Italy

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly in the summer and autumn tourist seasons. It includes bag snatching, pick-pocketing, passport theft and theft from cars.

Thieves are most active:

• in larger cities

• in and around major tourist spots

• on public transport

• at major airports

• at railway stations and bus terminals

To reduce the risk of theft:

• take care of your belongings

• remain alert in tourist spots

• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night

Monitor local sources for advice about new safety or security risks.

Theft on trains

Theft is very common on trains. This includes to and from Fiumicino airport near Rome and on overnight journeys.

Thieves often work in groups to distract victims and rob them while they are looking away.

On trains, they do this by:

• asking for directions while a train is stopped at a station

• dropping attractive items on the floor of the train

• blocking the view of overhead luggage racks

• throwing rubbish or sauce at the victim

Often a member of the group will pretend to come to help the victim while others steal their valuables.

Check the Italian Public Security System site Polizia Di Stato for advice on how to avoid theft on trains.

Fraud and fake money

Credit card and ATM fraud happens, often involving 'skimming' machines. Monitor your bank statements.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres

• keep your ATM and credit cards in sight

Police have warned that counterfeit European currency is in circulation. Check any notes you receive.

Spiking, robbery and assault

Tourists have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked food or drinks. This has happened in cities and towns, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples.

Some victims have been sexually assaulted or needed hospitalisation.

In Rome, many attacks have taken place:

• around Termini station

• in tourist areas, such as the Colosseum

• in bars and cafes near Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona

In Milan, attacks happen in bars, nightclubs and other late night venues.

In Florence and Naples, attacks happen mainly in the vicinity of train stations and in bars and cafes in the city centres.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept drinks from strangers

• don't leave food or drinks unattended

• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

More information:

• Partying safely

Theft from cars

Vehicle break-in and theft is common. Many Australians have lost belongings, including passports and other valuables, to thieves.

Thieves steal from cars at traffic lights, rest stops, service stations and on the roadside.

Lock your car doors and keep luggage and valuables out of sight

There are reports of thieves slashing tyres or staging roadside emergencies. Their aim is to persuade drivers to pull over and get out of their cars. While the driver is distracted, the thieves steal personal belongings.

Popular targets for thieves are unattended campervans or mobile homes, either:

• parked at camping sites

• in the streets near historic sites

To reduce your risk of theft from your vehicle:

• don't leave valuables in your vehicle

• when you leave your vehicle, lock all doors

• try to use a secure parking facility, especially overnight

Protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Protests can spark violent unrest, demonstrations and riots.

To protect yourself from violence and unrest:

• avoid crowds and protests if you can

• monitor local media for possible unrest

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Strikes

Strikes are common.

They can cause building closures, particularly in tourist areas. They can also disrupt public transport. This includes air, shipping, train, bus, tram and taxi services.

Strikes may involve roadblocks and petrol station closures. This can cause transport delays and cancellations.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Italian) gives details on upcoming strikes.

Trenitalia (Italian) gives details on train disruptions. Call 89 20 21 in Italy, or +39 0668745475 from outside Italy.

To avoid transport delays or missing flights:

• confirm flights or travel with your travel provider

• allow plenty of time for travel to airports and train stations

Political-based violence

Some violence occurs due to domestic social or political issues.

Bombings have occurred. Bombers have targeted:

• Italian police

• the offices of well-known politicians

• government institutions

• public and commercial buildings

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Italy, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in a number of European cities.

Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners.

European security services have also disrupted some planned attacks in recent years.

The Italian Government has reported that Italy is a potential target for international terrorist attacks.

Security measures are in place in and around major tourist attractions, including:

• the Vatican

• on public transport

• on cruise ships

• at airports, seaports and railway stations

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

• take care around places terrorists tend to target

• monitor the media for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

Report suspicious activity or items to police.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Italy experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

In the event of a natural disaster:

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

• monitor the media

• keep in touch with friends and family

• check the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates

Earthquakes

Italy is in an active seismic region and has a number of earthquakes each year.

Large earthquakes happen now and then. They can cause landslides and avalanches. This can result in injuries and death and damage to infrastructure, homes and property.

When travelling in Italy, find out your hotel's earthquake procedure.

If there's been seismic activity in the area you're in or going to, check with your airline or travel provider about disruptions.

More information:

• earthquaketrack.com

• Civil Protection authority (Protezione Civile)

• European Avalanche Warning Service

Volcanoes

Italy has active volcanoes. These include:

• Mount Etna in Sicily

• Mount Stromboli and Mount Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands chain north of Sicily

In July 2019, there was a volcanic eruption on Mount Stromboli. One person died.

Forest fires

Forest fires often occur during the summer months, usually June to September. They tend to happen in heavily forested regions.

Forest fires can be unpredictable and dangerous. They can affect air quality in a way that may be harmful to your health.

Storms and flooding

Heavy winter rains often cause widespread flooding and mudslides.

The areas most often affected are:

• the Veneto region in the north

• the Calabria and Sicily regions in the south

Flooding and mudslides can result in loss of life, destruction of property and evacuation of inhabitants.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Italy. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Health risks are similar to those in Australia.

Measles

Italy is experiencing an increase in measles (World Health Organization) cases. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health)

• Measles immunisation service

Insect-borne diseases

Some cases of West Nile virus (WNV) (World Health Organization) have been reported. There's no vaccine for it.

To reduce your risk of insect-borne disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in major cities are of a good standard. In regional areas, facilities may be limited.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement

There's a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Italy.

Under this agreement, you can get care in Italian public medical facilities if:

• you have a sudden acute illness or accident

• your illness or accident happens in your first six months in Italy

To access care under this agreement, you'll need to provide your Medicare card and Australian passport.

