Orientation briefing in Italy

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946, and economic revival followed. Italy is a charter member of NATO, as well as the European Economic Community (EEC) and its successors, the EC and the EU. It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include sluggish economic growth, high youth and female unemployment, organized crime, corruption, and economic disparities between southern Italy and the more prosperous north.

Demonstrations can happen with little or no warning in cities. Most demonstrations are peaceful but can change with little warning.

Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. If you are near a demonstration, follow the instructions of the police and local authorities and leave the area. Do not stop to watch or photograph disorder or police activity.

Check local news and official travel information for updates. Transport services maybe cancelled at short notice.

This travel advice also covers Vatican City.

Demonstrations and national strike

Recent demonstrations across northern Italian cities have led to violent riots and looting. There is an increased presence of police and military personnel in Milan. Further demonstrations may take place in major cities. See Political demonstrations.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Italy

Terrorist attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out.

Events in Israel and Palestine

Italian authorities have increased security around some Jewish community sites due to events in Israel and Palestine. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations can happen with little or no warning in cities. Most demonstrations are peaceful but can change with little warning.

Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. If you are near a demonstration, follow the instructions of the police and local authorities and leave the area. Do not stop to watch or photograph disorder or police activity.

Check local news and official travel information for updates. Transport services maybe cancelled at short notice.

Crime

Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.  

To reduce your personal risk:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

Stolen Passports

Be aware that if your passport is stolen, you cannot use a police report to leave Italy. See our lost or stolen passports guidance

Public transport

Take care on public transport, in crowded areas and in city centres, including main train and metro stations.

Be particularly careful with your belongings:

• on public transport
• at airports
• at tourist sites and local bars, cafes and restaurants

Theft from cars

Thefts from parked cars is common across the country. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle, even out of sight in the boot, for any length of time.

Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car. 

Drink spiking and alcohol

Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Italy are often stronger than those in the UK.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Under Italian law, police can stop you at any time to carry out an identity check or your date of entry into the country. Carry photo ID with you at all times. The police will normally ask for your full passport if you are stopped while driving.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.

Airports in Italy have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Public transport regulations

If you buy a ticket from a kiosk or machine, you must validate it on public transport before you start your journey. Officials patrol public transport and will issue an on-the-spot fine if you do not have a validated ticket. Some buses and trams accept onboard contactless payment.

Tourist tax

Many major cities in Italy impose a small tax on tourists. You must usually pay this tax at your hotel as it is unlikely to be included in your holiday booking. The rate of tax varies from city to city and can depend on the star rating of the hotel. Hotels often ask for payment in cash. Make sure you get a receipt. For more information, check with the local tourist information office.

Venice access fee

If you are visiting Venice, you may need to pay an access fee. See when access fees apply, exemptions and how to make a payment.

Public offences

Some Italian towns and cities have specific laws, and you could be fined for breaking them. For example, there may be laws against:

• dropping litter
• sitting on monument steps
• eating and drinking next to main churches, historic monuments and public buildings
• defacing historic monuments

It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains in many towns and cities, including Florence and Rome or swim in the canals in Venice. You could face a fine of up to 10,000 euros for urinating in a public place.

On the island of Capri, you must not use or bring on to the island any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays and straws. If you do, you could be fined up to 500 euros.

Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities. It is illegal to buy items from unlicensed street traders. If you do, you could be stopped by the local police and fined.

It’s illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. You could face a large fine for doing so. It’s also illegal to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.

Winter sports

Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations.

You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.

Regulations for the ski season include:

• from 1 November 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers will be required to wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts. This law applies regardless of age or activity. Failing to do so risks a fine of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for up to 3 days
• third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement and can be purchased locally with a ski pass
• you must not eat or drink on ski lifts or boarding areas
• you must not climb a slope with snowshoes except in an emergency
• you must not ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous, with the danger of avalanches in some areas. Follow all safety instructions and go with a qualified guide. For more information about the avalanche risk, visit the European Avalanche Warning Service website.

Make sure your insurance covers off-piste activity. It is a legal requirement for skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment, a snow probe and a shovel if they go off-piste.

