Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Italy is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime. The main issue is petty theft — pickpockets and bag-snatchers in city centres and at major sights.
- Overall
- Generally safe; watch for pickpockets
- Hotspots
- Rome/Naples transport and sights
- Emergencies
- 112 (single EU number)
- Keep bags closed and valuables out of sight in crowds
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Stay alert around crowded transport hubs and tourist sites where pickpockets operate, and take normal precautions in some outer city districts at night.
- No-go areas
- None for typical tourists
- Watch
- Stations, metros, main sights
- At night
- Normal caution in outer areas
- Check current local advice before travelling
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Italy has seismic and volcanic activity. Earthquakes occur in central/southern regions; active volcanoes include Etna (Sicily) and Vesuvius (Naples). Follow local authorities and Civil Protection alerts.
- Earthquakes
- Central and southern regions
- Volcanoes
- Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli
- Alerts
- Civil Protection (Protezione Civile)
- Wildfires can occur in summer; flooding in autumn
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Italy has excellent healthcare and high hygiene standards. Tap water is generally safe to drink. Summer heat can be intense in the south — stay hydrated and use sun protection.
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Healthcare
- Excellent; EHIC/GHIC for EU/EEA
- Summer
- Heat and sun in the south
- No special vaccinations required for typical travel
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main risks, especially on crowded metros/buses and at major sights in Rome, Naples and Florence. Watch for distraction tricks and friendship-bracelet scams.
- Pickpockets
- Metros, buses, tourist sights
- Scams
- Distraction, bracelet, fake petition
- Cars
- Do not leave valuables in view
- Use a front pocket or crossbody bag; keep phones secure
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Italy is a stable democracy. Demonstrations and strikes (transport strikes / sciopero) occur occasionally and can disrupt travel. Avoid protests and check transport notices before you travel.
- Stability
- Stable democracy
- Strikes
- Occasional transport strikes
- Advice
- Avoid demonstrations
- Check strike calendars for trains, flights and buses
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID at all times. Some cities fine eating/sitting on monument steps, swimming in fountains, or buying counterfeit goods. Dress modestly in churches. Local rules vary by city and season.
- ID
- Carry passport or copy
- Fines
- Monuments, fountains, fake goods
- Churches
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Follow posted local rules in historic centres
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
The single European emergency number 112 covers police, fire, medical and sea rescue across Italy — free even without a SIM or credit. Older numbers (113 police, 115 fire, 118 ambulance) still work.
- All emergencies
- 112 (single EU number)
- Legacy
- 113 police / 115 fire / 118 ambulance
- Free
- Works without SIM or credit
- Roadside assistance: 803 116 (ACI)
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, cancellation and activities. EU/EEA visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC for state healthcare, but it does not replace full travel insurance.
- Cover
- Medical, cancellation, activities
- EU/EEA
- EHIC/GHIC for state care
- Note
- EHIC/GHIC is not full insurance
- Keep insurance and emergency numbers accessible offline