Is Italy Safe? Travel Safety and Health Tips for Americans

Italy is at Level 2, Exercise increased caution, in the State Department’s travel advisory issued September 10, 2026, and the stated reason is terrorism. Petty crime is common in tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains, and the State Department highly recommends buying travel insurance before the trip.

At a glance

• Advisory level: Level 2, Exercise increased caution
• Main threat: terrorism
• Key natural risk: earthquakes are frequent
• Health insurance: U.S. Medicare and Medicaid don’t work abroad
• Emergency number: 112
• Date of the official advisory: September 10, 2026

Is Italy safe to visit right now?

The advisory reads: Travel Advisory, Italian Republic, Level 2, Exercise increased caution, date issued September 10, 2026. Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Travelers can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

What is the emergency number in Italy?

The single emergency number in Italy is 112. It is free and dialable without any prefix. For specific needs, 113 reaches the State Police (accidents, thefts), 115 the fire brigade (fires, weather emergencies) and 118 urgent medical attention, which also covers mountain or cave rescue. On the road, the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) offers roadside assistance at all hours on 803.116. The U.S. Embassy in Rome has an emergency after-hours line at +39-06-4674-1, and Consular Affairs in the United States answers at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.

What crime and scams should you watch for in Italy?

Italy has a moderate rate of crime. Although there are incidents of theft, violent crimes are rare. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing and car break-ins. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, on buses, metros and trains, at major metro and railway stations, at airports, and from cars parked in city centers and tourist sites. Break-ins of rented vehicles are common throughout the country, and organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate in train stations, bars and cafes. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians, and resisting can be dangerous. Never leave baggage unattended in a car, including in a closed trunk.

Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Strikes and other work stoppages often affect transportation (airlines, airports, trains and buses). On a travel day with a strike, reconfirm your reservations and check with your carrier.

What natural risks should you know about in Italy?

Earthquakes: several major fault lines cross Italy, and earthquakes are frequent.

Volcanoes: Italy has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily. Travelers to Sicily should be aware of the possibility of travel disruptions, including airport closures, if the volcano is active. Italy has many other areas of potential volcanic activity, especially near Naples. Any visit to an active volcano or volcanic field is risky, and eruptions can occur with little to no warning. Follow posted instructions, stay on authorized trails and use well-known tour operators.

Heat and storms: heatwaves are common in the south in summer. Thunderstorms, with heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds, come mainly in spring and summer. Snowstorms are common in northern and mountainous regions during winter.

Flooding: high tides in Venice can cause flooding.

Is it safe to drive in Italy?

Seat belt use is mandatory. When driving outside of cities, you must always use headlights. In autumn and winter, you must have winter tires or snow chains on certain roads, especially in mountainous regions. Drivers often pass on the autostrada at high speeds. Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails and inconsistent speed limits.

Authorities fine drivers without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns across Italy. Cameras take pictures of license plates, and the fines are sent to the driver’s home in the United States. If authorities stop you driving a car registered abroad, you may have to pay the ticket immediately, so be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.

Do you need travel insurance for Italy, and how does health care work?

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid don’t work abroad, so make sure your insurance plan works abroad. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front before service or admission. The State Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Ambulance services are widely available.

Foreigners can bring up to 30 days’ worth of personal medications into Italy, according to the Ministry of Health. Bring a copy of your prescription.

• Prescriptions: pack no more than 30 days’ worth, with a copy of the prescription

Where can you check Italy travel safety updates?

The advisory was issued September 10, 2026. Check it again shortly before departure and whenever the advisory level changes.