See advice on preparing for winter sports.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming and beaches

Every year, people drown in the sea, lakes and in swimming pools in Italy.

Swimming pools

Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.

Lakes

Test the water temperature before swimming in a lake. Cold water shock can be extremely dangerous and overwhelm even the strongest swimmers.  See Met Office tips on staying safe.

Beaches

Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach. Some beaches may have strong undercurrents.

Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.

Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.

If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.

See further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.

Hiking and adventure sports

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.

Make sure your insurance covers these activities.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous, such as off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping, your insurance should include:

• mountain rescue services
• helicopter costs
• repatriation to your country of residence or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario with items such as a map, compass, GPS and telecommunication equipment. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the terrain and season.

Risks are greater if you undertake any activity alone. Plan your route beforehand and consider your limitations in distance and difficulty. You may want to hire a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary and insurance with someone.

If you are planning on hiking in the Trentino region, read what to do if  you see a brown bear.

If an accident happens or if you become lost, call 112 for the emergency services.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Italy, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Italy guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

The Italian Police guide on driving in Italy gives further safety advice.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you’re living in Italy, or planning to live there, see the driving requirements for residents.

Disabled drivers  

Valid Blue Badges issued in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland are recognised in Italy and benefit from the same parking and mobility concessions available to holders of the Italian disability parking permit (CUDE). This includes access to designated disabled parking spaces and, where permitted by local regulations, access to Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs). 

To use your valid Blue Badge in Italy, you should: 

• display it clearly at the front of the vehicle (on the dashboard or windscreen)

• comply with any local requirements that may apply 

The arrangements apply to holders of a valid UK Blue Badge visiting Italy. 

For further information, read the Circular setting out recognition arrangements and see the GOV.UK guidance on using a Blue Badge in Europe.

Taxis

Only use officially licensed taxis, which have a taxi sign on the roof and a company name and number written on the side. Call a taxi, order one from an app or pick one up from an official rank.         

Transport strikes

Transport strikes are often called at short notice. You can find information on the Ministry of Transport website (in Italian).

Pedestrian safety

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.

Exercise caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including in road underpasses.

Emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only if you need to leave your vehicle and should not be used as pedestrian routes.

Traffic restrictions

You need a pass to drive into the historic centre of many Italian cities in a private or hire car. You can buy a pass from most car hire companies. The boundaries are usually marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. If you pass this sign, your registration number is likely to be caught on camera and you will be fined if you do not have a pass.

There is a congestion charge for Milan city centre.

In Rome, city authorities sometimes restrict traffic to reduce pollution. This means certain vehicles are not allowed on the roads in the green band (‘fascia verde’) area, which covers most of Rome. The Rome Municipality has more information.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. For severe weather warnings, visit the European Meteorological Services website.

Wildfires

Wildfires are a risk during the extended summer months. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast and follow advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services.

For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit the Civil Protection Department.

Flooding

Heavy rainfall is common throughout Italy in winter, which can cause local flooding. Monitor local media, weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities in affected areas.

High waters are a common occurrence in Venice and can cause flooding in parts of the city.

Earthquakes

Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line, which means that minor tremors and earthquakes happen regularly. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Volcanoes

There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy. National emergency planning is in place for  the Phlegraean fields, an area that remains active experiencing regular tremors.

Airspace can be affected during eruptions. If you are travelling to or from Catania, during a period of heightened activity, check with your travel provider or with Catania airport.

Read what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 118 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Italy
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Italy, including:

• dengue
• biting insects and ticks
• west nile disease

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Italy

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Italy where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Italy, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including: 

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

See guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Italy.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

For advice on what to do when travelling to Italy with medicines containing internationally controlled drugs, see information on the Ministry of Health website.

Pharmacies

You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most over-the-counter medicines. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. UK prescriptions are not accepted, though you may be able to buy an equivalent medication from the pharmacy.

Alternatively, you can visit an Italian GP to obtain a local prescription. Prescription medicines are not free in Italy, but with an EHIC or GHIC, and an Italian prescription, you will pay a reduced rate.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.