Is It Safe to Travel to Italy? Warnings You Need to Know
Deciding to visit Italy is almost a no-brainer. The boot-shaped nation has almost 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?
The U.S. State Department just issued a new travel advisory for Italy, advising travelers to exercise increased caution due to terrorism, stating, “There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy.” The State Department warns that common targets for terrorism include popular tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting and cultural events, schools, airports, and public areas.
If you do decide to travel to Italy, the State Department advises:
- Stay alert in tourist spots.
- Check local media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy to help make it easier to be contacted in case of an emergency
- Review the Country Security Report for Italy.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Overall, Italy is indeed a safe country to visit. The nation’s violent crime rates are low, and global safety rankings consistently place Italy higher than England and the United States. That said, there are some factors that travelers should keep in mind to protect themselves when traveling to Italy.
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Crime in Italy
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Common Scams and Theft Tactics
- Street vendors selling counterfeit designer items
- Thieves posing as police officers who request to see your ID, then take your wallet
- Motor scooter thieves who snatch bags or purses while riding by
- Pickpockets who use large crowds on public transport or near tourist attractions to take advantage of distracted targets
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Safety Tips for Travelers to Italy
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
- Be wary of unsolicited help or overly friendly strangers.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended in bars or nightclubs, as there have been reports of spiked beverages.
- If you're driving, lock your car doors and keep windows up, especially in traffic or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
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Natural Disasters in Italy
While Italy is generally a safe country for travelers, with violent crime being rare, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can be a concern, particularly in busy urban centers and popular tourist spots.
Major cities like Rome and Milan tend to have higher instances of petty theft. Visitors to these areas are more likely to encounter pickpockets or fall victim to scams than those exploring smaller towns or rural regions. Even in Venice, which is largely safe, crowded tourist hubs attract opportunistic thieves.
Florence also experiences above-average rates of pickpocketing, especially in high-traffic areas like Piazza del Duomo. A common tactic involves thieves pretending to be beggars to distract tourists while accomplices steal valuables such as wallets or purses.
Counterfeit street vendors are a frequent sight in Milan, especially in the city center. Tourists should be aware that purchasing fake goods can lead to serious consequences, including fines of up to €10,000.
Theft is the most prevalent crime in Italy, particularly in large cities like Rome. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in teams, using distraction techniques to target unsuspecting tourists.
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Common scams include:
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](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/safety-If you’re concerned about natural disasters in Italy, you’ll want to be aware of summer wildfires, especially on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and autumn rains 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. 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.
Keep an eye on the news for the area that you’re visiting to be informed about any elevated risk for natural disasters.