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. Tri-Mission in Rome 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.

Please 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 Rome. The RSO, through information shared by Italian law enforcement partners, has seen an increase in non-violent crime over 2018. Consult with credible local experts and local law enforcement to ensure your organization is not impacted by, infiltrated by, or inadvertently doing business with a criminal organization.

U.S. visitors are generally safe in Italy and are not specifically targeted based on nationality; however, criminals do often target foreigners for petty theft such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and thefts from parked vehicles. Passport theft is of particular concern.

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. Use extra caution while in/around train stations and transit points. The large crowds and chaotic atmosphere provide an ideal environment for criminals.

Areas identified as 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 Coliseum, 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 of a police presence.

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.

According to Italian National Police reports, there has been a slight increase from previous years in home burglaries and vehicle break-ins involving the Roman public in general. Vehicle break-ins are more likely to occur when parking on the street. Perpetrators target electronics and other valuables left in plain sight. Park cars in a garage or in a well-illuminated area.

The rate of violent crime (e.g. homicides, aggravated assault, rape) in Rome is far below the U.S. national average. Violent crimes in Rome, involving U.S. citizens, account for less than 2% of the total average of all reported criminal incidents in 2018. 

Recent incidents of crime against U.S. Embassy employees include:

• While driving in Rome, an Embassy employee’s vehicle was hit by an unknown object intended to simulate a vehicle collision. The perpetrators claimed the employee had hit their vehicle and demanded the employee pull over to assess the damage. The employee stopped, exited the vehicle, and engaged in an argument with the other driver. While the employee was distracted, another individual took the employee’s purse from inside the vehicle. Stolen items included identification documents, cash, credit cards, and house keys.
• An intruder broke into an Embassy employee’s residence, gaining access through an open balcony door. They escaped unnoticed with an estimated US$3,300 worth of property.
• An intruder broke into an Embassy employee’s residence, gaining access through an unlocked door. Stolen items included jewelry, wallets, and a coin collection.
• A taxi driver assaulted an Embassy employee after a dispute over a taxi fare. It was only when the employee told the driver, in Italian, that he was a U.S. diplomat, that the driver stopped and fled.
• A thief broke into an Embassy employee’s vehicle by smashing the passenger side window. Among the items taken were a wallet, work phone, portfolio, and keys.
• A thief stole an Embassy employee’s bankcard information at a retail location. The thief used the information to withdraw money fraudulently from the employee’s account.

Use ATMs attached to or inside a physical bank, as opposed to a stand-alone machine. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is a growing concern for Italian authorities, and should be a priority for anyone conducting business in Rome. According to authorities, credit card fraud, ATM skimming, and identity hacking account for 75% of all financial crime in the city.

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.

Transportation-Safety Situation

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

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions in Rome meet U.S standards. Roads are well maintained, and extensive lighting exists. Vehicle accidents are common, and accidents involving pedestrians are also common.

Driving in Italy can be stressful. Traffic laws are not often followed or enforced. Traffic enforcement includes extensive use of cameras, but enforcement by local traffic officials is limited and inconsistent. Scooters and motorcycles do not often follow the rules of the road and are known to use the sidewalks and median to get around vehicles at traffic lights and in moving traffic. Drivers should drive defensively and be prepared to brake quickly and avoid scooters and other cars that can quickly cut across lanes or turn across traffic. Pedestrians frequently cross the street outside of crosswalks. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

If an individual is involved in a traffic accident, below are suggested actions.

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 to be transported by ambulance 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 the vehicles to be moved if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle by any means possible. Extensive photographs can help but should not be considered the 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 the vehicles to be moved 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

The public transportation system (with trains, metro, trams, and buses) in Rome is modern, extensive, and an accepted means of travel. Authorized taxis are white and metered. Only use licensed taxis or a reputable transportation service. Anyone inexperienced in driving in Rome should use public transportation or taxis.

There are numerous reports of pickpocketing and purse slashing on public transportation. During rush hour, buses and trains tend to be very crowded, and many victims do not realize they have been robbed. Victims have reported their handbags cut open and their valuables removed, while men have lost items from inner jacket pockets. ATAC Bus Route No. 64 from Termini to St. Peter’s Basilica is a problematic route for skilled theft. Buses and metro cars are often crowded with tourists; therefore, use vigilance.

