measures put in place by your airline to respond to the covid-19 situation.

Am I entitled to a refund on my flights / hotels and accommodation / tours?

This depends on the terms and conditions that you booked under and the consumer laws of your country and / or the country where the business is based. While many businesses are trying to refund customers who purchased non-refundable services, others are unable to or have chosen to offer vouchers for future use instead.

The Italian government issued this decree allowing travel companies to offer vouchers for future use instead of refunds. Many companies are applying this ruling to their businesses including the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

If you are not happy with the compensation offered by the service provider you can file a dispute with your credit card company if you used one to book your travel.

• AirBNB extenuating circumstances policy – click here
• Booking.com covid19 center – click here

What happens if I am offered a voucher and I would prefer a refund?

First, try and negotiate with the company. There are often very serious and legitimate reasons why people will not be able to travel in the future. You should state these clearly and most companies provide an exception in extenuating circumstances. If this does not produce an acceptable outcome, pursue a dispute with your credit card company as the next step.

Steps to take to reorganize  or cancel your trip

• Review all your bookings and understand the terms and conditions under which you booked
• Contact the providers to understand their position on refunds and / or rebooking
• Decide what you want to do with respect to rebooking. You may be offered dates in a different time of year than you originally planned to travel. If you want to know what it is like in Italy at different times throughout the year check this article
• Contact your insurance provider to understand if you can recover any funds owing for services you do not wish to rebook
• You may choose to pursue fund recovery with your credit card for services you are not happy with the recourse offered

Recommended official websites for up to date information

• United States
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• European Union ‘ Reopen EU ‘ – useful site with latest information on reopening in Italy – includes travel and health information plus details of differences by region
• IATA Travel Center – the International Air Travel Association’s site for up to date travel information used by airlines
• Italian Ministry of Health – tracks cases and issues related to coronavirus in Italy
• Italian Tourism Board – latest information for tourists on visiting Italy at this time (site in English)

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Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

Hundreds of Russian Troops Gathered Out In The Open. They Didn’t Know The Ukrainians Had Aimed Four ATACMS Rockets At Them.

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, the richest person in every state 2024.

Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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Italy travel advice

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Last updated: April 26, 2024 11:55 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, italy - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Italy

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Petty crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, and tourists are frequently targeted.

Organized groups of thieves often use distraction techniques and are particularly active:

• at tourist sites and attractions
• in hotels, restaurants and bars
• on public transportation
• at airports and railway stations

While you’re in Italy:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original when you’re out
• avoid showing signs of affluence
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers

On the road

The theft of items from vehicles is common, and thieves often target rental cars. They may use distraction techniques or simulate accidents. Thefts can occur at gas stations, highway service areas, and parking lots.

Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights. Thieves on scooters or on foot often snatch bags from passenger seats.

• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
• Keep your belongings out of reach
• Use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
• Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

On public transportation

Thefts on public transportation and passenger trains are common, particularly on those servicing major tourist sites, main cities and airports. Thieves will often steal your belongings while you’re asleep or distracted and may hassle or crowd you.

Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Home break-ins

Home burglaries occur mainly in main cities and coastal areas and sometimes affect holiday rental accommodation.

Whether staying in private or commercial accommodation, make sure you lock windows and doors at night and when you are away.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Victims of crime

If you are a victim of a theft, go to the nearest police station (Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato) to report it. Keep a copy of your report, as you may need it to make a claim to your insurance provider.

It’s possible to file a preliminary complaint online, in Italian, for certain types of minor crimes, such as theft of belongings. This could help speed up the process at the police station.

If you are a victim of sexual assault:

• seek medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmed
• contact the local police immediately and ensure they file a report
• inform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate

Useful links

• Online preliminary complaint - Arma dei Carabinieri (in Italian)
• Closest police station - Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police (in Italian)
• Advice for women travellers

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of Italy maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated mainly through local media. Enhanced security measures are also deployed in various strategic locations and transport hubs.

Expect an increased presence of police and military forces during holidays and in public places, including tourist locations and major landmarks.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly, particularly in larger cities and often with little notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• In case of a transportation strike, contact your provider or tour operator to make alternate arrangements
• Information on planned strike action - Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (in Italian)
• More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Swimming and water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Always take into account warning flags at beaches.

In the fall and winter months, be cautious when walking on the shore, as waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

• never do so alone
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out
• do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Information on avalanche risk - Meteomont, Arma dei Carabinieri

Stray dogs are common in certain areas.

Don’t approach or feed them as they could be aggressive.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary throughout the country.

City streets can be narrow and congested. Signage, traffic lights and road markings may not be visible, especially in the southern areas of the country.

In mountainous areas, roads are often winding and narrow. Weather conditions can make driving conditions dangerous. Avalanches or landslides can occur and block access routes to small isolated towns. In northern Italy, particularly in winter, fog can substantially reduce visibility.

Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. They may drive at excessive speeds and be reckless.

• Be cautious when using pedestrian crossings or where there are no sidewalks; drivers may not see you, especially where street lights are limited
• Pay close attention to motorcycles and electric scooters
• Monitor local news and weather forecast
• Refrain from driving during or immediately after severe storms
• Follow the advice and warnings issued by local authorities

Public transportation

The quality and availability of public transportation vary across the country.

In urban areas, buses can be over capacity during rush hours, impacting your transit time. Metro stations are sometimes closed for maintenance. Strike actions may also affect train service.

The inter-city train system is extensive, well-connected and reliable.

In Italy, drivers start the meter at the point of departure rather than at pick-up. Ride-sharing services are available but may operate differently.

Use only officially licensed taxis from a stand or requested by phone or app.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Italian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Italy is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up 90 days Work visa: required Student visa: required

Information for foreign nationals - Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Declaration of presence

If you plan to spend fewer than 90 days in Italy for visits, business, tourism or study, you don’t need to apply for a residence permit. However, you must report your presence in the country. Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf, but you are responsible for making sure it's done. Request a copy of this record.

If you’re staying in a non-commercial accommodation and:

• arriving from a Schengen country, you must file a declaration of presence with the local police office within 8 days of arrival
• arriving from a non-Schengen country, make sure border officials stamp your passport upon arrival, as this is the equivalent to a declaration of presence

Failure to comply with this regulation could result in expulsion.

Entering Italy - Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available throughout the country. However, hospital services may be limited in rural areas and medical staff may not be able to communicate in English or French.

Medical treatment and emergency room visits are free of charge but only for life-threatening emergencies, as determined by the treating physician. Hospitals charge upfront for any convalescence or follow-up care.

There are also numerous private clinics and hospitals that cater to foreign travellers.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Italy are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Italy to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Italy authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Public behaviour

Certain municipalities, particularly those with a high number of visitors, such as Rome, Florence and Venice, have adopted strict public conduct rules. Certain behaviours are illegal and may include:

• sitting, eating or drinking on a monument or an archaeological landmark
• bathing in fountains or canals
• walking in an urban setting in swimwear or without a shirt/T-shirt
• feeding the pigeons
• putting locks on bridges or monuments
• dropping litter or using single-use plastic

Comply with public notices about conduct, which are usually found in and around tourist areas in major cities. You may be fined if you fail to do so.

Counterfeit merchandise

Buying counterfeit merchandise, such as sunglasses or purses, is illegal. You may receive heavy fines if you’re caught buying counterfeit merchandise.

Natural objects and flora

Removing pebbles, shells, or sand from the beaches in Sardinia and other coastal regions is prohibited.

In mountainous areas, it’s illegal to cut certain types of endangered flowers.

Avoid removing natural objects and flora from their natural setting. You could be fined if you do.

Photography

Photography of military installations and critical infrastructure is regulated.

Request permission from local authorities before taking photographs of such installations.

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated.

You must register your drone to use it across the European Union. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

• Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency
• Use of drones - Italian Civil Aviation Authority (in Italian)

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized

Hotels and other commercial accommodation providers must provide the Italian authorities with personal details on their guests. As such, you’ll have to present a passport upon check-in.

Wait at the reception until the hotel staff has taken the required from your passport.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Italy.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Italy, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Italy.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Italy, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Italian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Italy to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You may drive for up to one year with a valid Canadian driver’s licence and an international driving permit or a certified translation of your Canadian licence.

You must also have an international car insurance plan.

If driving a foreign car, an adhesive sticker indicating country of origin must be displayed on the back of the car. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle registered abroad for more than 60 days. If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 60 days, you must obtain Italian plates.

Vehicles must be equipped with safety equipment, including a warning triangle and reflective jacket.

Local authorities may request immediate cash payment for minor traffic violations.

Limited traffic zones and low-emission zones

Historic centres of many Italian cities have restricted traffic zones marked as ZTL, which stands for “Zona Traffico Limitato”, or low-emission zones, to reduce air pollution.

You need a special permit to access limited traffic zones. This permit is usually issued to residents. To be granted access to a low-emission zone, your car must meet certain environmental standards. Authorities may use cameras to record the licence plate of vehicles that violate these restrictions.

If you enter these zones without a permit, you could be fined. If your vehicle is rented, the rental agency could receive the fine and provide your contact details to the local authorities.

Some municipalities use the services of a private company to collect the fines abroad. You could receive traffic tickets by mail several months after returning to Canada.

• Pay close attention to street signage
• Obtain instructions from your hotel on how to access it by vehicle if it’s located in a ZTL

Seasonal and regional regulations

Rules on the mandatory use of snow tires or snow chains differ regionally. Pay attention to road signage in mountainous regions or other parts of the country prone to snow.

Certain islands restrict or prohibit the entry and use of vehicles belonging to non-residents during the high tourism season and holiday season. These include:

• the Aeolian Islands (Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano)
• the Aegadian Islands (Favignana)
• the Campanian Archipelago (Capri, Ischia, Procida)
• the Pelagie Islands (Linosa)
• the Tuscan Archipelago (Giannutri, Giglio)

Other islands could enforce similar regulations. Confirm before travelling.

On route 163 of the Amalfi Coast, between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, it’s prohibited to use campervans or large recreational vehicles.

• Driving in Italy - European Commission
• International Driving Permit

You must purchase bus, metro and tram tickets in advance at kiosks in stations or at tobacco shops and validate them at machines located on board or in the station.

If you don’t validate your ticket, you may receive a fine requiring immediate payment.

The currency of Italy is the euro (EUR).

Payment in cash is restricted to transactions under €1000.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Forest and maquis fires often occur during the summer months, particularly in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Storms and flooding

In fall and winter, strong rainfall and winds may cause landslides and flash flooding, resulting in significant damage in coastal regions and certain cities such as:

• Campania (Amalfi Coast)
• Liguria (Cinque Terre)

The Italian Civil Protection Department publishes weather alerts on its website.

• Monitor local news and weather reports regularly
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Latest alerts - Italian Civil Protection Department

Venice is subject to tidal flooding (acqua alta), particularly during fall and spring. During episodes of severe flooding, some streets and squares become impassable, and certain businesses and landmarks may temporarily suspend their activities. Local authorities typically install raised pedestrian platforms to facilitate crossing in strategic locations.

The city of Venice warns citizens and tourists of episodes of high tide through a system of acoustic alerts.

In case of high tide:

• follow the instructions of local authorities
• contact your hotel, travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel arrangements
• Tidal forecast - City of Venice (in Italian)
• Interpreting tidal forecast - City of Venice
• @ICPSMVenezia - Tide Forecasting and Reporting Centre (in Italian)

In mountainous areas, avalanches present a risk. They can make roads impassable and cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including tourist resorts, and limit the ability of emergency services to respond.

If you plan on skiing or mountaineering:

• stay informed of weather and safety conditions

Seismic activity

Italy is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage. Volcano eruptions occur.

Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano. Periods of high activity can bring significant ash fall, earthquakes and emission of harmful gases.

The Stromboli and Vulcano islands are active volcanoes. Eruptions, ash fall and lava flow occur regularly.

Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields in the Naples area are active volcanoes. They are both located near densely populated areas and are continually monitored by the local authorities.

There are several other dormant volcanoes throughout the country.

