Italy

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Local Travel section (Glasgow Rangers v Fiorentian 01 May 2008) and Health section (prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Italy). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

See entire profile

Travel Summary

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism in Italy by extreme left-wing and secessionist groups, which are aimed primarily at official Italian targets. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy. See the Local Travel section of this advice for dates of major pre-planned strikes.
The Honorary Consulate in Trieste closed in October 2007. The British Consulate in Venice now assume consular services for the province of Trieste.
Around 3.5 million British tourists visit Italy every year (Source: Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in Italy in 2007 were; replacing lost or stolen passports (over 1,000 cases); deaths, mostly from natural causes (over 100 cases); hospitalisations (77 cases); and arrests or detentions (47 cases). You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities as theft, bag snatching and breaking into cars is common.
Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and should make themselves aware of local skiing laws and regulations throughout their visit. See the General (Skiing) section of this travel advice for more details.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In 2004, the Italian Government announced that the risk of an international terrorist attack in Italy had increased. At the request of the British Embassy, the Italian authorities have increased security around British interests. The Italian authorities also have more general additional security measures in place including Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa airports. Surveillance has been raised on railway stations and metros.

In recent years the Italian authorities have carried out numerous arrests of extremists in Italy, which have disrupted a number of terrorist networks. But there continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism. Typically, incidents have been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs and incendiary devices, and carried out by extreme left-wing and secessionist groups.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Levels of crime are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime in the big city centres. Take care on public transport and in crowded areas where pickpockets and bag snatchers may be operating. In Rome, take particular care around the main railway station, Termini, on the number 64 bus, which goes to and from St Peter's Square, and when unloading your baggage from airport/city coaches. Also take care in and around railway stations in other large Italian cities. Be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you. Passports, credit cards, travel tickets and cash should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Only carry with you what you need for the day. Consider making use of safety deposit facilities in hotels.

In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in Italy.

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. For more general information see Rape, Sexual Assault and Assault.

Cars, at rest stops and motorway service stations are targets for robbers. You should treat with caution offers of help if you find yourself with a flat tyre, particularly on the motorway from Naples to Salerno, as sometimes the tyre will have been punctured deliberately.

Always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in the vehicle even if you will only be away for a short time or are nearby. There have been a number of cases of cars containing luggage, or of luggage left in cars being stolen. You should avoid leaving luggage in cars overnight or for any length of time.

Be vigilant when travelling on sleepers/night trains. Thieves sometimes operate on trains in Italy and may take the opportunity, during the night, to rob sleeping travellers. Theft can also take place on trains during the day. Do not leave bags containing valuables unattended.

During August there has been a spate of thefts of tenders from large yachts in the Gulf of Naples and in particular in the waters around Sorrento, Capri and Positano. Owners and crew of vessels are advised to ensure that their tenders are well secured at night.

Police in Europe have issued warnings that counterfeit Euro notes are in circulation on the continent. You should take reasonable precautions to ensure that any notes received from sources other than banks and legitimate Bureau de Change are genuine.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Italy Country Profile

Holy See Country Profile

Local Travel

The refuse disposal crisis in the region of Campania, which has involved the provinces of Naples and Caserta since the beginning of the year, has now improved. The city of Naples has cleared the backlog of accumulated rubbish and the daily collection has been re-established.

The satellite areas of the city of Naples which were the worst affected by the crisis have also largely returned to normal. Although some pockets of accumulated rubbish remain, these too are in the process of being cleared.

If you need a taxi, travel in only officially licensed taxis. These will have a taxi sign on the roof. Also ensure that the meter in the taxi has been restarted before commencing your journey.

There is a continuing risk of strikes by a range of workers’ organisations in Italy, particularly in the transport sector. You should be aware that other strikes could be called at little or no notice. Major strikes, which are likely to cause significant disruption, will be listed here.

