Italy Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:15 december 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has started for all non-EU nationals,travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. There may be longer border queues.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games will be held in northern Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026, followed by the Winter Paralympic Games from 6 to 15 March 2026. If you plan to be in Italy during this period, plan your travel well in advance.
 

We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Italy.

Advice Levels

Level 1

Exercise normal safety precautions in Italy.

Full Advice

  • Vehicle break-ins and thefts are common in Italy. Many people have had belongings, including passports and other valuables stolen from parked cars. Avoid leaving valuables in your car, private van or tour bus.
  • Petty crime is common. Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at tourist spots and on transport, particularly at central train stations. Thieves often operate in groups and use distraction techniques, such as staging street performances, to execute their plans. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Italy is a part of the Schengen area which means you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you’ll need a visa.
  • The new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.
  • The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is taking place in Rome (24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026). During this time, many visitors and pilgrims are expected to visit the city. If you plan to be in Rome during this period, make sure to prepare in advance. For more information, visit the official Jubilee website.
  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games will be held in northern Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026, followed by the Winter Paralympic Games from 6 to 15 March 2026. If you plan to be in Italy during this period, plan your travel well in advance.
  • 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.
  • Several cities in Italy impose a ‘tourist tax’ per person for each night of stay. You pay this directly to your accommodation provider. 

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 997.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.