If you’re travelling near an active volcano or are practising volcano tourism:

• closely monitor volcanic activity levels through local media and official sources
• ensure that you’re well informed about conditions that may pose a hazard
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Information on active volcanoes - Italian national institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (in Italian)
• Information on seismic activity in Italy - Italian Civil Protection Department

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Albania, Malta, San Marino

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Rome and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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• Travel Tips

10 Common Mistakes Travelers Make in Italy — and How to Avoid Them

What not to do when visiting Italy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Ciao, Italy — the land of pizza, pasta, wine, and all things romantic. Avoid these common vacation mistakes on your next trip to the Boot, so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita .

1. Eating Too Much Pizza

Eat as much pizza as you want, but don't stray too far from your dietary status quo (and don't forget you'll need to save room for pasta, wine, and gelato, too). Italy's culinary delights are one of its main draws, but you'll feel sick if you gorge yourself. Too much too fast could bring more harm than joy to your trip. Keep it balanced and incorporate lots of walking, so that you can enjoy the best of Italy's irresistible flavors without overdoing it.

2. Neglecting to Consider the Weather

Italy in the summer is blazing hot, and many buildings in its ancient cities aren't equipped with quite the same air-conditioning power that you may be used to at home. You don't have to orient your trip around the weather entirely, but keep in mind that Italy has distinct seasons, which run the gamut from sweltering to downright frigid.

3. Waiting in Unnecessary Lines

Instead of waiting hours in line and paying to enter the Duomo, only to be shuffled quickly through the cathedral because it's onto the next quota of visitors, why not attend a service? No matter your religious beliefs or background, all are welcome to attend and respectfully observe, and it's completely free (though leaving a small offering would be a kind gesture). Plus, you get the opportunity to experience these historical buildings in action, being used in the manner they were intended, with organs playing, candles lit, incense burning, and more.

Services typically last an hour or less and you can walk right in, so it will probably take you less time than visiting via the traditional tourist route. The service will likely be in Italian, but most churches have a printed program with an English translation to help you follow along.

If you feel out of place or hesitant, spend a few minutes researching what to expect from the service, or consider arriving early and asking an usher if there are any protocols or procedures to note.

4. Not Dressing Appropriately

While Italy is not an overly religious or modest country, many of its attractions are sacred houses of worship that require respectful attire for entry. Men and women alike should carry a scarf or shawl to ensure shoulders, knees, and elbows are covered when entering houses of worship; closed-toe shoes and pants are also a good idea. You will be denied entry if you don't adhere to the dress code. So, while cutoff jeans and a cute crop top may get you Instagram-ready, they aren't going to fly in places like the Vatican.

5. Not Carrying Cash

Grab some euros before setting out to explore Italy. You'll pass a lot of gelato shops, pizza joints, and street vendors with tempting wares such as luxe leather belts and bags, hand-painted art, Murano glass, and trinkets. Don't be afraid to negotiate and strike a bargain for these items. The price you see is not necessarily the one you have to pay, but it's a whole lot easier to negotiate when there's cash on the table, and many do not accept cards at all.

6. Forgetting to Validate Your Train Ticket (and Other Train Mishaps)

If you've secured a Eurail pass for your ambles through Italy and beyond, congratulations — you're in on one of the top travel hacks for exploring Europe . Using a Eurail pass will make your trip significantly easier, as long as you use it properly. For starters, you'll need to validate it at a train station in order to ride. Always check the timetable, expiration date, seating class, and other details, so you don't run into any surprises.

If you plan on exploring Italy by train, note that there are occasional rail strikes, but they are scheduled in advance, and Trenitalia, Italy's national railway, still guarantees some service on strike days.

7. Planning to Sightsee on Sundays

Italy's traditionally Christian roots mark Sunday as a day of rest, and accordingly, some attractions, stores, and restaurants around the country are closed or have reduced hours. While planning your itinerary, check each venue to ensure it will be open. And although many Italian cities and attractions are sleepier on Sundays, don't let that dampen your trip. Instead, do as the Italians do and spend the day enjoying a relaxing stroll and leisurely lunch.

8. Not Buying Tickets in Advance

Many popular attractions and activities in Italy either have long lines or sell out completely, especially during peak season. If you don't buy tickets in advance, you're likely to miss out. You may want to travel with no agenda, and that's a perfectly fine way to approach your trip. However, if there are any can't-miss items on your Italy bucket list, book them as far ahead as possible. If you have any hopes of seeing St. Peter's Basilica, for example, planning ahead is a must.

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

9. Only Going to Rome

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a trip to Italy is sticking solely to Rome. Sure, the Eternal City has a lot to explore — the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel, among others — and you should certainly spend time taking in these incredible landmarks.

But the heart of Italy extends far beyond Rome's ancient borders. Drink your way through Tuscany , Italy's world-renowned wine country; hike in Cinque Terre, home to colorful villages and crystal-clear waters; get lost amidst the cobblestone alleys of Florence; paddle the canals of Venice, led by a gondolier's song; check another country off your list by working in a stop in San Marino, Italy's little-known country within a country; and hit Milan, Naples, the Amalfi Coast , Sicily. It's impossible to exaggerate all the beauty you'd miss if you only visited Rome.

10. Tipping

Unlike in America, where waiters rely on tips to supplement their wages, tipping is neither customary nor expected in Italian bars and restaurants. In many establishments, there is a service charge already factored into the price of the bill or even a cover charge for extras that are automatically brought to the table (bread, oil, and olives). Look over your receipt carefully, and leave a tip if you feel compelled to do so because the service was truly exceptional.

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Italy - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Italy.

If you decide to travel to Italy:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Italy.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months validity recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area .

Two pages required for entry stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

10,000 Euros or equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Rome

Via Vittorio Veneto, 121 00187 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-4674-2244 Email:   [email protected] The Rome consular district includes the regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Sardinia.

U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Via Boncompagni, 2 Telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Emergency after-hours telephone:  (+39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  (+39) 06 4674-3535 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Via Sallustiana, 49 00162 Rome, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-3428 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 06-4674-1 Fax:  +(39) 06-575-8346

U.S. Consulate General Florence Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38 50123 Florence, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 055-266-951 Fax:  +(39) 055-215-550 Email:   [email protected] The Florence consular district includes the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna (all except the Provinces of Piacenza and Parma), as well as the Republic of San Marino.

U.S. Consulate General Milan Via Principe Amedeo 2/10 20121 Milano, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 02-290-351 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:   [email protected] The Milan consular district includes the regions of Valle D'Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna (Provinces of Piacenza and Parma only).

U.S. Consulate General Naples Piazza della Repubblica 80122 Naples, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(39) 081-583-8111 Fax:  +(39) 081-583-8275 Email:  [email protected] The Naples consular district includes the regions of Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicilia.

U.S. Consular Agent - Genoa Via Dante 2 16121 Genoa, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 010-584-492 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 010-553-3033 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Palermo Via G.B. Vaccarini 1 90143 Palermo, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 091-305-857 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Naples Fax:  +(39) 091-625-6026 Email:   [email protected] Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM-12:30 PM by appointment only.

U.S. Consular Agent - Venice Viale Galileo Galilei 30 30173 Tessera, Italy Telephone:  +(39) 041-541-5944 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  Please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. Fax:  +(39) 041-541-6654 Email:  [email protected] Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, by appointment only.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport must be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay. Review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need  proof of  s ufficient funds  and a  return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.
• U.S. citizens who arrive at an Italian Port of Entry without a valid travel document – including passports that have been previously reported lost or stolen – will be denied admittance into Italy and returned to their point of origin. This regulation is strictly enforced in Italy.
• U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza). Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days must obtain a  permit of stay  (permesso di soggiorno). Additional information may be obtained from the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and the  Polizia di Stato .
• Non-EU visitors must obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry into a Schengen country. Many borders are unstaffed, so you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Travelers arriving from another Schengen country must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office (commissariato di zona), police headquarters (questura), or their place of stay (e.g., hotel, hostel, campgrounds), and submit the form, along with a copy of your passport, to the police or to their place of stay within eight calendar days of arrival. Failure to complete a declaration of presence is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Italy.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites. For general information about Italian customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page and our  Italian Customs  website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Politically motivated violence in Italy is most often connected to Italian internal developments or social issues. Italian authorities and foreign diplomatic facilities have found bombs outside public buildings, have received bomb threats, and have been targets of letter bombs, firebombs and Molotov cocktails in the past several years. These attacks generally occur at night, and although they have not targeted or injured U.S. citizens, you should remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Crime:  Italy has a moderate rate of crime, especially for theft and economic crimes; violent crimes are rare. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following local circumstances:

• Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories).
• Travelers must purchase train, bus, or metro tickets and validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding (usually near the entrance of the train or metro or on the bus). Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks or, in some cities, via Apps or SMS. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an on-the-spot fine by an inspector on the train, bus, or metro. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
• Be alert that many municipalities of cities in Italy have issued local restrictions banning certain activities in fountains or on monuments, such as eating, drinking, sitting, or bathing, as well as regarding the consumption of alcohol both indoors and outdoors after certain hours of the night.
• Violating these regulations can result in fines. Tourists are advised to check the official website of each city they plan to visit to learn the details.
• Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If you are stopped by a plainclothes policeman, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet and immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone.
• Do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, at airports, car rental agencies, on public buses, metros and trains, and at the major railway stations. Never leave baggage alone in a car, including in a closed trunk. For more information on trains and security, please see the  Italian railway police’s advice for travelers .
• Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars, and cafes. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians. Resisting these thieves can be dangerous.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times to avoid car-jackings and thefts while you are waiting in traffic.

The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Here are some helpful hints to protect against and identify skimming devices:

• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or secured inside a bank/business.
• Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN.
• Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader.
• Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM.
• Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

Potential for Natural Disasters: Several major earthquake fault lines cross Italy, and earthquakes are frequent. High tides in Venice, flooding, and avalanches in mountainous areas may occasionally occur. The Italian Civil Protection agency has a robust capability to assist Italians and foreigners in the area of a natural disaster. Information about crisis preparedness and on-going crises affecting parts of Italy can be found on the Civil Protection web site at:  Civil Protection Italy . General information about disaster preparedness is also available online from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA). Detailed information on Italy's fault lines is available from the  U.S. Geological Survey  (USGS).

Italy also has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily. Travelers to Sicily should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions, including airport closures, in the event of volcanic activity, and are advised to check the website of the  Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia  for detailed information and daily updates. Italy has many other areas of potential volcanic activity especially in the vicinity of Naples. Any visit to an active volcano or volcanic field bears a certain amount of risk. Eruptions can occur with little to no warning. Travelers should exercise caution, follow posted instructions, stay on authorized trails, and use reputable tour operators.

Demonstrations  occur frequently and can be anti-American in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security Messages for U.S. citizens pertaining to  demonstrations  can be found on the Embassy’s website.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Italy. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention at the nearest public hospital as soon as possible. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at +(39) 06-4674-1. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Victim Compensation in Italy :

• Italy has a program which provides financial compensation for victims of terrorism, organized crime, hit and run drivers and violent intentional crimes.
• If you are a  victim of terrorism or organized crime  in Italy, you are entitled to economic (special compensation and a life income) and non-economic benefits (special access to certain state jobs).
• In case of death, victims will include family members. You must file the application with the local Prefect’s office (Prefettura - the local representative for the Ministry of Interior) where the crime occurred, providing the date, location, injuries, and losses resulting from the crime.
• If you are a  victim of a hit and run driver,  you can apply for compensation of damages to the Fondo Di Garanzia per le Vittime della Strada but only if: (i) the responsible vehicle cannot be identified, is not covered by car insurance, or it circulated against the owner’s will; (ii) if the car insurance company went bankrupt; or (iii) if the accident was caused by a foreign vehicle with a license number that does not match or does not match anymore that same vehicle. U.S. citizens should consult an attorney licensed to practice in Italy to clarify time limits for a specific legal action.

Victims of hit and run drivers and their families may seek assistance by reaching out to an Italian non-governmental organization (NGO) called Associazione Italiana Familiari e Vittime della Strada (AIFVS), “Association of Italian Family Members and Victims of Hit and Run Drivers”. AIFVS provides legal and psychological assistance through a network of professionals associated with the NGO. Please visit  AIFVS  for more details.