Travelers should be alert for transit strikes, which occur often and generally on a Friday.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Several major U.S. airlines service the Rome Fiumincino (FCO), and Ciampino Airport (CIA) international airports. Airline safety is on par with other Western European countries.

Other Travel Conditions

Numerous tour organizations arrange travel throughout the country, with varying degrees of service. None is off-limits.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/ Concerns

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Rome. ISIS, al-Qa’ida, their affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups aspire to commit terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. Local security authorities believe threats and attacks are likely to be a security concern as European members of ISIS return from Syria and Iraq. There is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions.

Italy’s concerns for terrorism are exacerbated by its proximity to North Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, Italy has figured prominently in the rhetoric of groups such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and al-Shabaab. The Government of Italy has a robust counterterrorism program and actively monitors known or suspected foreign fighters and terrorists.

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.

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.

Anti-U.S. Sentiment

Anti-U.S. rhetoric comes from groups opposing specific “establishment” referendums that have U.S. cooperation, for example: Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communications system, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP). 

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest 

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Rome. Politically motivated violence in Italy is most often connected to Italian internal developments or social issues. Italian authorities and foreign diplomatic facilities have found bombs outside public buildings, received bomb threats, and been subjects of letter bombs in the past several years.

Demonstrations occur regularly in Rome. However, most are small and well controlled by security forces. There are several common locations for demonstrations listed below:

• The Ministry of Economic Development on Via Molise;
• The Ministry of Labor on Via Veneto;
• The Ministry of Economy and Finance on Via XX Settembre; and
• Piazza del Popolo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza San Giovanni, and Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus).

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Since August 2016, there has been increased earthquake activity in the northern region of Lazio, approximately 80 miles northeast of Rome. According to Italy’s Civil Protection Agency, a magnitude 5.7 quake occurred near Amatrice in January 2017. The tremors were felt in Rome, and although very little damage was recorded, schools, metro stations, and trains were closed in order to check for possible damage. The region has suffered hundreds of smaller quakes since the seismic activity began. Most recently, Mount Etna (in Sicily) erupted in December 2018; some activity continues, according to USGS reporting.

General information about disaster preparedness is available online from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The “Io non rischio” campaign by Italy’s Department of Civil Protection has information on how to avoid risks including floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, and has information in English. The interactive maps for each category may be especially useful for determining levels of risk for personnel working or living in Italy.

Critical Infrastructure

A catastrophic event will likely disrupted response services significantly. Develop a personal plan to overcome an expected disruption.   

Kidnapping Threat

Several instances of kidnappings occurred in 2018. None of these case involved U.S. citizens; however, do not discount the threat of kidnap. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

Police response and services throughout Italy are good. The Polizia di Stato (state police) and the Carabinieri (military police) are well trained and equipped. These two police groups offer the full range of police services.

Crime Victim Assistance

To contact local authorities, use the primary emergency services number 112 to request assistance for any emergency. The service has location detection and multi-lingual operators.

Americans that are in distress should contact the American Citizens Services at:

U.S.  Embassy Rome: Via Vittorio Veneto 119, 00187 Roma

Embassy Operator: (39) 06-4674-1

Marine Post One: (39) 06-4674-2112

For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Medical Emergencies

Main Emergency Number: 112

Ambulance (First Aid only): 118

Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals, though generally free of charge for emergency services, may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the U.S. 

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

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

OSAC Country Council Information

There is currently no active Country Council in Rome. Please contact OSAC’s Europe team if you are interested in private-sector engagement in Rome or have questions about OSAC’s Country Council programs.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

Via Veneto 119/A, 00187 Rome

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1730; closed Saturday and Sunday, and on American and Italian holidays.

Embassy Contact Numbers

Embassy Operator: (39) 06-4674-1

Marine Post One: (39) 06-4674-2112

Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/

Nearby Posts

Consulate Florence: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/florence/

Consulate Milan: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/milan/

Consulate Naples: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/naples/

Virtual Presence Post San Marino: https://sm.usmission.gov/

Embassy Guidance

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

Additional Resources

Italy Country Information Sheet