Published: June 20, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Italy Travel Advisory and Italy Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Veneto 119/A, 00187 Rome
Tel: +39-06-4674-1; After-hours Emergencies: +39-06-4674-2112
Hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday-Friday.
U.S. Consulate General Naples
Piazza della Repubblica,80122 Naples
Tel: +39-081-5838-111; After-hours Emergencies: +39-081-583-8208
Hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday-Friday.
U.S. Consulate General Milan
Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milan
Tel: +39-02-2903-51; After-hours Emergencies: +39-02-2903-5255
Hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday-Friday.
U.S. Consulate Florence
Lungarno Vespucci 38, 50123, Florence
Tel: +39-06-4674-1; After-hours Emergencies: +39-06-4674-2112
Hours: 0830 – 1730; Monday-Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
There is currently an active Country Chapter in Italy.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Italy Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Milan, Naples, and Rome as MEDIUM-threat locations and Florence as a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Italy has a moderate rate of crime, especially for theft and economic crimes; violent crimes are rare. U.S. visitors are generally safe in Italy and are not specific targets based on nationality. However, criminals do often target foreigners for opportunistic petty theft such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and thefts from parked vehicles. Passport and electronics thefts are of particular concern.
In Rome, areas identified as being at higher risk for criminal activity include the area near the Termini Train Station, the neighborhoods of Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. Pickpockets and bag snatchers are more common near the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Termini Train Station. These are well-known tourist locations and transportation hubs. Car thieves prefer the areas outside of the Centro Storico, like Giovanni and the Appia areas, where there is less police presence.
In Florence, areas of greater risk include the areas around the Santa Maria Novella train station, the car rental hub close to Vespucci Airport (FLR), area around Santa Croce, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. Due to the large population of U.S. students in Florence and Bologna, busy dance clubs and bars can be common sites for crimes against U.S. nationals.
Although the following areas within Milan are well-patrolled by police and the Italian military, the potential for crime is higher at/near Duomo Cathedral, Milano Railway Stations (Centrale, Garibaldi, Rogoredo, Cadorna), San Siro Football Stadium, Airports (Linate and Malpensa), the Navigli Area, large shopping areas (such as Via Torino or Corso Buenos Aires), and public transportation hubs (trams, trains, and buses).
Piazza del Gesu, a large plaza in south Naples, has been reported as an area where physical altercations are most prevalent during late evening/early morning hours. The piazza has many bars, which all close at the same time and spill patrons into the square. The combination of alcohol, bravado, and inter-gang rivalries make fights frequent in this area. Centro Storico, to include the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), has seen violent episodes involving stabbings and shootings. Tourists are not targets. However, gun violence may take the form of scooter-mounted drive-by shootings, where bullets may strike people beyond their intended targets. In general, stick to main avenues and piazzas, and enjoy the historic center during daylight hours.
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.
Criminals commonly employ diversion techniques. One common example involves criminals who ask unsuspecting victims for directions. While the victim is offering assistance, an accomplice will covertly take an unattended piece of luggage or bag. Thieves will offer assistance when checking into hotels with bags or strollers, picking up one of the bags and disappearing into the crowd. Large crowds and chaotic atmospheres provide an ideal environment for criminals.
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. Be particularly careful with belongings on trains to and from airports and cruise ship ports in Italy (especially Fiumicino airport), as well as on the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Sorrento, and when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches.
More U.S. students study abroad in Italy than in any other country. Students are often targets of theft or sexual assault. 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. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If 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.
Hotels and home shares are widely available and relatively safe, but thefts occur occasionally. Always keep belongings in a safe place. Home burglaries have occurred and privately-owned vehicles continue to be a particularly attractive target throughout Italy. Perpetrators also target rental cars driven by unsuspecting tourists. Do not leave belongings alone in a car, including a closed trunk. Keep car doors locked, and windows rolled up at all times to avoid car-jackings and thefts while waiting in traffic.
There is also an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices in Rome. 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 when entering the 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 account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Fraudulent currency—particularly the €20 denomination—is in circulation; check all cash for authenticity.
Take extra care and attention when visiting tourist areas. Exercise heightened security awareness while visiting public parks, especially after dark. While parks are attractive locations for exercise, it is a good idea to travel with another person or with a group in twilight or evening hours. Do not venture down isolated or dark alleyways.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Italy.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Florence, Milan, Naples, and Rome as LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Italy, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Credible information indicates that terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in Europe. 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. Maintain heightened situational awareness and incorporate good personal security practices into your daily activity, including vigilance while in public places. Italy’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Italy’s concerns for terrorism are exacerbated by its proximity to North Africa and the Middle East.
Events occurring elsewhere in the world have also been used by Islamist extremists to try to galvanize individuals across Europe, including in Italy. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack in Israel and Israel’s subsequent response, there have been increased calls by terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qa’ida for individuals to attack targets in Europe. The March 2024 terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Russia was also used by jihadists to call for additional attacks on targets in Europe. Following the terrorist attack in Russia, Italy raised its security alert level.
While Italy has not experienced the rate of terrorist attacks as some of its neighboring European countries, the threat of lone actors and self-radicalized cells remain. Italy, to include Vatican City inside Rome, remains a potential target of terrorist attacks. Much of the terrorism threat comes from radicalized lone-actor perpetrators, who could attack using knives, vehicle ramming, guns, incendiary devices, and other methods that do not require specialized knowledge, access, or training. Preventing such offenses is a special challenge, since these attacks are committed on short notice, involving only a short planning phase and little organizational effort, and often without relying on any network or communication structures.
Lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational and their willingness to attack civilian and soft targets, such as restaurants, markets/shopping malls, hotels, clubs, and similar locations. There also remains a potential for terrorist attacks against public transportation systems and other tourism infrastructure.
Italy also faces several indigenous terrorist groups and radical elements, primarily consisting of extremist and or anarchist movements. Government institutions and diplomatic facilities have received bomb threats and actual explosive devices. Buildings/offices have been the target of firebombs or Molotov cocktails, although generally at night; such incidents are rare and instigated by organized crime or anarchist movements. Italian authorities continue to investigate extremist groups, deport or arrest individuals considered dangerous, and conduct raids on suspected groups throughout the country. In February 2024, Italian police arrested a 22-year-old for throwing two “Molotov cocktail-type” incendiary devices at the U.S. Consulate General Florence.
Italian law enforcement is capable at detecting and deterring terrorist activity, links, and associations within its borders. Law enforcement agencies and intelligence services coordinate their efforts and meet on a regular basis to review threats and share information. The Italian government has legislation that facilitates the detention of terrorism suspects and expedites procedures for expelling noncitizens suspected of endangering national security.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Florence, Milan, Naples, and Rome as LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Italy. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The Italian Republic is a multiparty parliamentary democracy with a bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The constitution vests executive authority in the Council of Ministers, headed by a prime minister whose official title is president of the Council of Ministers. The president of the republic is the head of state and nominates the prime minister after consulting with political party leaders in parliament. Elections are free and fair. Italy’s next national-level elections are expected to take place in 2027.
Protests & Demonstrations
Politically motivated violence in Italy mostly involves 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 have not targeted or injured U.S. citizens.
Demonstrations occur regularly in Rome. However, most are small and well controlled by security forces. There are several common locations for demonstrations: the Economic Development Ministry on Via Molise; the Labor Ministry on Via Veneto; the Economy and Finance Ministry on Via XX Settembre; and Piazza del Popolo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza San Giovanni, and Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus). In Milan, Piazza La Scala and the Piazza del Duomo are common locations for demonstrations. Protests in Naples have occurred in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General, Via Carraciolo, Via Gambattista Pergolesi, and in the area between Piazza Vittoria and Rotunda Diaz.
There can be demonstrations that are anti-American, in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases or diplomatic missions. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on significant holidays, and during international events.
Events around the world have also led to demonstrations in Italy. For instance, after the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, there have been related protests taking place across the country, some that have led to clashes. For instance, in February 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Naples clashed with the police, resulting in 10 injuries. There have also been farmers protesting against the European Union’s environmental policies and demonstrations against violence against women.
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.
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.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
In general, anti-U.S. sentiment is extremely low and does not affect the private sector.
Law Enforcement
The National Police and Carabinieri (gendarmerie or military police) maintain internal security. The National Police reports to the Ministry of Interior. The Carabinieri reports to the Ministry of Defense but is also under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior. The Carabinieri is primarily a domestic police force organized along military lines, with some overseas responsibilities. The army is responsible for external security but also has specific domestic security responsibilities such as guarding public buildings. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The police and Carabinieri are well trained and equipped. Italy has a higher level of police presence than most countries. In 2008, Operation Secure Streets began adding military patrols throughout major cities to supplement civilian police patrols and to deter crime and terrorist attacks. Today, it is common to see police and military patrolling cities, especially at popular landmarks.
The line for emergencies and carabinieri in Italy is 112. The police line is 113, and the fire emergency line is 115.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Italy, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Italy.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government sometimes implements the law effectively. Corruption is a problem, and officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices.
Corruption and organized crime continue to be significant impediments to investment and economic growth in parts of Italy, despite efforts by successive governments to reduce risks. Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, which account for 99 percent of Italy’s companies, are at a higher risk for corruption, according to an October 2022 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report identifies Italy’s risk sectors as energy, transportation, aerospace, large engineering enterprises, and distribution networks.
The U.S. Embassy has not received specific complaints of corruption from U.S. companies operating in Italy in 2024. The Embassy has received requests for assistance from companies facing a lack of transparency and complicated bureaucracy, particularly in the sphere of government procurement.
Attacks against journalists who investigate organized crime and corruption occasionally occur and are investigated by authorities. Reporters without Borders have said that journalists who investigate organized crime and corruption are at times threatened, subject to physical violence, and death threats.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is a growing concern for Italian authorities and should be a priority for anyone conducting business in Italy. As of 2024, Italy continued to rank fourth in the world and first in Europe for the number of cyberattacks. With the growth in remote work, attacks on PCs doubled, as cyber criminals shifted their focus to the weakest link in the chain: the endpoint and the employee’s PC. Ransomware threats have the greatest impact, increasingly targeting the manufacturing sector, the public administration, and healthcare facilities. The Russia-Ukraine war and the ensuing financial and energy crisis also generated an unprecedented surge in cyberattacks, particularly DDoS attacks, which increased exponentially last year. Many attacks are traceable to Chinese and Russian hacking groups that operate transnationally.
The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Use ATMs located in well-lighted 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.
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; Lotteries; Inheritance notices; and Work permits/job offers. Use common sense, avoid deals that are “too good to be true,” and never give money to someone you do not know.
Protect sensitive computer-based programs and operations. It is not uncommon for private corporations or government agencies to fall victim to hackers or other cyber-related attacks regardless of their location worldwide.
Import/Export Restrictions
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 clear 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.
There are no restrictions on satellite phones in Italy.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