If you are a  victim of a violent intentional crime,  you are entitled to compensation from the Italian government to cover the medical and welfare expenses you incurred, except for sexual assaults and murders cases where the compensation is due even if no medical and welfare expense was sustained. To be eligible for the compensation, your annual income must be within a certain limit. In addition, you must prove that you have already unsuccessfully tried to enforce the decision ordering compensation for damages. We recommend you contact an attorney licensed to practice in Italy for more information.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ RIGHTS:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Italy. Same sex civil unions are legally recognized in Italy. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  The law in Italy prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, and common in lodging and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the main cities and the small towns.

• Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are generally available. Contact the US Embassy in Italy to receive a list of providers.
• Hand-controlled rental cars are available in Italy from major car rental companies. Contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip in order to reserve the vehicle.
• Italy functions on 220-volt current. To recharge a power wheelchair, you may need a transformer to convert 220 to 110 volts and a plug adapter to fit Italian electrical sockets.
• Guide dog owners must present  the documentation required by European Union Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog .

Students:  Students are often targeted by criminals as targets of theft or sexual assault. See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Strikes and other work stoppages  frequently occur in the transportation sector (national airlines, airports, trains, and bus lines); reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.

Women Travelers:  If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Italy, dial 112 .

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Medical facilities are available but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States. It is not possible to obtain an itemized hospital bill from public hospitals, as required by many U.S. insurance companies, because the Italian National Health Service charges one inclusive rate for care services and room and board. Private hospitals require you to pay for all services up front and get reimbursed later from your insurance company.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

In Italy, end-of-life directives are not legal. Tourists should know that by law, hospitals will continue with lifesaving procedures indefinitely regardless of a person’ preferences stated in a will or advanced directive.

Pharmaceuticals:  The Italian Ministry of Health sets rules defining who and how prescriptions and medications can be imported into Italy. However, the Ministry of Health website does not have information in English. According to the Ministry of Health, foreigners entering Italy are allowed to bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but it is recommended that travelers also bring a copy of their prescription with them. Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people.

The import of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail is strictly regulated by Italian Customs laws. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications, even small amounts for personal use. Delays in the release of medications by Italian Customs received by mail or by courier services are common. The receiving party must be able to provide a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying:

The medication is essential for the patient, that he/she would be put in a life-threatening situation without it.

There is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market.

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with minimal controls. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Many cities in Italy have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. 

In parts of Italy, the lack of adequate trash disposal and incineration sites has led to periodic accumulations of garbage. In some cases, residents have burned garbage, resulting in toxic emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems. 

Visit the  European Environment Agency’s website  for information on air quality in Italy.

Health Facilities:

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Italy, but health services may be below U.S. standards.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
• In most cases, patients bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

ROAD CONDITIONS AND SAFETY:  While in Italy, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States such as:

• Traffic lights are limited and often disobeyed.
• Motor scooters are very popular, and their riders may behave unexpectedly.
• Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds.
• Rural roads are generally narrow, often have no guardrails, and inconsistent speed limits.
• Be careful when crossing streets even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk (avanti) light illuminated.

Traffic Laws:

• Seat belt use is compulsory.
• You must use headlights year-round and at all times outside of urban areas.
• During the autumn/winter months, it is compulsory to have either winter tires or carry snow chains if driving outside urban areas.
• If you are stopped, under certain conditions you are expected to pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Local police can confiscate your car if you cannot pay the fine.
• Fines are imposed if driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras photograph the license plates of cars illegally driving in parts of the city that require a permit. The fines imposed for these violations are forwarded to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, you should consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.  See the U.S. Embassy of Rome’s transportation page for more information .
• Public Transportation: Pickpocketing is frequent on all public transportation, especially at train stations and major tourist sites.

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the  Automobile Club d’Italia  (A.C.I.). For information on obtaining international drivers licenses, contact the  American Automobile Association  (AAA) via telephone at (407) 444-7000 or fax (407) 444-7380.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Italy’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Italy should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Italy . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Is Italy Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Italy : Safety by City
• Vatican City

Italy is a country situated in southern Europe, and it is considered to be the cradle of Western culture.

Famous for its food, its culture, and its gorgeous language, it is one of the most visited countries in Europe because it is also where the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie.

You can find monuments and pieces of fine art in every corner of this beautiful country.

From Venice’s gondolas, through Florence’s museums all the way to its bright blue coastline, Italy is the country that keeps on giving.

And while it is considered a very safe country precisely because of the number of tourists, there are some cities and areas that should be avoided.

However, the most dangerous thing likely to happen is pickpocketing near tourist destinations and landmarks, so using common precaution measures should suffice.

• Warnings & Dangers in Italy

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Italy is ranked 34th on the list of world's safest countries, and since it's filled with tourists all the time, you should feel safe traveling here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation and taxis are normally safe in Italy, so there is no need to avoid them.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Since Italy is a very attractive and popular tourist destination, there is, naturally, a high risk of pickpocketing. You should keep your valuables in a safe place, make sure nothing of value is in your back pockets, and never keep all your money in the same place.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Some of the worst natural disasters that could strike Italy are avalanches, though it is somewhat improbable they will.White Friday is the name given to the day when one of the worst avalanches in Italian history happened, during World War I, killing 270 people.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Italy is relatively safe when it comes to mugging and kidnapping, and such cases rarely happen, even more so to tourists, but do pay attention to your surroundings.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

It is best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in Italy, since its neighbors, France and Belgium, have been victims of terrorist attacks. However, Italy hasn't suffered from such occurrences.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

When a country is a top tourist destination, you should expect people trying to take advantage of it. This rule applies to Italy too, where scammers will likely try to take advantage of tourists and rip them off whenever they can, mostly in large, popular cities and landmark areas. Be on the lookout for anyone trying to distract you, help you with your luggage or groups of people acting strange.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Italy, like other popular European destinations, is very safe for women travelers.

• So... How Safe Is Italy Really?

Just like all popular European destinations, Italy is a safe country.

Violent crime is rarely reported and tourists are not likely to have any incidents involving anything more than petty crime.

Pickpocketing is the most prominent form of crime that represents a threat for tourists, especially since pickpockets often work in teams or are in some sort of a deal with the street vendors.

A similar thing happens with beggars – they work in organizations and because of that begging is pretty common in Italy, like in every larger capital, but tourists are unlikely to experience aggressive beggars.

As for terrorism, Italy’s neighbors (France and Belgium) have experienced it and because of that Italy has increased security in almost every larger city, in case of such an occurrence.

Be especially cautious in public transportation or crowded places such as train stations, bus stations, restaurants or airports, and tourist landmarks because this is where the muggers might try and snatch your bag or steal your valuables.

Mugging and bag snatching is a serious problem in Italy, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times because they might try distraction as a tactic to steal from you.

Take the usual precaution measures like you would when traveling to any other country (do not walk alone at night, leave your valuables unattended in plain sight or carry all your money in one place, easily reachable to potential muggers) and your trip will most probably go smoothly.

• How Does Italy Compare?
• Useful Information

Visa is not required for any stays shorter than 90 days, and members of the EU (Schengen) can stay in Italy for as long as they like. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of return to the country you're visiting. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Currency in Italy is the euro, like in most popular European destinations. Although it is cheaper than other European countries, sightseeing and visiting all the remarkable landmarks can add up to a high budget. Take into account that you'll need about 70€ per day, including accommodation.

The weather in Italy is warm and dry; it is absolutely gorgeous in the summer, with a Mediterranean climate calling to tourists all June through September, which is the time when it is best to visit Italy, although you can visit the big cities all year long, and still be amazed.

The busiest airports are in Italy's capital Rome (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), Milan (Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport, and Bergamo Orio Al Serio), Naples (Naples International Airport), Bologna (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport), Pisa (Pisa International Airport) and Venice (Venice Marco Polo Airport).

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Italy, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Italy Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Italy - Safety by City

Explore italy.

• 13 Cheapest Places to Live in Italy
• Are There Snakes in Italy? Should You Be Worried?
• 10 Best Beaches In Italy
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Italy
• 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Italy
• 4 Cities You Should Explore in Italy
• 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Italy
• Are There Sharks in Italy?
• 10 Best Flea Markets in Italy
• 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
• 10 Safest Cities in Italy
• The Top Hostels in Italy
• Medical Tourism in Italy
• The Top 7 Airbnb Rentals in Italy
• Best Places to See in Italy Without Breaking Bank (on a Budget)
• Top 6 Dishes From the Italian South
• Taking a Trip to Aviano: What to Do & Where to Go
• Where to Next?

27 Reviews on Italy

Taxis will try to cheat you.

The site needs to be updated regarding taxi scams. I visited in 2017 and went to Florence, Rome, Naples and Sorrento. Out of about 20 taxis I took, only about 2 were honest. The vast majority tried to cheat me either by overcharging; speeding away without giving change; offering insufficient change; or taking an excessively long route to my destination. The drivers were never aggressive but I had to call the police twice – I always got my money before the police showed up.

If you use a taxi in an Italian city, expect to be cheated. Insist on a meter, establish the cost before setting off, and pay while you are still inside the taxi so the driver cannot speed away. When you end up getting cheated, make efforts to call the police and you will get your money.

“It is best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in Italy, since its neighbors, France and Belgium, have been victims of terrorist attacks.” BELGIUM?? NEIGHBOR OF ITALY?? LOOK AT THE MAP, MAN!

Italy safe country

Who wrote this article has never been in Italy. This is a safe country 100% as in all the countries of the world it is good not to leave bags unattended (not the Italians to steal)

Not totally agree

Italy is not so safe. Rapes in Milan and Rome are getting quite common, and recently near Como there was an armed robbery in a house with family inside.

Not safe like other countries.

100% of security in Italy, is not fair. Or you are in other century or perhaps an italian.

Great country, very historic

My fiance and I went to Italy recently and both really loved it. It is one of the most beautiful places and culturally rich countries we have been to in some time. We are already planning to go back. I never once felt uneasy or unsafe. I loved the food too!

Italy is not a safe country

Ur dumb Syrian dude

Are u Syrian ur dumb

YOU ARE A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND TOTALLY UNRELIABLE BUNCH OF IDIOTS

HOW DARE YOU BE SO PATHETIC AND IRRESPONSIBLE ??

What? Who is irresponsible?

Fantastic country

I love southern italy better climate lovely people a great atmosphere. I have been 3x in 18 months .when the covid is under control I would reccomend going .serrento is a beautiful place. God bless italy now!

SOUTH ITALY = MAFIA

If you haven’t already realised no hate but SOUTH ITALY = MAFIA. I have heard that north Italy is definitely more safe, like Milan and places.

You heard it wrong

@Nick WIlson

“north Italy is definitely more safe”

Not really. Just take a trip to the Duomo or in Venice and tell me.

Italians are too busy to acknowledge the crime ongoing in OUR country due to ITALIANS and the people of other countries, which prospers thanks to ITALIANS.

The mafia isn’t going to bother with tourists. Been to southern Italy many times and it’s totally safe, beautiful and less expensive than the north. The people are warm and friendly.

Mafia is hidden to tourists

corona thats all I have to say

well dont go there unless you want corona especially in the northern parts of Italy

Agreed. The Southern part of Italy, where its nice and warm -Palermo, Sicily, no problems, no Corona.

I love that country, very beautiful, delicious food, a lot of places to vistit. And I felt safe there

Compare to other countries its safe

When in Italy don’t go near other foreigners stick staying with Italians.

I visited Italy with my family in 2004 and we were fearful of our safety, especially after 6pm. We witnessed some fights in restaurants and groups of people were hurt.

Don't get scammed

In 2018 my family and friends went to Italy to enjoy the history they have.

Very beautiful place to visit never felt unsafe where we were but had a bad experience with two taxi drivers that we were taking after visiting the Trevi fountain. We were looking for a taxi out on the street near the fountain, so half of us went on one taxi and the other half in the other taxi which was parked right behind the first one we took.

We asked how much would they charge to go to the hotel that was no more than 15 minutes away in the car. The taxi driver said $20 per taxi. We agreed. What was strange to me is he was asking questions about how long we had been there and from where did we come.

