The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Italy at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate General in Naples does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Italy-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is moderate risk from crime in Naples. U.S. visitors are generally safe; criminals do not typically target them based on nationality. As in other large cities, criminals target tourists and foreigners occasionally for petty theft, as they would local citizens. Most street crimes are theft-related (e.g. purse snatching, pickpocketing, residential/vehicle break-ins); attempted robberies can quickly turn violent if victims resist. The Centro Storico (city center) has the highest incidence of these types of crimes. Congested areas such as central squares, narrow side streets, subways, buses, and trams all offer lucrative hunting grounds for pickpockets, as the numbers of tourists, coupled with the close proximity and jostling of passengers, decrease risk of detection. A review of the Consulate’s files revealed that of the millions of U.S. tourists to southern Italy in 2018, only 290 reported passports lost or stolen.

The center of Naples -- Piazza Garibaldi (the central train station), Centro Storico (Historic Center), Quartieri Spagnoli (The Spanish Quarter), and other tourist sites -- are most noted for petty crimes, although serious crimes can and do occur. House burglaries are more common in the Lago Patria, Pozzuoli, and Posillipo areas.

Car thieves prefer the areas outside of the city center and the outskirts that tend to have less of a police presence. Unattended vehicles in monument parking lots and highway rest stops are also noted areas for vehicle break-ins, but unattended vehicles or vehicles with items visible inside present targets of opportunity anywhere. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended, if possible. Park cars in a garage or in a well-lighted area, and always avoid leaving valuables, to include identity documents.

While privately owned vehicles are an attractive target, thieves also frequently target rental cars. Criminals sometimes block a targeted vehicle with a scooter while an accomplice sneaks up and snatches electronics and other valuables through open windows or unlocked car doors. Another technique involves motorists communicating that the driver has a flat tire in an attempt to get them to stop. In the past, assailants have even thrown a rat into an occupied car, causing the occupants to flee the vehicle to escape the rat, then jumping in and driving away.

Organized crime groups are active, and maintain a presence in southern Italy; armed violence between rival members is common. The violence takes place citywide, to include areas where tourists, diplomats, expatriates, and active-duty service members live and congregate.

Areas of Concern

Criminals at the Piazza Garibaldi train station commonly use diversion techniques. Criminals will sometimes ask for directions, and while the victim is offering assistance, another criminal covertly takes a piece of luggage. Other techniques may involve a thief intentionally spilling food or a beverage on the victim and then apologizing profusely and helping the victim clean up while an accomplice is relieving the victim of his valuables. Thieves may assist a person struggling with bags or strollers, picking up one of the bags, and disappearing into the crowd. Use extra caution while in/around train stations. The large crowds and chaotic atmosphere provide an ideal environment for criminals.

Piazza del Gesu’, a large square in south Naples, has been reported as an area where physical altercations are most prevalent during late evening/early morning hours. The area has many bars, which all close at the same time and spill patrons into the piazza. The combination of alcohol, bravado, and inter-gang rivalries make fights frequent in this area. In general, Centro Storico, to include the Spanish Quarter, has seen violent episodes involving stabbings and shootings. Criminals do not typically target tourists for assault, but the gun violence may take the form of scooter-mounted drive-by shootings that hit unintended targets. In general, stick to main avenues and piazzas, and enjoy the historic center during daylight hours.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving is not only stressful in Naples, but can also be dangerous. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws. Traffic law enforcement is limited and ineffective. Scooters and motorcycles generally do not follow the rules of the road, and often use sidewalks to get around vehicles. Mountain roads in rural areas are vulnerable to rock and mudslides. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Drivers involved in a traffic accident should follow the below instructions:

Car Accident with Injuries

Call 112 to inform the dispatcher of your location, details regarding injuries, and the accident. Wait for emergency services to arrive. They will provide care and transport of the injured, reestablish traffic flow, and complete an accident report form. Note the name and destination of any injured persons requiring ambulance transport from the scene. A police report will be helpful in this regard. Do not sign any documents that either are not clearly understood or do not conform to your grasp of the factors surrounding the accident.

Car Accident without Injuries and No Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident

Call 112. If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires you to move them if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle by any means possible. Extensive photographs can help, but do not considered them a sole source of evidence. Search for skid marks, broken glass, debris, or any other evidence that may help in determining the facts of the accident. Take photographs of all damage to both vehicles and pay particular attention to any pre-existing damage. Try to establish a third-party witness; even if this person is another motorist who cannot wait for the police to arrive, obtain names and phone numbers of an actual witness who the police can contact. Witness fabrication is not uncommon. There have been reported cases of family members who were not actually present acting as witnesses to accident scenes. In incidents without injury, the police will not issue a police report. The expectation is that the parties will exchange insurance information and the insurance agencies will assign fault.

