Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Italy.

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime (particularly bag snatching and pick-pocketing) in the big city centres. This often involves co-ordinated gangs including minors. Targets are often hassled and jostled to distract them, while other members of the gang go into action.

 

Take care on public transport and in crowded areas in Rome, especially around the main railway station ‘Termini’ and on the number 64 bus, which goes to and from St Peter’s Square.

 

Be particularly vigilant on trains to and from the main airports in Italy (especially Fiumicino airport) and when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches. Thieves sometimes rob sleeping passengers on overnight trains.

 

Use a hotel safe for valuables where possible.

 

Alcohol and drugs can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in other countries. Don’t leave food or drinks unattended at any time. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted.

 

Cars, at rest stops and motorway service stations are targets for robbers. Be wary of offers of help for flat tyres, particularly on the motorway from Naples to Salerno. Tyres have sometimes been punctured deliberately. Always lock your vehicle, never leave valuables on show and avoid leaving luggage in cars for any length of time.

 

Police in Europe have issued warnings that counterfeit Euro notes are in circulation. Make sure notes received from any source other than banks or legitimate Bureaux de Change are genuine.

 

Local travel

 

Only use officially licensed taxis. These will have a taxi sign on the roof. Make sure the meter in the taxi has been reset before you set off.

 

Tickets on public transport must be endorsed in a ticket machine before you start 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 public transport and will issue an on the spot fine of Euros 50 to 60 if you don’t hold an endorsed ticket. Tickets can be purchased from shops displaying the ‘T’ sign, and are usually bars or tobacconists.

 

Pedestrians should take care at Zebra crossings. Vehicles don’t always stop, even though they are required to under the Italian Traffic Code.

 

Pre-planned strikes

 

Transport strikes are often called at short notice. For more information visit the Ministry of Transport website (in Italian).

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Italy with an EU 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 be required. On-the-spot fines can be issued for minor traffic offences.

 

In 2013 there were 3,400 road deaths in Italy (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 5.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

Private and hire cars are not allowed to enter the historic centre of many Italian cities without an official pass. If your hotel is in the centre of one of these cities, you can buy a pass from most car hire companies. The boundaries of historic centres are usually marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. Don’t pass this sign as your registration number is likely to be caught on camera and you will be fined.

 

There is a congestion charge for Milan city centre. For further information see the  Milan Municipality website.

 

To reduce pollution, the city authorities in Rome sometimes introduce traffic restrictions whereby vehicles with odd or even number plates are allowed into a ‘green area’ on alternative days. For further information see the Rome Municipality website.

 

See the European Commission, AA, RAC and Italian Police guides on driving in Italy.

 

Road hauliers

 

Trucks over 7.5 tonnes (75 quintali) are not allowed on Italian roads (including motorways) on Sundays from 7:00 am until midnight, local time. These restrictions don’t apply to trucks that have already been granted an exception (eg those carrying perishable goods and petrol supplies). Both the Mont Blanc and Frejus road tunnels linking Italy and France are open but restrictions introduced following fires in 1999 and 2005 are 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. Further details from www.tunnelmb.com or by telephone on 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 8:00am leaving Italy. Special regulations apply to vehicles carrying dangerous loads. Further details from http://www.tunneldufrejus.com.

 

Winter sports

 

If you are planning a skiing holiday, you should contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel. 

 

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

 

Swimming

 

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.

 

Local laws and customs

 

By law you must be able to show some form of identification at all times. In most cases a photocopy of the data page of your passport should suffice, but you may be asked to accompany the police to collect the original document, or to produce it within 12 hours. The police will normally ask for your full passport if you are stopped while driving.

 

In the Rome area, restaurants must display a menu outside the restaurant, only charge for bread if the customer specifically requests it, inform the customer of the prices being charged before he/she orders, give a proper receipt and not make any cover charge (coperto).

 

In the cities of Venice and Florence, you may be fined if you drop litter. In Florence it is an offence to sit on steps/courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of the main churches and public buildings.

 

Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence and Rome. Don’t buy from illegal street traders. You could be stopped by the local police and fined.

 

Many major cities in Italy now impose a small tax on tourists. The tax is levied by hotels and is usually not included in any pre-paid arrangements or package deal. The rate of tax varies from city to city, and can depend on the star rating of the hotel. Hotels often ask for payment of this tax in cash. Make sure you get a receipt. For more information check with the local tourist information office.

 

Money

 

The currency of Italy is the Euro.

 

Health

If you’re visiting Italy you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU citizens only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Italian nationals. The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

There are reports of avian influenza (bird flu) in a flock of farm turkeys in the Veneto area. 

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

 

There are isolated cases of domestic terrorism. Attacks carried out by the extreme left-wing and secessionist groups have generally been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs and incendiary devices.

 

Volcanoes

 

Mount Etna has been erupting with increasing frequency sending plumes of ash into the air. Monitor local media and contact your airline if you are concerned about possible disruption to flights.

 

There is low-intensity volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Further information on Stromboli and other volcanoes around the world can be found on the  Stromboli online website.

 

Earthquakes

 

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

 

Visa

 

EU nationals don’t need a visa to enter Italy. For more information about entry requirements, contact the Italian Embassy.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Italian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Italy.