It seemed kind of odd since they hardly talk. Well once we got to the hotel I reached into my wallet and got the $20 Euros my wife had given me, so as I was about to leave the taxi I handed the $20 to the driver plus tip and as I started to turn and walk out the driver said, excuse me you gave me a $10 so in my mind, I swear I gave him a $20, but what I did notice as I turned as he did a quick hand movement but did not think much of it. I said hold on went to the back taxi to ask my wife what she had given me and she said hold on.

So I did. She was having the same issue but didn’t know till I asked her for another $20 and I came back paid the driver again, and as soon as I paid they rush off. We talk about it and find out she had gone through the same issue. We both got scammed by two white taxis waiting by the streets near Trevi fountains.

It’s recommended if you are getting a taxi to go and ask in a restaurant or store to call for one so you won’t be scammed as we did. Hope this helps I usually don’t write comments, but hope it helps anyone traveling to Italy. One more thing. Before paying drivers to count out the money in front of them and your family or friends.

A 10 stars-country with so much to visit and explore!

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, home of many art masterpieces, wonderful landscapes and a big piece of world history. It’s a place where you can find pretty much anything and everything you’d ever want to see, visit or experience. Italy has it all. Is it a super safe place? No, because of its many tourists, this of course attracts a lot of pickpockets and thieves so you need to be careful at all times.

You risk getting your goods stolen on the street even in day time (they go for your phones or anything they can get in a hurry). You need to pay attention to your surroundings and to shady people approaching you for sweet deals which are scams or just a diversion so someone else can steal from you (your watch, wallet, phone, bags, etc). Be very careful in crowded places where pickpockets like to hang out as it’s harder to feel when someone has their hands in your pockets.

As for what to visit, where do I even start? I have been to Italy 8 or 9 times already and I had the chance to visit most of the big attractions but I would need years to visit everything I find interesting and exciting in this country. I saw the imposing Colosseum (even now after all this time) and took a hundred pictures outside it and in it. It’s amazing how well this has stood the test of time.

Then how about the Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. Such an exquisite cathedral, that makes you feel like you are in another time and age. The dome is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, ever. Then there’s Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the leaning tower of Pisa, Lake Como (how beautiful this place is, such serenity can be found here), the Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Vatican City, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Pantheon. And the list can go on and on and on. Like I said, you’d need years to explore everything Italy has to offer.

Beware pickpockets

We were at a train station in Pisa and as we were getting on the train some people getting off assisted us with our bags. Or so we thought.

The three women robbed us while they were helping us! Very light-fingered as we didn’t feel a thing! We reported our loss and we were reunited with some of our possessions including a passport and bank cards but we lost a phone and cash. We have learned to be wary of a helping hand… and that losing a phone is losing access to anything that requires 2-step verification so next time passport, phone etc. will be kept in a money belt.

Apart from that, we enjoyed our trip.

Italy should be experienced

Looking for good pasta and gelato? Italy is the place, Rome is overrated in my opinion but Milan is great!

Very bad people in a countrywho is helping them to survive.

Being at Milan, last June, I need to park my car in center area to pick up keys from apartment. Because Caos that day, I was directed to Olmetto Garage at Via Olmetto. I was received by a latinamerican male and a woman. He order me to let car keys with him, not allowing to park by myself. I don’t like that and and didn’t like that person but I was in a hurry. I took 2 carry on with me and let in trunk 2 more luggages. As soon as possible I returned to garage. My car was drived by one of them and stop at entrance. Five minutes later I parked at other place and took a look at trunk. Both laggges broken, both locks broken and al content open and in disorder. They were looking for values not capable of tracing. They in their condition of refugees or inmigrants are not working, just robbing your goods. This was the only problem of that issue, driving in Svizzera, Osterreich, Germany, Spain and France.

I traveled to Italy a long time ago, early 80s and I was a preteen. We stayed in Venice for three days and visited Florence for a day trip. This was a big trip – we went to several EU countries. My experience was that I found everything to be inflated pricewise. My can of coke was $5 (converted from Lire). I asked for ice. The waiter came back five minutes later with one ice cube. Maybe that’s why my soda was expensive. Or it might have been because I was sitting in the Plaza in Venice? Also, we bought two coral necklaces on the Plaza from a vender. (I still have them btw and never wore them) I forget how much we spent but recall my mom saying it was a lot. Years later I talked with someone who said I was supposed to haggle for a better price. Well I’m an American. You say its a certain price, I pay that price. So we paid more for things because we didn’t understand cultural differences. Also, I ordered pepperoni pizza and it was disappointing. Our hotel had no ac. This was May and it was hot. We had just stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Zurich so I was expecting better I suppose. And the shower situation was confusing. Turns out I was supposed to take a bath the way things were set up. I didn’t hate my visit to Italy but it wasn’t as, how should I say, ‘comfortable’ as the other places we went to.

Better than before

Not as bad as it used to be

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Exercise normal safety precautions in Italy.

Italy (PDF 898.97 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

Call 112 or 115.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or 118.

Call 112 or 113.

European Emergency number

Advice levels.

• Petty crime is common. Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at tourist spots and on transport, particularly at central train stations. Thieves often work in groups on trains. Take care of your belongings.
• Bombings against political targets happen. Avoid protests and crowds. Monitor local news.
• Always be alert to terrorism. Terrorists have targeted European cities, including transport hubs and places visited by travellers. Take official warnings seriously.
• Italy experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. Large earthquakes cause landslides and avalanches. Forest fires are common from June to September. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Full travel advice: Safety

• If you need urgent medical assistance, call 112. English-speaking operators are available.
• Medical facilities are good in major cities and limited in rural areas.
• Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Italy. You can get treated in public medical facilities if you show your Medicare card and Australian passport. You still need travel insurance.

Full travel advice: Health

• You may be fined for littering, sitting, eating or drinking near churches and public buildings or in public spaces. Obey signs about conduct.
• Organised pub crawls are banned in some cities, including Rome.
• It's illegal to take photos of official buildings and military areas. Check with local authorities first.
• Don't buy fake brands and products from illegal street vendors. It's against the law.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• Several cities in Italy impose a 'tourist tax' per person for each night of stay. You pay this directly to your accommodation provider. You may also need to pay an access fee to visit Venice on a day trip from 25 April onwards. For more information, see advice from the Venice authorities -  Venice Access Fee . 
• Temporary border checks have been introduced at Italy's borders with Slovenia. You should allow extra time for crossing the land border between Italy and Slovenia.
• Italy is part of the  Schengen area  along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases. 
• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Italy for the latest details.
• You may need to pay an access fee if you're visiting Venice. 

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Rome  or the  Consulate-General in Milan. 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Petty crime is common, particularly in the summer and autumn tourist seasons. It includes bag snatching, pick-pocketing, passport theft and theft from cars.

Thieves are most active:

• in larger cities
• in and around major tourist spots
• on public transport
• at major airports
• at railway stations and bus terminals
• at beaches (including cars parked near beaches)
• at hotel reception areas 

To reduce the risk of theft:

• take care of your belongings
• remain alert in tourist spots
• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night

Monitor local sources for advice about new safety or security risks.

Theft on trains

Theft is common on trains, including to and from Fiumicino airport near Rome and on overnight journeys.

Thieves often work in groups to distract victims and rob them while they're not looking.

On trains, they do this by:

• asking for directions while a train is stopped at a station
• dropping attractive items on the floor of the train
• blocking the view of overhead luggage racks
• throwing rubbish or sauce at the victim

Often, a member of the group will pretend to come to help the victim while others steal their valuables.

Check the Italian Public Security System site  Polizia Di Stato  for advice on how to avoid theft on trains.

Fraud and fake money

Credit card and ATM fraud happens, often involving 'skimming' machines. Monitor your bank statements.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres
• keep your ATM and credit cards in sight

Police have warned that counterfeit European currency is in circulation. Check any notes you receive.

Spiking, robbery and assault

Tourists have been  robbed  and  assaulted  after consuming spiked food or drinks. This has happened in cities and towns, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples.

Some victims have been  sexually assaulted  or needed hospitalisation.

In Rome, many incidents have taken place:

• around Termini station
• in tourist areas, such as the Colosseum
• in bars and restaurants in the city centre 

In Milan, such attacks happen in bars, nightclubs and other late-night venues.

In Florence and Naples, these attacks happen mainly near train stations and in bars and cafes in the city centres.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept drinks from strangers
• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

More information:

• Partying safely

Theft from cars

Vehicle break-in and theft is common. Many Australians have had belongings, including passports and other valuables, stolen from their parked cars.

Thieves steal from cars at traffic lights, rest stops, service stations and on the roadside.

Lock your car doors and keep luggage and valuables out of sight.

There are reports of thieves slashing tyres or staging roadside emergencies. They aim to persuade drivers to pull over and get out of their cars. While the driver is distracted, the thieves steal personal belongings.

Popular targets for thieves are unattended campervans or mobile homes either:

• parked at camping sites
• in the streets near historic sites

To reduce your risk of theft from your vehicle:

• don't leave valuables in your vehicle
• when you leave your vehicle, lock all doors
• try to use a secure parking facility, especially overnight

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Commenting on local or political events on social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, including commenting on laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent and spark violent unrest, demonstrations and riots.

To protect yourself from violence and unrest:

• avoid crowds and protests if you can
• monitor local media for possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Strikes are common.

They can cause building closures, particularly in tourist areas. They can also disrupt public transport, including air, shipping, train, bus, tram and taxi services.

Strikes may involve roadblocks and petrol station closures and can cause transport delays and cancellations.

Trenitalia  (Italian) gives details on train disruptions. Call 89 20 21 in Italy or +39 0668745475 from outside Italy.

To avoid transport delays or missing flights:

• confirm flights or travel with your travel provider
• allow plenty of time for travel to airports and train stations

Political-based violence

Some violence occurs due to domestic social or political issues.

Bombings have occurred. Bombers have targeted:

• Italian police
• the offices of well-known politicians
• government institutions
• public and commercial buildings

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Italy, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in several European cities. Targets have included public transport, transport hubs, and places frequented by foreigners.

European security services have also disrupted some planned attacks in recent years.

The Italian Government has reported that Italy is a potential target for international terrorist attacks.

Security measures are in place in and around major tourist attractions, including:

• the Vatican
• on cruise ships
• at airports, seaports and railway stations

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• take care around areas terrorists tend to target
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously

Report suspicious activity or items to the police.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Italy experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather .

In the event of a natural disaster:

• monitor the media
• keep in touch with friends and family
• check the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  for updates

Forest fires

Forest fires  often occur during summer, usually from June to September. They tend to happen in heavily forested regions. Wildfires can reach major towns during extreme conditions. 

Forest fires can be unpredictable and dangerous. They can affect air quality in a way that harms your health.

Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities. Visit the Italian  Civil Protection Authority  website for more information.

Storms and flooding

Heavy winter rains often cause widespread  flooding  and mudslides.

The areas most often affected are:

• the Veneto, Piedmont and Liguria regions in the north
• the Calabria and Sicily regions in the south

Flooding and mudslides can result in loss of life, destruction of property and evacuation of inhabitants.

Earthquakes

Italy is in an active seismic region and has several  earthquakes  each year.

Large earthquakes can cause landslides and avalanches. This can result in injuries, death and damage to infrastructure, homes and property.

When travelling in Italy, find out your hotel's earthquake procedure.

If there's been seismic activity in the area you're in or going to, check with your airline or travel provider about disruptions.

• earthquaketrack.com
• Civil Protection authority
• European Avalanche Warning Service

Italy has active  volcanoes . These include:

• Mount Etna in Sicily
• Mount Stromboli and Mount Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands chain north of Sicily

Volcanic activity can cause travel disruptions, including temporary airport closures. 

Fatalities have occurred from volcanic eruptions.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Italy. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Italy has experienced outbreaks of  measles  (World Health Organization). Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

• Measles immunisation service

Insect-borne diseases

West Nile virus (WNV)  (World Health Organization) cases have been reported. There's no vaccine for it.

To reduce your risk of insect-borne disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks:

Medical care, medical facilities.