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement doesn't replace the need for private travel health insurance.

It also doesn't cover treatment for ongoing health conditions that you already had when you arrived.

Private medical care

Private doctors, specialist and diagnostic services will ask you to pay up-front.

Private hospitals generally require a large deposit before they will start treatment.

Local law

You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long jail sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Conduct at tourist spots

Pay attention to signs about conduct around tourist areas in major cities, including Rome and Florence.

Officials may fine you for littering, sitting, eating or drinking on steps and courtyards around churches and public buildings or in public spaces in these cities.

Alcohol laws

Some cities, including Rome, have banned:

• organised pub crawls

• drinking on the street

• drinking in public places

Police have arrested Australians for disturbing the peace under these laws.

Other laws

It's illegal to:

• block the pedestrian flow in public spaces

• drive without headlights on main roads outside urban areas or on highways - see Local travel

• take photos of official buildings and military areas

• buy fake brands and products from illegal street vendors

• litter

If you want to take a photo of an official building, check with local authorities first.

If you use an internet cafe, the  owner will ask you for photo ID. The law requires them to sight and keep an electronic record of their clients' photo ID.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality is recognised in Italy.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions

Italy is part of the Schengen area with many other European countries. This means you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, get a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Italian Police

Make sure you get a legible entry stamp in your passport. Get this when you enter the Schengen area, including Italy, for the first time.

By law, hotels and motels must give the Italian authorities the personal details of their guests. In most cases, this will involve taking a photocopy of your passport.

Permit to stay

You might need to apply for a 'Permit to Stay' (dichiarazione di presenza) if:

• you're not staying in commercial accommodation or Airbnb

• you intend to stay for more than a few days

Apply for the permit at the local police office (questura) within eight days of arrival.

You'll need a Permit to Stay even if you have a visa. If you don't get a permit, authorities may remove you from Italy.

Working holidays

To work under the Working Holiday Visa program, get the appropriate visa before you arrive.

It can take several months if you try to get residence and work permits after you arrive.

Contact the Italian embassy or consulate in Australia to find out the process for getting a holiday work permit.

If you plan to stay beyond 90 days, you might also have to register with police. Check Italian Police for details.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR).

You need to declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Italy and any non-European Union (EU) country. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

If you don't declare currency or give incorrect information on entry or exit, you'll be fined.

ATMs are widely available across the country. Hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards.

There is pressure on border controls in Europe due to the movement of asylum seekers.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

To keep up to date on border conditions:

• check local media sources

• ask transport providers

Driving permit

If you're not a resident, you'll need both:

• an Australian driver's licence

• an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an official translation of the Australian licence

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

You must get an official translator (traduttore giurato) to translate your licence in Italy. Find a list of official translators in the Italian Yellow Pages.

If you take up legal residence (residenza) and stay more than 1 year, you must apply for an Italian licence. Italy doesn't allow you to convert your Australian licence.

This means you'll have to take a written test and a driving exam in Italian. You can do the exam in German or French in some cases.

Contact an Italian embassy or consulate to find out about an Italian driver's licence.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous. Driving conditions are disorganised, compared to Australia.

By law, you must use headlights on main roads outside urban areas and on highways, including during the day.

On-the-spot fines apply for some minor traffic offences.

Many municipalities have outsourced traffic fine collection to European Municipal Outsourcing (EMO).

More information:

• Driving or riding

Traffic restricted zones

Limits on car access to the city centres exist to help reduce traffic. They are traffic restricted zones (ZTL). Be aware that:

• ZTLs and their hours of operation vary from city to city

• fines apply if cars don't carry a ZTL pass in a ZTL zone

• hire cars usually don't have a ZTL pass

If you're staying in the centre of an Italian city, ask your hotel or host about traffic restrictions. You can also check the website of the relevant municipality (comune) before you arrive.

Driving in summer and winter

You must use snow tyres or chains in some mountainous regions or areas where snow is common.

Road signs will indicate if they are mandatory.

Authorities may fine you if you don't have the right snow gear for your car.

In summer, only residents can take their cars to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Travel by foot

Italy has regular pedestrian fatalities. Drivers often fail to give way to pedestrians, even though they have to under Italian law.

Take care when crossing roads, even at pedestrian crossings.

Motorcycles

Check your insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only travel in licensed taxis, which have signage, roof lights and meters.

Unauthorised taxis don't carry meters and overcharge.

Public transport

There are frequent strikes that cause delays and cancellations to public transport services. See Safety

In most cities, you need to buy bus and train tickets before you travel. You can't buy tickets on board a bus or train.

You'll find ticket machines at every metro and major train station.

Pre-paid tickets are available from tobacconists or coffee shops that display the public transport company's logo/name.

When catching public transport, validate your ticket:

• before boarding a train or a metro

• on board a bus or tram as soon as you get on

If you don't, you could get an on-the-spot fine.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Italy's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network. 

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112 or 115.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or 118.

Police

Call 112 or 113.

European Emergency number

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact:

Australian Embassy — Rome

Via Antonio Bosio 5

00161 Rome, Italy 

Phone: (+39 06) 85 2721

Fax: (+39 06) 85 272 300

Email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au

Website: italy.embassy.gov.au

Twitter: @AusAmbRome

Facebook: Australian Embassy, Italy

Australian Consulate-General — Milan

3rd Floor

Via Borgogna 2

20122 Milan, Italy 

Phone: (+39 02) 7767 4200

Fax: (39 02) 7767 4242

Email: consular-milan@austrade.gov.au

Website: www.austrade.gov.au/contact/offices/italy

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia