This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Crime (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Italy because of the risk of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

The Italian Government has reported that Italy is a potential target for international terrorist attacks. In July 2007, Italian law enforcement authorities uncovered a terrorist cell in central Italy. Heightened security measures are in place in and around major tourist attractions, including the Vatican, on public transport, cruise ships and at airports, seaports and railway stations.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Large-scale demonstrations occur frequently in Italy, particularly in major cities. Demonstrations can result in disruptions to public transport services and building closures, particularly in tourist areas. There is the potential for violence at such large public gatherings in Italy. You should avoid any such events and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Isolated incidents of violence occur in Italy and are often connected with domestic social or political issues. Two small bombs exploded in Milan in July 2007 causing minor damage. A number of bombings have been directed at Italian police and the offices of prominent Italian politicians as well as government institutions and public and commercial buildings.

Crime

Petty crime including bag snatching, pick-pocketing, passport theft and theft from cars is common, especially in larger cities and in and around major tourist attractions, on public transport and at major airports and railway stations. Thieves often work in large groups or in pairs to distract the victim and rob them while their attention is diverted.

Credit card and ATM fraud involving 'skimming' machines, which can store card data, is rising. You should monitor transactions statements and only use ATMs in secure locations such as banks, shops or malls.

There are reports of tourists having been robbed and assaulted after accepting spiked or drugged food and drink.

Robberies from cars at traffic lights, rest stops and service stations have occurred in Italy. There are reports of thieves staging roadside emergencies to persuade drivers to pull over. While the driver is distracted, the thieves steal personal belongings.

From 1 August 2008 soldiers will help conduct some policing duties in major cities.

Local Travel

There are frequent strikes in Italy that can result in delays and cancellations to regular public transport services.

Driving in Italy can be dangerous due to aggressive driving practices and excessive speed. Italy has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle accidents in the European Union. On-the-spot fines are payable for a range of minor traffic offences. It is mandatory to use headlights on main roads and highways, including during the day.

There has been an on-going rubbish disposal problem in the provinces of Naples and Caserta. While the situation has improved since the start of 2008, there are still some areas of accumulated waste in the outer areas of Naples. The main tourist areas are generally unaffected. Periodic collection strikes are possible. In the past, residents have lit fires to dispose of the rubbish. Should the situation deteriorate, you should consider the health risks, such as respiratory problems, stemming from the rubbish and possible fires.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Forest fires often occur during the summer months in Italy (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested regions. If you are in an affected area, you should monitor media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Italy is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Mt Etna on the island of Sicily and Mt Stromboli and Mt Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands chain north of Sicily are all active volcanoes. Mt Etna and Mt Stromboli experienced some lava flows in early 2007. Mt Vesuvius near Naples is currently inactive, but is monitored. The Humanitarian Early Warning Service provides updates on volcanic activity.

If an explosion or eruption occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. The incidence of ATM fraud (using skimming devices) has increased. We recommend you use ATMs in well-lit areas or inside bank premises.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Italy be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Under Italian legislation internet cafe owners are required to record the passport details of all internet users.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings and military areas in Italy. You should check with local authorities before taking photos.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Italy for the most up-to-date information.

Italy is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 23 other European countries, which allows Australians to enter Italy without a visa in some circumstances. See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention for more information.

Australians arriving from Schengen Convention countries who are staying less than 90 days are required to make a "Declaration of Presence" within eight days of arriving in Italy. The declaration can be lodged at a police headquarters (Questura) or at some post offices. The declaration form is available on entry or online at the Italian Police Website at www.poliziadistato.it.

Australians arriving in Italy from non-Schengen Convention countries and who are staying in Italy less than 90 days must make a "Declaration of Presence" to the Italian border authorities upon entry. Visitors who obtain the stamp of entry in their passport from the Italian border police are deemed to have satisfied this requirement.

Australians who plan to stay for more than 90 days in Italy should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Italy prior to leaving Australia to enquire about obtaining the appropriate visa and the process for obtaining a permit to stay once in Italy.

You should note that the requirement to obtain a "Declaration of Presence" or "Permit to Stay" is separate from any visa obtained from the Italian Embassy or Consulates. Failure to obtain the declaration or permit may result in expulsion from Italy.

Travellers are advised to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Italy, or visit the Italian Police website to seek up-to-date information relating to their individual circumstances.

Working Holiday Visas - If you are considering working in Italy under the Working Holiday Maker visa program, you should be aware of the potential for delays in the processing of mandatory residence and work permits after your arrival in Italy. In some cases, delays of up to several months have been reported. Travellers who experience difficulties in obtaining residence or work permits under the Working Holiday Maker visa program should advise the Australian Embassy in Rome as soon as possible. Please see the working holiday visa program information sheet on the Australian Embassy website.

People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) carrying 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Under the legislation, the term "cash" includes cheques, travellers' cheques and money orders. Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Italy's major cities is high. Private doctors and specialist and diagnostic services will require up-front payment and private hospitals generally require a substantial deposit before commencing treatment.

Italy and Australia are signatories to a reciprocal health care agreement which covers travellers for up to six months from their date of arrival in Italy. The agreement provides Australians with access to government medical facilities and care in the event of a sudden acute illness or accident, but does not provide for ongoing treatment of existing health conditions. See Medicare's website for further information. The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement does not replace the need for private travel health insurance.

Decompression chambers are located near all diving resorts and in major hospitals throughout Italy.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Italy, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
Via Antonio Bosio 5
00161 Rome, ITALY
Telephone: (39 06) 85 2721
Facsimile: (39 06) 85 272 300
Website: http://www.italy.embassy.gov.au/

or

Australian Consulate-General
3rd Floor
Via Borgogna 2
20122 Milan, ITALY
Telephone: (39 02) 777 041
Facsimile: (39 02) 7770 4242

If you are travelling to Italy, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above Embassy or Consulate-General you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.