Medical facilities in major cities are of good standard. In regional areas, facilities may be limited.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement

There's a  Reciprocal Health Care Agreement  between Australia and Italy.

Under this agreement, you can get care in Italian public medical facilities if:

• you have a sudden acute illness or accident
• your illness or accident happens in your first six months in Italy

To access care under this agreement, you must provide your Medicare card and Australian passport.

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement doesn't replace the need for private travel health insurance.

It also doesn't cover treatment for ongoing health conditions you already had when you arrived.

Private medical care

Private doctors, specialists and diagnostic services will ask you to pay up-front.

Private hospitals generally require a large deposit before they will start treatment.

You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long jail sentences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Conduct at tourist spots

Pay attention to signs about conduct around tourist areas in major cities, including Rome and Florence.

Officials may fine you for littering, sitting, eating or drinking on steps and courtyards around churches and public buildings or in public spaces in these cities.

Alcohol laws

Some cities, including Rome, have banned:

• organised pub crawls
• drinking on the street
• drinking in public places

Police have arrested Australians for disturbing the peace under these laws.

It's illegal to:

• block the pedestrian flow in public spaces
• drive without headlights on main roads outside urban areas or on highways - see  Local travel
• buy fake brands and products from illegal street vendors

If you want to take a photo of an official building or military area, check with local authorities first.

The owner will ask you for a photo ID if you use an internet cafe. The law requires them to sight and keep an electronic record of their clients' photo ID.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

Dual nationality is recognised in Italy.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Italy is part of the  Schengen area  along with many other European countries. This means you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, get a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  nearest embassy or consulate  of Italy for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Temporary border checks have been introduced at Italy's borders with Slovenia. Allow extra time when crossing the land border between Italy and Slovenia, and be ready to show your passport or residency card if you're asked to do so by the border police. Checks may also involve vehicle inspections.

Entry and transit rules may change at short notice. Read the  travel advice  for each destination (including transit) and check with the  embassy or consulate  of that country. Contact your airline or travel provider for the latest update on entry or transit rules before travelling.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The official currency of Italy is the euro (EUR).

You must declare amounts over 10,000 euro or equivalent if you're travelling between Italy and any non-European Union (EU) country, including all forms of currency, not just cash.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

You'll be fined if you don't declare currency or give incorrect information on entry or exit.

ATMs are widely available across the country. Hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards.

Local travel

Tourist tax.

Several cities in Italy impose a 'tourist tax' per person for each night of stay. You pay this directly to your accommodation provider, and it's often requested as a cash payment. 

You may also need to pay an access fee to visit Venice on a day trip from 25 April onwards. 

• Venice access fee

Driving permit

If you're not a resident, you'll need both:

• an Australian driver's licence
• an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

You must get an official translator (traduttore giurato) to translate your licence in Italy. Find a list of official translators in the  Italian Yellow Pages .

If you take up legal residence (residenza) and stay more than 1 year, you must apply for an Italian licence. Italy doesn't allow you to convert your Australian licence, meaning you'll have to take written and driving exams in Italian. You can do the exam in German or French in some cases.

Contact an  Italian embassy or consulate  to find out about obtaining an Italian driver's licence.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous. Driving conditions are disorganised compared to Australia.

By law, you must use headlights on main roads outside urban areas and highways, including during the day.

On-the-spot fines apply for some minor traffic offences.

Many municipalities have outsourced traffic fine collection to European Municipal Outsourcing (EMO).

• Driving or riding

Traffic restricted zones

Limits on car access to the city centres exist to help reduce traffic. They are traffic-restricted zones (ZTL). Be aware that:

• ZTLs and their hours of operation vary from city to city
• fines apply if cars don't carry a ZTL pass in a ZTL zone
• hire cars usually don't have a ZTL pass

If you're staying in the centre of an Italian city, ask your hotel or host about traffic restrictions. You can also check the website of the relevant municipality (comune) before you arrive.

Driving in summer and winter

You must use snow tyres or chains in some mountainous regions or areas where snow is common.

Road signs will indicate if they are mandatory.

Authorities may fine you if you don't have the right snow gear for your car.

In summer, only residents can take their cars to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Travel by foot

Italy has regular pedestrian fatalities. Drivers often fail to give way to pedestrians, even though they have to under Italian law.

Take care when crossing roads, even at pedestrian crossings.

Motorcycles

Check whether your insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Only travel in licensed taxis with signage, roof lights and meters.

Unauthorised taxis don't carry meters and overcharge.

Public transport

There are frequent strikes that cause delays and cancellations to public transport services. See  Safety

Pre-paid tickets are available from tobacconists or coffee shops that display the public transport company's logo/name. They are also sometimes available for purchase through a smartphone app. 

You'll find ticket machines at every metro and major train station. 

In some cities, you may purchase a ticket using contactless card payment immediately upon boarding a bus. 

When catching public transport, validate your ticket:

• before boarding a train or a metro
• on board a bus or tram as soon as you get on

If you don't, you could get an on-the-spot fine.

• Transport and getting around safely

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Italy's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network. 

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact:

Australian Embassy Rome

Via Antonio Bosio 5 00161 Rome, Italy 

Phone: +39 06 85 2721 Email: [email protected] Website: italy.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Italy X: @AusAmbRome  

Australian Consulate-General Milan

3rd Floor Via Borgogna 2 20122 Milan, Italy 

Phone: +39 02 7767 4200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.austrade.gov.au/en/contact-us/international-offices/italy

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Home » Europe » Travel Safety

Is Italy Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Italy gave the world the Renaissance, opera and a lot of classical music. It gave the world the Romans and all their art, culture and philosophy. It gave the world pizza. A cultural powerhouse, Italy also boasts nature and beautiful villages galore for ultimate charm.

However, Italy isn’t without its problems: petty theft   is a big issue here. And let’s not forget that Italy also gave the world the mafia. Organised crime is still a big deal in this European country, and so are volcanoes.

There’s a whole lot of stuff about Italy that could understandably leave you wondering, “Is Italy safe?” Which is exactly why we have created this epic insider’s guide for safe travel in Italy. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to drive or travel as a solo female in Italy, we’re here to make sure you know the score when it comes to travelling smart!

You may also be concerned as someone thinking of taking their family to Italy for the first time, or you may simply be worried about something a little more every day – like whether or not you can drink the water in Italy; whatever it is, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!

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How Safe is Italy? (Our take)

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Pretty much the birthplace of Western culture (thanks to Romans) and home to an incredible amount of World Heritage Sites, you’re going to want to visit Italy. On top of this, it’s generally a pretty safe country.

But with all those attractions come a whole truckload of tourists, which means petty theft.

Violent crime might be relatively low, but pickpocketing, bag snatching – that sort of thing – it’s fairly common.

Organised crime obviously has roots in Italy, and unfortunately, it’s still here. In fact, it’s been going on for centuries. There are five major and quite active mafia organisations in Italy and they’re pretty notorious. Usually, tourists are unaffected, but some elements can make an impact on your trip.

Also, there’s nature that can be worrying. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions sometimes happen. Avalanches are a thing to watch out for if you’re skiing and at the other end of the spectrum, forest fires can happen in summer.

So you probably want to know…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Italy Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Italy. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Italy.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

Italy is absolutely safe to visit. In 2017 Italy played host to 58.3 million tourists and that figure is up 4.4% compared to 2016! Tourism in Italy is quite literally booming. Of course, almost everyone ends up visiting Rome . It gets a 27 million person slice of the pie.

In fact, tourism has grown so much in Italy, that in 2017 (for the first time) the number of foreign people staying in hotels outnumbered Italian people travelling in their own country. That says a lot, as Italians prefer domestic to international trips.

Like many similar spots around the world, Italy’s top tourist spots are suffering from major overcrowding during peak season. There’s actually a growing anti-tourism sentiment, particularly in the UNESCO-designated Cinque Terre and  Venice , where locals have actually protested against tourists.

As far as safety is concerned, however, Italy comes 38th on the list of 163 countries measured on 2018’s Global Peace Index. That’s a good score.

But as mentioned earlier, there are serious issues with organised crime that really runs deep throughout the country and that directly affects 22% of citizens. Murders, including those of judges and lawyers, have happened, especially in Southern Italy more than in the north. However, this won’t be affecting you.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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For the food alone, Italy is worth a trip or even multiple trips. Then there’s driving around Tuscan  wine country, exploring the rocky coast of  Calabria  and beach-hopping in  Sardinia.  There’s literally a ton of stuff to be getting on with when you’re planning a backpacking excursion to Italy . Because it pays to travel smart, we’ve decided to share with you our pro travel tips for Italy.

• Keep away from protests  – they can occur without any warning in the cities, and they’re not fun to get caught up in.
• Be careful of public transport and big stations – high levels of not just petty theft but actual muggings, too.
• In particular, be vigilant on the   Circumvesuviana Train between   Naples and Sorrento.  This is true especially in port areas, and also Fumichino Airport.
• Watch your belongings in busy tourist areas – more tourists = more targets for pickpockets. Make sure that you wear a money belt to mitigate the risk of theft. Try not to look too much like a tourist as well as for pickpockets, they’re rich and stupid.
• Try to dress like an Italian – in cities, people dress well. Sportswear and designer weirdness won’t look good. Something chic, simple, well-groomed to fit in will do.
• Clutch your bag in cafes  – leaving or hanging your bag on a chair, even putting it on the floor is risky. In a busy city, it may just disappear.
• Leave valuables in your safe (if you’ve got one)  – if not, leave them hidden in your room and purchase a padlock to keep them safe.
• Use pedestrian crossings  – be careful of speedy vehicles, especially in big cities.
• Clue yourself up on the weather before skiing  – you can even contact the Italian State Tourist Board about this.
• Don’t go off-piste skiing if you don’t know what you’re doing – it’s too dangerous. If you do go off-piste, carry a tracking device – it’s the law and will help you get found in an avalanche.
• Follow local advice/laws for skiing and snowboarding – not worth the risk.
• Check for severe weather warnings  – these can really put a dampener on any outdoor activities, especially in the mountains.
• Go with a guide if you’re visiting Etna or Vesuvius  – access can be restricted. Plus, it’s more interesting with some information and local knowledge to go with it!
• Take care in the sun  – or like Italians, stay out of it when it’s at its peak. Stay hydrated and cover-up.
• Carry ID on you at all times  – it’s the law. A photocopy is fine, but you should comply with the police with things like this.
• Beware of beggars – in large cities they can get aggressive. Much of the time, they’re part of organised groups.
• Similarly, beware of the Roma community –  many have been known to target tourists for scams, pickpocketing, begging with sedated babies, that sort of thing.
• Know that you don’t have to tip the musicians near restaurants – if you don’t want to tip them, don’t look like you’re enjoying it; they will hassle you.
• Keep vigilant  – distraction techniques abound in Italian cities. It’s all a front to take your stuff. Don’t fall for suspicious things.
• Don’t buy counterfeit bags on the street  – you can be fined up to 300,000 Euros!
• Be careful in Naples and Mezzogiorno (southern Italy) – they have a higher crime rate – the north, like Milan, has less.
• Know about the flag system on Italy’s beaches  – strong currents and things like jellyfish are signified by various flags.
• Take your rubbish with you  – especially in forested areas in summer. Glass can literally burn it all down.
• Watch out if there’s a forest fire happening nearby – they can change direction with the wind and trap you so make sure you watch out for it.

So there you are – quite a few safety tips for travelling Italy. It may seem like there’s a lot that you should be looking out for, but at the same time, Italy is still a relatively safe place to visit. Violent crime is pretty low and most of the time, it’s going to be your money that people want. Be smart in the cities, and be sensible in nature, and you’ll be bound to have an awesome time exploring Italy.

With all that stuff about distraction techniques, scams, and pickpockets, no wonder you’ll be wanting to keep your money safe in Italy. The last thing you want is to reach into your pocket and find your wallet is no longer there!

To keep your Euros safe in Italy, there is one thing you can do that’s going to stop would-be pickpockets in their tracks. And that thing is to have nothing to steal in the first place. How? With a  travel money belt !

The Pacsafe Money Belt is our best bet. It’s affordable, it looks and acts like a belt, and it’s sturdy – what more could you ask for out of a money belt!