Car Accident without Injuries and Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident

If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires you to move them if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle. Mark the four corners of the involved vehicles on the ground via any means possible. Extensive photographs can help, but do not consider these the sole source of evidence. Search for skid marks, broken glass, debris, or any other evidence that may help in determining the facts relating to the accident. Take photographs of all damage to both vehicles and pay particular attention to any pre-existing damage. Wait for the police to arrive and document the incident. Complete the Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente Automobilistico (CAIA Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident). Give a copy to each party. Do not sign the completed form if there is disagreement regarding the version/sequence of events represented. Contact your insurance company; obtain guidance on how to send them the CAIA and inquire about further steps regarding damages/related expenses.

Public Transportation Conditions

Use taxis or public transportation if you do not have experience driving in Naples. Only use licensed taxis. Make sure a taxi has a meter, and that the driver activates it upon departure. All authorized taxis are white, have meters, and bear an identification number on the outside of the door; take a photo of this number before getting in so you have documentation in the event there is a problem later. Do not use private, unlicensed car services.

Other Travel Conditions

Pedestrians do not have the right of way, and must be very careful when crossing the road, even in approved crosswalks. Look both ways, even when crossing a one-way street.

Police traffic-control checkpoints are common; police can pull drivers over without probable cause. If this happens, do not be alarmed or assume you have done something wrong, simply cooperate and present them with your driver’s license.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Naples. Terrorist groups and terrorist-inspired individuals continue to plan attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. There is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. In the past several years, extremist actors have planned or carried out attacks in Europe. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Maintain situational awareness at all times, and know your escape routes in the event a dangerous situation unfolds where you are located.

Italy’s proximity to North Africa and the Middle East exacerbate its concern for terrorism. Italy has figured prominently in the rhetoric of groups such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and al-Shabaab. While Lombardy has the largest population of settled migrants, southern Italy is close behind as the entry point for most migrants. The Italians have a robust counterterrorism program, and actively monitor known/suspected foreign fighters and terrorists.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Most citizens and residents appear to have a positive view of the U.S. Anti-U.S. rhetoric comes from small groups opposing military operations or specific programs.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Naples. Public demonstrations happen frequently. Some factions (e.g. anti-TAV, anti-MUOS, anti-globalization, anti-EU, and anti-GM) have organized protests that have turned violent. There is concern that these same groups could use demonstrations to target U.S. government facilities and businesses. All demonstrations must have a valid permit and police approval, though non-approved demonstrations do take place. Typically, there are four common locations for these demonstrations:

• Italian companies (labor disputes)
• U.S. Consulate and Consular Agency (anti-U.S. foreign policy or other)
• Piazza del Plebliscito
• Regional/city government buildings

Usually, police supervision maintains tight control of demonstrations. Avoid these events because hostile elements within the crowds can escalate any situation. Large crowds are also attractive targets for pickpockets.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Earthquakes are endemic to the region. The Department of State’s Overseas Buildings Operations Bureau rates Naples as a Level 2B (moderate) seismically active area. Many buildings/infrastructure are old and not well maintained; a mild but longer-lasting earthquake could result in significant damage and potential for injury and death. There have been strong earthquakes in the past 30 years with serious property damage reported. The potential for a tsunami following an earthquake is a possibility you should include as part of emergency crisis planning. The center of Naples connects to the rest of the region by tunnels and skyways, which if damaged, could block emergency exit from the city, leaving only the bay as a viable escape route – assuming high water has not disrupted port facilities.

Floods occasionally occur during the winter, when heavy rains and melting snow cause local rivers to swell beyond the flood plain. Coastal and mountain roads can become precarious, especially during periods of rain and/or snow.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

The disruption of critical infrastructure response services (e.g. ambulance, fire, police response) after a catastrophic event is extremely likely; formulate a personal plan for such situations.

Economic Concerns

Avoid street vendors selling knock-off designer products; police may issue fines of up to several thousand Euros.

Police Response

Police response and services are generally good, but can vary depending on the service area. The Polizia di Stato (state police) and the Carabinieri (military police with nationwide law enforcement powers and jurisdiction) are well trained and equipped. These two security groups offer a full range of police services, though resource constraints can affect the way they carry out their duties.

Crime Victim Assistance

In the event of a theft or any other mishap, refer to the following list of helpful telephone numbers:

Military Police, (Carabinieri): 112

Police, Naples (Polizia di Stato): 113

Fire Department, Naples (Vigili del Fuoco): 115

Ambulance, Naples, (first aid only): 118

For local first responders, refer to U.S. Embassy Rome’s Emergency Assistance page.

Medical Emergencies

Contact Information for Recommended Hospitals/Clinics

For medical assistance, refer to U.S. Embassy Rome’s Medical Assistance page.

CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Italy.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no Country Council in Naples. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

Consulate General-Naples, Piazza della Repubblica, 80122 Naples

Regular business hours: 0830–1730

Consulate Contact Numbers

Consulate Operator: (39) 081-5838-111

Marine Post One: (39) 081-583-8208

Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/naples/

Nearby Posts: Embassy Rome, Consulate Florence, Consulate Milan

Consulate Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Naples should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Italy Country Information Sheet