26 January 2008 Rail strike 24 hours from 2100 until 2100 on 27 January 2008.

Because of heightened security at ports and other sensitive areas, delays at security check-points may occur. You should plan your travel accordingly.

If travelling on public transport, you should note that tickets need to be endorsed in a ticket machine before starting a journey. The machines are usually positioned at the entrance to platforms in railway stations, in the entrance hall to metro stations and on board buses and trams. Officials patrol all means of public transport and will issue an on the spot fine of Euros 50 to 60 if you do not hold an endorsed ticket.

Road Travel

If you wish to drive in Italy you must have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

In 2005 there were 5,426 road deaths in Italy (source: DfT). This equates to 9.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

Since July 2007 on-the-spot fines' for minor traffic offences have been in operation. These may range typically between €150 - 250. You are strongly advised to stick to the rules of the road, and/or have enough cash if you have to pay a fine. Failure to do so may seriously inconvenience your visit.

You must use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities. There are also strict rules on drink driving. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is now 0.5 grams per litre. The use of mobile telephones in cars is prohibited unless they are fitted with speaker devices or used with headphones.

You should carry at least one reflective safety jacket in your vehicle and wear it when standing with, inspecting or repairing your vehicle if you are on a public highway.

If you rent a car in Italy, you should check the rental insurance terms carefully. Some policies will not cover an accident that does not include a third party eg a collision with a wall. Certain provisions in policies, such as fire and theft, might not apply for all regions of Italy.

Further advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.

Road hauliers

Trucks over 7.5 tonnes (75 quintali) are not allowed on Italian roads, including motorways, on Sundays from 07:00 until midnight, local time. These restrictions do not apply to those trucks already granted an exception, such as those carrying perishable goods and petrol supplies.

Both the Mont Blanc and Frejus road tunnels, linking Italy and France, are open but the restrictions introduced following the fires in 1999 and 2005 respectively continue to be applied to HGVs. These can be summarised as follows:

Mont Blanc: height restricted to 4.7m; minimum speed 50 km/h; maximum speed 70 km/h. Consult: www.tunnelmb.com or by telephone on number 00 33 (0)45 05 55 500.

Fréjus: Vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes are subject to 1-hour alternate traffic flows starting at 08:00 leaving Italy. Special regulations apply to vehicles carrying dangerous loads. Details can be obtained from: http://www.portal.gesac.it

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

The passenger safety certificates of two roll-on/roll-off ferries (the Campania and the Sicilia) operating on the Naples/Palermo route were not renewed by the UK because inspectors judged that the ferries did not fully comply with their interpretation of certain requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The ferries continue to operate but are no longer under the UK flag. We have no information about other vessels on this or other routes to Sicily.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Italy. For more details about this see Airline Security

Glasgow Rangers v Fiorentina: 1 May 2008

Information for fans: General information

Florence is a small city. It takes about 15 minutes by bus and 60 minutes by foot to get from the historic centre to the stadium. Fans should be aware that police surveillance of the historic centre is tight, and that the penalties for climbing on or defacing historic monuments are severe. There will be a strong police presence throughout the city. Fans should take careful note of the following advice:

Carry your passport with you at all times.
Ensure that your ticket has been validated.
Turn up at the stadium in good time - ticket checking at the gate will be a slow process.
Italian police take a very firm line on public order. If stopped by the police for any reason, you should respond politely.
You will not be allowed to enter the stadium wearing belts with large buckles or studs - in other words, wear a light belt with a small buckle - or better still no belt at all - to avoid embarrassment!
No fireworks or flares may be brought to the stadium.
1 May is a public Holiday in Italy, so many tourist venues and shops will be closed. Some bars and restaurants may also be closed. Public transport will be running on a reduced timetable, so leave plenty of time to get to the stadium.

Transport

Buses will be laid on from Piazza Independenza to the stadium. Otherwise public service buses 7, 17 or 20 go from the main railway station, Santa Maria Novella to the stadium. You can buy bus tickets in some bars, tobacconists and on the bus from the driver (no change given).