We’d definitely recommend this one! It looks like a normal belt, it’s sturdy, and it’s affordable. Triple win. All you have to do is tuck your Euros into the Pacsafe Money Belt; that means even if you  do  end up letting your guard down, there’s nothing in your pockets for pesky pickpockets to pilfer.

If you need a little more room for your passport and other travel valuables, have a look at a  full-size money belt  that tucks under your clothes instead.

There are quite a few reasons why we think solo travel is pretty much awesome. Firstly you get to challenge yourself, follow your own itinerary, and you get to see the world for yourself and no one else.

But there are downsides. It can get pretty lonely sometimes, and you can even get pretty jaded. You can be more at risk of crime too. But luckily Italy is safe for solo travellers. Even so, it pays to be in the know so here are our top tips for travelling solo in Italy.

• Stay vigilant at all times.  When you’re travelling solo, you’re going to be more of a target for petty crime. You’ll have no one else to look out for you, so just be alert.
• Get yourself a sim card either at an airport or a shop. This helps with maps, so you can actually find your way around without getting lost. It also helps to stay connected with people, too.
• Let people know what you’re doing at all times.  Don’t ghost your friends and family back home, or go off-grid completely. Make some Facebook updates, call your mum, just do something so people back home know where you are. It’s better and safer if someone knows.
• Don’t drink too much when you’re out. We’re all up for a drink, of course, but getting completely trashed is a good way to be unsafe. You might not be able to find your way home and you could be more open to bad suggestions.
• Stash your money in different places. Have a few different cards, a credit card for emergencies or some euros stashed somewhere. If all your stuff gets stolen, you’ll be grateful to have some emergency money.
• Stay in a social accommodation with good reviews. Doing your research on the hostel, hotel or guesthouse you want to stay at is going to help you stay somewhere that suits you. If you want to be social and make friends – good to get rid of those solo travel blues – then checking into a social hostel that’s perfect for solo travellers who want to meet people is the best idea for you. If you decide to stay at a vacation rental in Italy , be sure to choose a trusty website such as Airbnb or VRBO with previous guest reviews.
• Get chatting to the staff at your hostel, or even locals, for some local tips.  This sort of advice is really helpful when you’re travelling by yourself. You’ll get to discover interesting areas, cool hangouts and historic gems.
• Learn some Italian.  English isn’t widely spoken, especially in more rural areas. Even a few words and phrases will help you chat with local people.
• Don’t try and do too much. Trust us: there’s a ton of things to see and places to visit in Italy . Your guide book will tell you the same thing, but don’t feel like you have to do absolutely everything. Remember, sometimes just having an admin day, or a day to chill out, or even just hanging out in cafes all day, can be a good time to relax and rejuvenate away from a busy schedule of Italian sightseeing and travel.
• Try to travel as light as possible.  It’s just not fun dragging around a load of crap, half of which you most likely won’t need anyway. So pack for Italy wisely.

Basically, Italy is a super interesting place to travel around. Do not feel like it’s a cop-out to visit Italy. Just because it’s not a ‘backpacking mecca’ or whatever, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go there. It’s touristed, but it doesn’t take much to find yourself in an incredible rural village with no other English-speakers, or on a remote hike soaking up some epic views. Honestly? Italy is a stunner.

It is safe in Italy for solo female travellers. If you already know about travelling solo as a female, then you’re going to be well equipped to deal with anything that gets thrown your way in Italy. Some places are amazing, some places could be skipped and may require street smarts.

But whilst it is safe, you’ll always have to assess the risks to make sure you stay safe. That said, we’ve got some tailored tips for solo female travellers making their way around Italy.

• Be careful with   drinking too much.  Drinks in Italy can be stronger than in your own country, and being overly drunk can make you more of a target.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended.  Nor your food – spiking victims are robbed or assaulted.
• Be aware of overt catcalling.  Things like  ciao bella!  – touching you, grabbing you – all that sort of stuff can happen in Italy. If it happens to you, try to ignore it and move on as Italian women do.
• Italian women can be more forceful towards foreign women.  If you feel uncomfortable, ask for help from a local.
• Say (or shout) che schiffo! (kay-skee-fo) if you feel that someone’s groping you on crowded public transport.  That means ‘how disgusting’ or ‘eww that’s gross’ and will most likely shame the person into stopping.
• Don’t feel like you have to tell people everything about yourself. You don’t need to tell strangers anything! Whether you’re married, where you’re staying, where you’re from, where you’re going… If it feels like a man is asking too many questions, just make stuff up.
• Don’t wear overly revealing outfits. In Italy, women wear what they want, but nothing too revealing. A tip would be to just try to imitate what they’re wearing. Helps you blend in.
• Don’t walk around secluded areas and parks at night time. Especially not by yourself. Even in your home country (most likely), this is a sketchy thing to do.
• Stay in female-only dorms in hostels and make friends with other female travellers. This is a good way to swap stories, tips, make some drinking buddies or even some friends to travel onwards with. A great way to stop feeling jaded about solo travel is to hang out with other people.
• Go on a guided tour or hire a guide.  This is a good way to explore the city if you’re not feeling comfortable doing so by yourself. They’ll also be able to tell you a lot more about places and make the whole experience a lot more interesting.

At the end of the day, Italy is a super fun place to visit as a solo female traveller, and loads of women do travel by themselves here. There’s quite literally no end of things that you can get up to in this cool country, and it’s easy to travel around as a woman, too.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Italy is no different from your home country so just because it’s relatively safe in terms of travel destinations, doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Usual rules apply in Italy: trust your gut and keep out of trouble. Italian men can be pretty tricky. It can be hard work batting off all the catcalls without reacting and in person, men can be overly flirtatious, too. Be confident and enjoy yourself! These things shouldn’t define your Italian trip, so don’t let them.

Italy is absolutely safe to travel for families.

It’s well-trodden when it comes to family holidays. Everything from Eurocamp to family-friendly hotels by the sea makes it very easy to find a place to stay.

Add that to scenic drives and a great train network and you’ve got yourself an amazing family destination. And what’s more, in tourist areas English is actually quite widely spoken.

Italian culture is all about food and family, and an easygoing pace of life. It’s a super fun and place to take children of all ages.

Children will be in awe of old architecture, Roman ruins, getting the chance to learn how to be a gladiator for the day, and enjoy the amazing nature on offer.

Out of the cities, which can be a little bit of a nightmare in peak tourist times (summer is the most popular time to visit Italy), the rural side of Italy   is old fashioned and low key. There are beautiful beaches to have fun on and lakeside resorts to enjoy.

You won’t have to worry about eating as most restaurants welcome kids. Also, you won’t have to worry about picky eaters – a simple tomato pasta or Margherita pizza always goes down a treat! One thing though: Italian people eat late. Don’t expect to be having dinner before 8 pm. But we say adjust those bedtimes and join in!

You won’t always be able to get hold of everything whenever you want it. For example, loads of stuff is closed on Sundays.

And when it comes to the summer months, that sun can get really hot. Do as the locals do and seek shade when the sun’s at its hottest and be liberal with that sunscreen.

There’s also the hazard of ticks. These can be pretty nasty so if you’re out hiking, bare legs and arms aren’t a good idea. Mosquitoes, too. There have been cases of Chikungunya (carried by mosquitoes) in Rome and northern Italy.

But other than that, it’s an awesome place for kids. Skiing, snowboarding, ancient history, lounging on the beach, hiking, eating tasty food… You name it.

It is safe to drive in Italy but it can be very intense.

Cities particularly can be crazily busy and hard to navigate. Mopeds parked everywhere, narrow streets and one-way systems. Sicily, in particular, is notorious for tricky driving.

In the Mezzogiorno, particularly  Naples , you may have trouble with parking. Organised gangs run parking rackets; you find a place to park, someone sidles up to you and says you’ve got to pay ‘in case something happens to your car’ and you either have to pay or find somewhere else to park.

Car robbery is also a thing. We’re talking  Milan, Rome, Pisa  and at service stations along highways. Potential thieves may try a distraction technique to lure you away from your car whilst someone else steals your stuff – or the whole car.

In some historic city centres you can’t enter with a car without an official pass. The boundary is usually marked with the letters ZTL and you’ll be fined if you go past these signs. Do some research on where to get your pass and which cities it applies to.

In  Milan  there is a congestion charge and  Rome  has restrictions on vehicles in certain areas (based on random number plates).

However, Italy is awesome for road trips. Driving through Tuscany  or the  Italian Alps  makes for stunning journeys. But do beware of narrow winding roads in mountainous areas – there can be some pretty hair-raising sheer drops!

Outside built-up areas it’s compulsory to have your headlights on at all times .  It’s also the law to use your seatbelt and it’s obligatory to have a high visibility jacket and warning triangle in your car.

To sum up how safe it is to drive in Italy: cities = bad, countryside = good. It’s a great place for a scenic drive, though, so don’t let local traffic discourage you. If you decide to rent a vehicle, make sure you also purchase solid rental insurance.

Uber is completely safe in Italy. However, it is a little bit limited – it is only available in  Rome  and  Milan.

Some taxi drivers might try to tell you that Uber is illegal, but ignore them – it’s not.

Of course Uber is safe. The usual benefits apply: knowing what your driver looks like, the make of the car, reading the driver’s reviews, tracking your journey, paying by card in-app, not worrying about the language barrier and so on.

All in all, Uber is pretty safe and convenient in Italy.

Most taxis are safe and professional in Italy.

There are, however, taxi drivers out there who will try to rip you off, especially if you’re a tourist. You should only use official licensed taxis. These have a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof and you can pick them up at a taxi rank.

If somebody tries to offer you a taxi in the street, or at the airport, or whatever, don’t bother with it. Always order them in advance or get them from a taxi rank.

When the taxi turns up after you’ve called it, don’t be alarmed to see money on the meter already. This is because the charges start from when you call, not when your actual journey starts. Might seem weird but it’s not a scam. Make sure the meter is running, though. If you try to arrange a flat rate you won’t come out on top.

It may feel like people are trying to drive you around the houses in places like Rome  – but it really is just a very winding city. If you are worried, follow the journey on Google Maps or something similar.

When it comes to paying, have small change handy. Paying with a massive note isn’t a good idea and isn’t considerate. Also, check your change to avoid being shortchanged.

But all in all, the taxis are safe in Italy.

Italy is blessed with pretty decent public transport – and generally safe and reliable on top of it.

There are trains connecting major cities – and smaller towns, too – which make it quick and easy to get where you want to go. Second class seats are cheaper but don’t let your belongings out of your sight. Petty theft isn’t unheard of.

In cities, there are extensive trains and buses.

As for a metro system, you’ll find one in  Rome, Milan, Turin, and  Naples.  There are smaller metro systems in  Genoa  and  Catania. 

All of these are perfectly safe to travel on but as always, be smart. Don’t leave your phone next to you on the seat and be careful of your luggage when you’re waiting on the platforms, too.

In most cities and small towns, there are urban and suburban bus systems too. These can be more complicated to use than the metro, but you just need to do a bit of research on routes and schedules. Again: safe, but your belongings might not be.

For long-distance buses, research the company you’ll be using – especially if you’re heading into mountainous areas.

So for the most part, public transport in Italy is safe.

However, beware of pickpockets and other thieves – they can be a real issue. Don’t let anything out of your sight!

Italy is food . Italy has given the world culture. Italy has also given the world some glorious food! Some of the most well-known food (and drink) in the entire world is Italian: pizza, mozzarella, lasagne, pasta, spaghetti, calzone, gelato, focaccia, coffee, and wine. Wow.

