Italy Travel 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Tourists During Vatican Jubilee Year with Updated Security Advisories

Listeners considering a trip to Italy this summer should be aware that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Italy as of May 2025, urging travelers to exercise increased caution primarily due to the risk of petty crime and the potential for terrorism-related incidents. While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Italy, authorities maintain robust security measures, and the U.S. Embassy has underscored the importance of remaining alert to your surroundings and promptly reporting suspicious activity. Security vigilance has also been heightened by a recent worldwide caution alert following global events, which could lead to increased security presence and sporadic disruptions. Travelers are reminded that 2025 is a Jubilee year for the Vatican, drawing millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican City. This has resulted in significantly increased police and military presence, particularly at major tourist attractions, religious sites, and transportation hubs. Local authorities have implemented stricter enforcement of identification requirements: travelers must carry their original passports at all times, as copies are now unlikely to be sufficient. Non-compliance could result in fines or other penalties according to Italian officials sharing updates through travel community forums and embassy communications. Petty crime remains the most common safety issue facing visitors to Italy, especially in crowded areas such as tourist sites, public transit, airports, and restaurants. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent, often involving distraction tactics such as unsolicited help, intentional spills, or persistent conversation. There have also been reports of theft from rental cars—especially at traffic lights or in busy areas—and criminals using scooters to quickly snatch bags from pedestrians. The Canadian government advises keeping valuables secured, avoiding displays of wealth, and being cautious in busy public spaces. Sexual assaults, including incidents involving foreign women, have been reported, and the Italian government operates a multilingual 24/7 hotline (number 1522) to assist victims of gender-based violence and stalking. Travelers should also be prepared for logistical considerations. Visitors from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and most EU countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period, but all non-EU visitors are now subject to the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, which includes biometric data collection on arrival and departure. Passports must have at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay, and no COVID-19 vaccination proof or testing is currently required, though regulations may differ by airline or route. With the Jubilee attracting massive crowds, particularly in Rome and the Vatican, there may be additional security checkpoints, restricted access to certain areas, and potential delays, particularly near large gatherings or demonstrations. Loc This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.