At the stadium

There are two checkpoints. P12 (intersection of Viale Pasquale Paoli, Viale Manfredo Fanti and Viale Enrico Caldini) for the away sector; and at turnstiles T13 and T14 for access to sectors PS1, OS2 and OS3. Corporate Clients access the stadium through gates P18 and T19; disabled supporters through Gates P11 and T12.

The stadium will open three and a half hours before kick off.

Local laws and customs

In the cities of Venice and Florence, you should observe public notices about conduct. You may be fined if you drop litter. It is also an offence to sit on steps/courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of the main churches and public buildings in Florence.

Italian authorities are engaged in a major effort to stamp out the illegal production and sale of counterfeit goods. Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence and Rome. You are advised not to buy from illegal street traders: if you do so you run the risk of being stopped by the local police and incurring a large fine.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

You do not need a visa to enter Italy but as a British national you will need to have a valid passport.

Passport validity

Please ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Italy

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Italian Embassy.

Health

Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.

Since September 2007 there has been an outbreak of Chikungunya Virus in the Ravenna area of Emilia Romagna; the virus is transmitted by mosquitos. The local authority is carrying out a disinfestation programme.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UN AIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 150,000 adults aged 15 or over in Italy were living with HIV, the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV/AIDS page of the FCO website.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Italy and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general information see Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Italian government confirmed on 11 February 2006 that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in six migratory swans in Sicily and southern Italy. The Italian government has confirmed that urgent biosecurity measures have already been implemented in accordance with EU legislation. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Natural Disasters

Volcanoes

There continues to be low-intensity volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Further information on Stromboli and other volcanoes around the world can be found at: http://www.stromboli.net

Earthquakes

Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence.

Major Earthquakes on 31 October and 1 November 2002, affected the Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia regions of southern Italy. The epicentre of the worst tremor was near Campobasso in Molise. Further tremors in this region cannot be ruled out.

Flooding

Visitors to Venice should note that parts of Venice are liable to flooding at certain times of year, especially in late autumn and early spring.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Money

Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.

Skiing

If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling. They can be contacted at:

1 Princes Street
London W1R 9AY
Tel: 020 7 355 1557/1439

You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas. Italy has introduced a law forcing skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment if going off-piste. The law also obliges under-14s to wear a helmet and there are plans for snowboarders to be banned from certain slopes.

Further information can be obtained at the following websites:

http://www.avalanches.org

You are reminded that the currency in Italy is the Euro.

The British Consulate, Venice has relocated to:

British Consulate,
Piazzale Donatori di Sangue 2/5
Venice-Mestre
30171

Tel: (0039) 041 5055990 or (0039) 041 5069389
Fax: (0039) 041 950254

Travel advice for this country

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contacts

Italy, Rome, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Via XX Settembre 80a
I-00187 Roma RM

Postal address (from UK):
British Embassy
BFPO 65

Telephone:

(39) 06 4220 0001 or 4220 + extn if known
(39) 06 478 141 British Council
(39) 06 4220 2600 Passport & Visa Enquiries
(39) 06 4220 2603 Out of Hours

Fax:

(39) 06 4220 2347 Information
(39) 06 4220 2333 Chancery
(39) 06 4220 2348 Economic and Commercial
(39) 06 4220 2335 Management
(39) 06 4220 2334 Consular, Visas
(39) 06 4220 2283 Defence

Email: RomeCommEnq@fco.gov.uk

Email: InfoRome@fco.gov.uk

Email: ConsularRome@fco.gov.uk

Email: ManagementRome@fco.gov.uk

Email: CommercialMilan.Milan@fco.gov.uk

Email: visasrome@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

GMT:
(Sep-Jul): Mon-Fri: 0800-1600
(Aug): Mon-Fri: 0700-1300

Local Time:
(Sep-Jul): Mon-Fri: 0900-1700
(Aug): 0800-1400

Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/italy