So yes, it’s all about food. And you’re going to have no problems being a vegetarian. Nothing wrong with a bit of tomato sauce and pasta, right? But whilst the food in Italy is safe, standards aren’t always high so we have a few tips for eating your way around Italy…

• Don’t get drawn in by tourist traps. They’re not going to be serving the best food, they’re out to make money and their hygiene won’t be high up on their list. So really, just avoid these types of places. Anyone trying to get you into a restaurant, well, it’s probably not a good one. Also, anywhere with a multi-language menu or a picture menu isn’t going to be amazing.
• Instead, go to places bustling with people speaking Italian.  The busier a place is, the better is – and more often than not it will be worth the wait.
• Trying to gelato at a real-life gelateria is a great shout. However if you get to one and their pistachio (or mint) flavour is luminous green, they’re not using natural ingredients .  It probably won’t be the best place to try out this amazing foodstuff.
• Don’t order every single course at a restaurant. Even though you’ll probably want to stuff yourself to bursting point, you don’t have to order every single course at a restaurant. Ordering antipasto, primo and then secondo, with contornos, followed by dolce will definitely make you feel sick.
• Be aware that breakfasts in Italy are sweet. Cakes, bread, jams – all are sweet. This isn’t something for tourists, it’s generally just how people start the stay. So you’ll have to be brushing your teeth extra well!
• Do as the Italians do.  Take time over a meal, enjoy, linger, talk, make merry… It’s better for your digestive system to eat slowly as well.
• You can drink a cappuccino in the early morning. Anytime after 10 or 11 am, however, is a no-no.
• And more coffee etiquette… Italians don’t order ‘espresso’. There is no such thing. You order  ‘un caffe’.  And hey presto: you get what English speakers call an ‘espresso’. Go figure.
• Definitely learn some Italian phrases to get you around the food in Italy. You’re really going to want to navigate those delicious menus. Knowing how to order them, and more importantly, what they actually are ,  is really going to help.
• Don’t expect to eat Italian American food. If you’re coming to Italy expecting ‘fettuccine al fredo’ or ‘spaghetti and meatballs’ you’ll be disappointed. These Italian American dishes are just that: Italian American.
• Don’t forget that the food in Italy is regional. Calzone is from  Naples , you can get a great steak in Tuscany (to go with all that good wine), and so on.
• Remember to wash your hands. Walking around dusty old Roman ruins and all that sort of stuff is going to leave your hands pretty grubby. Give them a wash before you eat, it’ll save you from getting any ancient illness.

So there you go. Italy is a hotbed of amazingly delicious food and if food is something you really like then we’re not going to lie: you’re going to really like Italy and its food! And for the most part, you’re not going to get ill eating anything here, except if you go to places that are deserted, or dirty, or tourist traps, or some combination of all three of those things. Go where the locals go. Do what the locals do. Follow our pro tips for food in Italy and you’ll have more memories of pasta than Etruscan ruins!

You actually can drink water in Italy, it’s all safe to drink. Just check if a tap is marked  aqua non potabile , in which case it means that it is not suitable for drinking.

So bring a refillable bottle to save the planet and your wallet. If you’re overwhelmed with the number of bottle options, not to worry anymore, we’ve put together a guide for the best travel water bottles in 2024 .

Absolutely! Italy is safe to live in.

It’s the home of the dolce vita – how could it not be safe to live in?

Rome  has loads of international organizations (a good place to find work), plus expat communities and a relatively high number of English speakers.

Naples  is the big port city of Italy: versatile, lively and with a diverse population and cheaper than Rome.  There’s a reputation for crime in Naples ,  but it’s no worse than any other international city really .

Or if you’re looking for a slower pace of life altogether, head to the island of  Sardinia.  Good shops, great food, clean air – very high quality of life. Places like Oristano  are very walkable. Generally, you’ll be enjoying the Italian lifestyle in Italy.

Late dinners mean things don’t close early, so you can go shopping pretty late if you want.

But you may find it hard at first – people may think you’re a tourist all the time. A good way to not be seen as a tourist is to learn some Italian. In places like Venice, Rome, and  Florence, people are beginning to get just a little bit hostile towards tourists. Speaking Italian is going to endear you to people a lot more.

All in all, Italy is safe to live in. The number of expats and digital nomads in Italy is increasing every day.

Just research well the places you want to live in, whether you want a quiet countryside or a bustling city. Get on expat forums, join Facebook groups, learn the lingo and make local friends.

Then, get ready to live in an amazing slice of the Earth’s culture!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Italy has a decent public healthcare system and you won’t have much trouble finding a doctor. In fact, life expectancy in Italy is really high .  It’s 86 for women, 81 for men, on average. That’s not only down to a good lifestyle, but good healthcare too.

You can find healthcare throughout Italy, but it can vary depending on where you are. In rural towns and villages, there won’t be much in the way of top-quality healthcare. And in the  Mezzogiorno  they’re not amazingly well equipped, we’re not going to lie.

If you’re not feeling good you can always head to the pharmacist, called farmacisti in Italian. They can give you over the counter advice, medication, and will advise you to see a doctor if you need to see one. These close at night and on Sundays; emergency ones open 24/7 do exist, however.

In big cities and larger towns, it won’t be hard to find an English speaking doctor.

The casualty/A&E unit is called  Pronto Soccorso  (also the place for emergency dental treatment). Call 118  for an ambulance.

Overall, healthcare is good in Italy. Also, Italy has a lot of reciprocal healthcare agreements with many countries around the world, so just check and make sure your country is one of them (or not). But definitely, still, have health insurance.

Did you know that “certified Italian” is only spoken in the center of Italy – around Rome – and that there are, in fact, 34 other languages and dialects that are officially recognized? 

Most Italians will comment on how they can’t understand their neighbors and how frustrating it is. A person from Milan would probably have a lot of difficulties when talking to a Sicilian because their dialects are so different. For those backpacking through Italy, this can make things difficult as a lot of the Italian that they’ve learned will become redundant depending on where they are.

There are, of course, certain staples of the Italian language that will always be universal though. Learning a few of them will be better than knowing nothing at all. Below, I have written the pronunciations for a few helpful Italian phrases with English translations.

Piacere  – nice to meet you

Come va?  – how are you?

Mi può aiutare?  – can you help me?

Quanto costa?  – how much does that cost?

Un caffé, per favore  – one coffee, please

Buon Giorno / Buona sera / Buona notte  – good morning/ good evening/ goodnight

Mi scusi  – excuse me

Nessun sacchetto di plastica  – No plastic bag

Nessuna cannuccia per favore  – No straw please

Nessuna posate di plastica per favore  – No plastic cutlery please

Come ti chiami?  – what’s your name?

mi chiamo…  –  My name is…

Tutto bene  – all’s well

Grazie mille  – thank you so much

If speaking Italian proves to be too difficult, English is still widely spoken in most of the larger cities and by the majority of the youth. Certain regions that share a border with another European nation will also speak more of that particular country’s language. For example, many people from the Valle d’Aosta region speak French while those from Trentino use a local dialect of German.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Italy.

What should I avoid in Italy?

Avoid these things in Italy to stay safe: – Be careful at public transport hubs and big stations – Don’t let your belongings out of sight – Avoid being careless when visiting famous sights – Don’t go off-piste skiing if you don’t know what you’re doing

What is the most dangerous part of Italy?

Statistically speaking, Italy’s famous city Milan has the highest crime rate and is, therefore, the most dangerous part of the country. Milan is often known as the capital of theft.

is it safe to live in Italy?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to live in Italy. Healthcare and quality of life are generally very high and the crime rate ranks from low to moderate.

Does Italy have a high crime rate?

Luckily, crime rates in Italy are fairly low. As in most European countries, the biggest safety issue that tourists have to face is petty theft or pickpocketing.

If you’re wondering about how safe Italy is to travel to, we would say don’t worry. It’s absolutely safe, just about the least safe thing about it are the earthquakes and volcanoes. We all know what happened to Pompeii,  right? In terms of outright deadliness, safety-wise, seismic activity is the real villain.

That’s not to say there aren’t everyday annoyances that pose more of a threat to your wallet than to your actual health. Petty theft is a real thing here, so we highly recommend dressing down and not flashing your cash around. Anything that could make you less of a target, basically. Be like an unsuspecting tourist and you’re likely to get treated like one – not just by would-be thieves, but people, too.

Tourism is reaching a kind of cliff edge in Italy. Places in Rome,  UNESCO World Heritage Sites like  Cinque Terre  and pretty much all of Venice  are feeling the strain and people are getting understandably frustrated. So be considerate! Travel smart by learning some Italian, even if it’s just a bit. And go to the countryside, areas that don’t get tourists. This is the real Italy anyway.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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Venice's plan to charge tourists descended into chaos, showing how much of a headache overtourism has become

• Last week, Venice introduced a 5 euro, or $5.40, fee for day-trippers to mitigate overtourism.
• The fee is part of a trial that's running until July 14 and will apply on 29 "peak" days.
• The move sparked protests, highlighting the problems city officials face when tackling overtourism.

Venice is one of many cities grappling with the effects of overtourism as its number of visitors has bounced back from pandemic-era lows.

When cities become overrun with tourists, officials are often tasked with finding ways to make them more livable for residents.

Officials in the Italian city took action last week by implementing a trial fee of 5 euros — about $5.40 — for day-trippers on certain days. But the residents it aims to help aren't all happy about it.

While the hoards of tourists that descend on Venice's narrow streets can be a headache for people who live there year-round, many locals don't believe that charging people is the answer.

About 500 people protested the fee after it came into effect on Thursday. Some of them clashed with riot police; others held up signs and banners saying, "No to ticket, yes to houses and services for all," The Guardian reported.

Opponents claim that the fee, which kicks in on 29 "peak" days from April 25 to July 14, is against the principle of freedom of movement and is too low to deter tourists.

The fee's introduction immediately caused frustration — and not just among locals.

Related stories

The Guardian reported that some visitors were confused about how to prove they'd registered. Though overnight visitors were not required to pay the day fee, some didn't realize they still had to register their exemption.

The office of Simone Venturini, the city's tourism councilor, did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Venturini previously said the plan wasn't designed for the purpose of raising cash, and that the money raised would only cover operating costs.

Tourists visiting Venice on peak days need to buy a ticket online or at booths to enter the city. Those who fail to register risk being stopped by a ticket inspector and charged between 50 and 300 euros. On Thursday, the city's municipal council said that 113,000 people registered, of which 15,700 were paying guests.

Locals don't need to pay the fee to enter the ticketed area, but they do still need to book online, which has become a point of contention.

One opponent to the measure said on Thursday that Venice was "becoming a museum, a theme park," Reuters reported. Photos show some protesters holding up signs saying, "Welcome to Veniceland."

Other examples of overtourism crackdowns include Amsterdam's city council voting to ban cruise ships from docking in the city center. The move aims to reduce big crowds and limit environmental damage from the ships.

Amsterdam also launched a campaign to reduce the number of "messy" young, male British tourists traveling to the city to party and take illicit drugs.

In other cases, officials in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, opted to erect an 8-foot-tall mesh fence to discourage tourists from flocking to take photographs of Mount Fuji . The officials said it was a last resort after tourists crowded the area, left trash, and ignored traffic laws.

Elsewhere, a town in Austria that inspired the film " Frozen " also installed a fence to deter tourists from taking selfies. The temporary wooden fence was one of several tourist-curbing measures trialed in the 800-person town of Hallstatt, where the number of visitors can reach up to 10,000 a day , the BBC reported.

Other tourist hot spots have implemented caps on the number of daily visitors. In September, Greek officials introduced a 20,000-person daily cap on visitors to the Acropolis in Athens. Several US national parks also have daily caps.

Watch: Was Italy's $1 home scheme worth it?

• Main content

Blog Italy Travel Tips Using Cell Phones in Italy: Dos and Don’ts

Using Cell Phones in Italy: Dos and Don’ts

Smartphones have become just as essential a travel accessory as a passport and credit card, since they now serve the purpose of everything from an HD camera to a dual-language dictionary. It’s almost unthinkable to take a trip today without all the functions of your smartphone to ease the way.

After we finish booking our clients’ hotels, tours and activities, and transportation , we send them an exhaustive pre-trip checklist that includes advice on packing, driving, travel insurance, money, and more. One of the most important items on that list is using cell phones in Italy, because we know how vital it is to have a working smartphone while you travel.

Here are our basic dos and don’ts for optimizing your cellphone while traveling to make it a tool for a successful trip.

Don’t get a burner phone or swap out your SIM card

Remember the days when you’d arrive in Europe and buy a “burner” phone? It would have a local number, which you’d send to anyone who needed to get in touch with you. After your trip, you’d throw it out or put it in a drawer to save for the next trip.

Until a few years ago, I would arrive in Italy and buy a SIM card with a local number. I’d swap it out with my US SIM and use my own phone but with an Italian phone number. It was a hassle for many reasons (US phones have to be “unlocked” by your carrier before travel, SIM cards can be tricky to get in and out of your phone, it takes time out of your trip to find a shop and purchase the SIM), but a big cost savings.

Neither of these approaches is necessary any longer. Almost all newer smartphones are compatible with Italy’s mobile infrastructure, so will automatically work once you arrive. Plus, every major US carrier has international data plans so you can use your own phone and SIM card for your trip.

Do sign up for an international plan

Do not forget to do this. If you get on an airplane, land in Italy, and turn on your cell phone without an international plan, the roaming charges will be expensive. All major US cell phone carriers offer international plans that have become very reasonably priced in the past few years. Call your carrier or visit their website to get plan details and sign up; make sure your plan includes talk, text, and data.

When I went to Italy in 2016, I purchased an international plan from my carrier (AT&T) that was about $250 for a 2-week trip. When I went to Italy in June of 2017, I paid half of that for a set amount of data. On my trip this year (2022), I paid $10/day for unlimited data…plus, I wouldn’t get charged for days that I left my phone in “airplane mode”.

Also, plans today are much less complicated to sort through. In 2016, I had to choose the amount of data I thought I would need, guesstimate minutes of phone calls, and predict the number of text messages I’d use. Now, most plans charge a flat fee per day and you can use your phone the same as you do in the US. Different carriers have different plans, but using cell phones in Italy is no longer as expensive as it once was.

One caveat to this is that sometimes the data speed isn’t great (carriers promise 4G/LTE, but often the reality is more 3G). That said, for basics like messaging, looking up information on Google, checking emails, mapping directions, etc. these slower speeds are still adequate. Just don’t plan on streaming movies on your phone.

Do learn how to dial Italian phone numbers

Chances are you’ve never needed to make a phone call to Italy, so you’ll need to know the basics of using cell phones in Italy to contact hotels, restaurants, guides, etc. while you’re here. Remember that calls to Italian numbers are international calls even if you are in Italy if you are using your US carrier’s international phone plan. 

First dial 011, the US exit code to get you to Europe. Then dial 39, the country code for Italy. Then dial the rest of the number. For example, to dial Rome’s biggest taxi company (06 3570), you need to dial 011 39 06 3570.

Do install WhatsApp

WhatsApp reigns supreme in Italy, and virtually all Italians use it to text and call as it costs less than SMS text messages or regular phone calls.

Many businesses like hotels and tour companies also use WhatsApp, even if they have a landline, to accept bookings or send confirmations. If you are traveling to Italy for any length of time, install Whatsapp before you leave as you will almost certainly need to use it to communicate with tour guides, drivers, hotels, etc. as you travel around.

If text messages are included in your international plan, by all means, text your friends, family, or travel companions. However, when you need to reach Italians, use WhatsApp instead.

Don’t run out of battery

There will be days when you leave your hotel room at 9 am and be out and about for 10 straight hours. During that time, you’ll use Google maps, take photos, post on social media, send messages, and more. The limiting factor in using cell phones in Italy is no longer data use, but battery life.

Don’t count on being able to recharge your phone during the day at a cafe or restaurant. If your phone battery won’t make it through a full day of sightseeing, bring a backup battery.

Do remember that smartphones are attractive to thieves

During your Italy trip, you should ideally take out your phone, use it, and put it away. Don’t leave it sitting on the table at an outdoor cafe if someone walking by could grab it. Don’t carry it in a shallow pocket, especially in train stations or crowded areas.

Keep your eye on it and treat it as a valuable item. Store it inside your bag, in a zipped pocket. Cell phones get stolen in Italy all the time, and rarely get recovered.

Don’t expect fast and reliable Wi-Fi at hotels (even five-star hotels)

Italy has a high cost of living, but cellphone data is one of the few exceptions. Italian cellphone plans typically cost a fraction of what they do in the US and perks like unlimited, high-speed data are common. 

This is great for Italians, but not so convenient for tourists who may be relying on Wi-Fi to get through the day. Since most Italians have great data plans, connecting to public Wi-Fi networks isn’t a priority… which means that public Wi-Fi is generally slow, unreliable, or inexistent. 

Hotels that work with international tourists are slowly improving their Wi-Fi game, but if you need a reliable and secure internet connection while in Italy, bring a Mi-Fi device .

Do take advantage of having a smartphone on your trip

Having a working smartphone in Italy can enhance your trip in a number of ways:

• Install Skype on your phone and use that to make international phone calls. Skype uses data rather than talk minutes, which are more expensive. WhatsApp can also be used to make phone calls, but only to other cellphone numbers, not landlines.
• Activate the instant translation functionality in Google Translate . You’ll then be able to point your phone’s camera at any written word for instant translation. This is the single most useful thing you can set up on your phone before you go.
• Use Google Maps to navigate (but also have a paper map). Hooray! Google maps works in Italy (although not perfectly in Venice). Also, before you go, download offline maps of cities and towns you’ll be visiting so you use less data.
• Calculate prices quickly and accurately with the XE Currency Converter app, an industry-standard live exchange rate calculator that will help you figure out how much 
• Download free Italy audio tours of main sights from Rick Steves.
• Buy the Kindle or pdf versions of guidebooks. That way you can read historical information on your phone and save the weight of carrying paper in your suitcase.

Italy Beyond the Obvious will help make your trip truly memorable. Take advantage of our Italy trip planning services for a customized itinerary.

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Northern Italy's 'problem bears' show the challenges of rewilding carnivores

Recent tensions over the reintroduction of bears to Italy’s mountains shine a light on the challenges faced by both humans and animals in such wildlife projects.

In February of this year, a male brown bear known as M90 was controversially shot dead by forestry police in the Northern Italian province of Trentino. According to reports, the animal sealed its own fate by showing “excessive confidence” around humans. In April 2023, the same Alpine region witnessed a fatal attack on a jogger, who had the misfortune to startle a female bear with cubs. It’s a situation that’s seen emotions run high.  

Europe’s largest mountain range stretches into eight countries and is home to some 14 million people, with countless towns and villages and more than 8,000 ski lifts — but it’s far from being a predominantly human domain. Across the continent, only the Mediterranean region can rival the Alps’ variety of flora and fauna. Endemic mountain plants abound, forests cloak remote hillsides and the thousands of animal species that fly, swim and forage here include some of Europe’s most charismatic predators. The problem? Wild carnivores, awe-inspiring though they might be, are not universally popular.

Centuries ago, much larger populations of wolves, lynxes, brown bears and vultures roamed the Alps, living there as they’d done for millennia. Paw prints peppered the mountain pastures. Howls echoed through moonlit valleys. Over time, however, a depressingly familiar pattern of persecution and habitat loss decimated their populations. Some survived and remained — albeit in far smaller, more fragmented numbers.  

Over the last two to three decades, conservation and rewilding initiatives have focused on protecting these creatures, in some cases physically reinstating them, not only for the good of the individual species, but because — as nature’s own hunters and scavengers — the animals play a key role in keeping the often delicate Alpine ecosystem in balance. The bears in the Trentino region, which have grown in number from 10 to around 100 after being reintroduced from Slovenia in the early 2000s, aren’t just a furry nuisance.

“The Alps in particular have had very large increases in populations of red and roe deer,” explains Fabien Quétier, head of landscapes at Rewilding Europe. “These densities of herbivores are a problem for natural regeneration and can cause issues like car accidents. Predators play a role in regulating that.”

Indeed, when carried out responsibly, the upsides of rewilding are substantial. “It’s like hitting the reset button on nature,” says Natalya Jarlebring of Milkywire, a European organisation that helps fund climate- and nature-based projects around the world. In other words, it helps nature fall back into balance.

Back to the wild

Rewilding refers to the process of protecting an environment and returning it to its natural state, for example by bringing back wild animals that used to live there. It often also involves re-planting native flowers and trees, or dismantling fencing to allow nature room to grow. But for obvious reasons, it’s the wildlife that tends to grab the headlines.

Wolves, bears and the far shyer lynx are all known to attack farmed livestock, which adds a further complicating factor to the debate. But for Claudio Groff, who heads the Large Carnivores Division of Trentino’s Wildlife Department, it’s important to retain a wider sense of perspective.

“A very low percentage of the bears in Trentino can be problematic to humans,” he says. “That’s usually only around 5% to 10% of the population, the same for bears found anywhere in Europe.”

Vigilance is key. He explains that his department’s official policy towards ‘problem bears’ has three stages: first is to have conversations within the community; second is to manage elements that might attract wandering bears, such as open bins; and third is to deter over-assertive animals from approaching human settlements, by using dogs or rubber bullets.

“If none of these steps work, the absolute final option is to shoot the bear,” he says. The culling of M90 was a last resort. “We’re never happy when we have to do this.”He also points out that, in spite of recent incidents, a substantial number of locals remain supportive and proud of the bears’ resettlement. “A lot of people in Trentino are still happy that we have these wonderful animals in our region, despite the difficulties,” he says. “We also have to remember that bears were here in the Alps before we were. It’s their home as well.”  

Questions of perspective and education come up regularly where rewilding is concerned. Many more people are harmed in the Alps each year by cattle than they are by carnivores — “a cow is also a dangerous animal,” points out Quétier — and the instincts of the vast majority of predators mean that they’re mainly nocturnal and actively avoid humans.  

In the absence of an over-arching Alpine regulatory body for nature recovery, the success of rewilding schemes — whether in Trentino or elsewhere — is dependent on effective local management. “It’s important to involve local communities from the outset,” emphasises Jarlebring. “This means listening to their concerns, addressing their needs, educating them about the benefits of rewilding, building trust and fostering a sense of ownership.”

Paula Mayer, a research assistant at ETH Zurich University, specialises in human-bear conflict. She explains that attitudes towards large carnivores can often differ from one postcode to the next. “In mountain regions in Italy, there can be a marked difference in community attitudes towards bears between those places where organisations have been in and spoken to the locals, and the places where they haven’t,” she says. “It’s pretty remarkable.”  

Tying in with this is the issue   of visitors. Trentino is, after all, a popular travel destination, and Mayer points out that having large wildlife in an area can be a godsend for responsible travel businesses. There are already examples in some parts of North America, where the presence of bears has long helped draw wildlife-loving travellers. “It’s the same here in Trentino,” says Groff. “There’s a lot of interest in our bears from visitors. Some are also a bit worried, it’s true, but around 80% or 90% of them are interested rather than fearful.”

The economic benefits are particularly important given the challenges facing the winter sports industry. “Skiing is the mainstay of many Alpine valleys, but it’s now becoming tricky to have reliable snow,” says Quétier.  

“A big topic for some of these mountain communities is how to diversify. If we’re looking at less impactful tourism, spread throughout the seasons, rewilding has something to offer. Whenever you go skiing in the Alps, you’re in wolf territory — and often lynx territory, too.”  

Long-established tour operator Inntravel is one company offering hiking trips to the Alps. Product manager Alison Temple is realistic about the risks. “The media coverage of an incident such as the bear attack in Trentino can create the image that such events are a regular occurrence, which of course they’re not,” she says.

“Customers who actively choose our most challenging walking itineraries are always up for an adventure, and it’s our job to help expose them to the amazing wilderness of the Alps while being responsible for their safety.”      

With bad news stories capable of distorting the picture when it comes to bears, it should also be stressed that, beyond Trentino, populations of brown bears in the Alps are sporadic to non-existent. Whether this changes in future remains to be seen. In the meantime, rewilding projects of other kinds — involving lynxes, vultures, wolves, ibexes and other species — continue to be initiated across various parts of the range.

The vision is of mountain valleys restored to their former glory, brimming with biodiversity.   In these fast-moving times, rewilding can tap into something deeper — to the advantage of both locals and visiting travellers.  

“Rewilding can have cultural and spiritual benefits,” says Jarlebring. “Imagine a community reconnecting with the environment around them and feeling a deeper connection to the land. It’s about more than just practical advantages. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and identity.”

Related Topics

• ANIMAL REHABILITATION
• WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

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