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July 26, 2025 4 mins
Listeners planning a trip to Italy should be aware that 2025 is a historic and very busy travel year, especially in Rome, with the Jubilee of Youth taking place from July 28 to August 3 as part of a broader Holy Year celebration that runs through January 6, 2026. Government advisories, including those from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Canadian government, are emphasizing higher security measures in anticipation of huge crowds and a significant influx of international visitors. You can expect a visible increase in police, military, and law enforcement, especially in Rome, with security presence at religious sites, tourist hotspots, and public transport hubs. Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution during this period according to both the Canadian and US government advisories, mainly due to the persistent threat of terrorism and increased opportunity for petty crime.

Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in city centers, at major attractions, public transport stations such as Termini in Rome, and in crowded places where pickpockets and bag-snatchers are active. The UK government emphasizes the importance of keeping valuables—including passports—secure and out of sight, and warns that stolen passports cannot be replaced with just a police report; you cannot leave the country without a valid passport. The US State Department’s updated advisory continues to maintain Italy at a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” risk tier due to isolated risk of terrorist activity and the current security environment, particularly in large metropolitan areas like Rome. The State Department recommends monitoring local news and being ready to adjust plans if conditions change suddenly.

Due to the 2025 Jubilee, enforcement of passport regulations is very strict. Listeners are told to always carry their original passport, not just a copy, as authorities are unlikely to accept copies this year. Failure to carry your passport could result in fines or other penalties. Protect your passport with anti-theft options like a secure money belt or pouch. For Americans and many other nationalities, no visa is needed for tourist visits under 90 days, but your passport must have at least three months' validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Health standards are high, but always check if you require any specific travel or health insurance for your trip, as recommended by the UK and Australian government advisories. It is smart to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, unexpected trip changes, and theft or loss, especially given the large crowds and heightened risks during this special event period.

If driving, listeners should remain cautious as driving behaviors can be unpredictable, especially with motorcycles and scooters in urban traffic. Rural and mountainous roads may have poor signage, and road conditions can vary. In case you are considering water activities, respect warning flags and weather forecasts, as coastal waters and straits can be unexpectedly dangerous due to strong currents and winds. Take particular care if boating between Sicily and the mainland, or in the Strait of Bonifacio.

Alcoholic drinks served in Italian bars are often stronger than those in some other countries, and there have been incidents of drink spiking leading to theft or assault. Never accept drinks from strangers, and keep your drink in sight at all times.

Finally, for up-to-date local conditions, official advisories urge travelers to register with their country’s embassy, follow local news, and remain flexible in case sudden changes demand a rapid shift in itinerary. With record crowds, increased police presence, and a heightened focus on public safety, a well-prepared trip to Italy in 2025 can still be both safe and memorable.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners planning a trip to Italy should be aware that
twenty twenty five is a historic and very busy travel year,
especially in Rome, with the Jubilee of Youth taking place
from July twenty eighth to August thir as part of
a broader Holy Year celebration that runs through January sixth,
twenty twenty six. Government advisories, including those from the UK

(00:22):
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Canadian government, are
emphasizing higher security measures in anticipation of huge crowds and
a significant influx of international visitors. You can expect a
visible increase in police, military and law enforcement, especially in Rome,
with security presents at religious sites, tourist hotspots, and public

(00:43):
transport hubs. Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution
during this period, according to both the Canadian and US
government advisories, mainly due to the persistent threat of terrorism
and increased opportunity for petty crime. Are advised to remain vigilant,
particularly in city centers, at major attractions, public transport stations

(01:07):
such as Termini in Rome, and in crowded places where
pickpockets and bag snatchers are active. The UK government emphasizes
the importance of keeping valuables, including passports, secure and out
of sight, and warns that stolen passports cannot be replaced
with just a police report. You cannot leave the country
without a valid passport. The US State Department's updated advisory

(01:31):
continues to maintain Italy at a level two exercise increased
caution risk TIRE due to isolated risk of terrorist activity
and the current security environment, particularly in large metropolitan areas
like Rome. The State Department recommends monitoring local news and
being ready to adjust plans if conditions change suddenly. Due

(01:52):
to the twenty twenty five Jubilee, enforcement of passport regulations
is very strict. Listeners are told to always carry their
original passport, not just a copy, as authorities are unlikely
to accept copies this year. Failure to carry your passport
could result in fines or other penalties. Protect your passport
with anti theft options like a secure money belt or pouch.

(02:15):
For Americans and many other nationalities, no visa is needed
for tourist visits under ninety days, but your passport must
have at least three months validity beyond your planned departure
from the Shanngan area. Health standards are high but always
check if you require any specific travel or health insurance
for your trip. As recommended by the UK and Australian

(02:37):
government advisories, it is smart to have comprehensive travel insurance
that covers medical emergencies, unexpected trip changes, and theft or loss,
especially given the large crowds and heightened risks during this
special event period. If driving, listeners should remain cautious as
driving behaviors can be unpredictable, especially with motorcycles and scooters

(03:01):
in urban traffic. Rural and mountainous roads may have poor
signage and road conditions can vary. In case you are
considering water activities, respect warning flags and weather forecasts, as
coastal waters and straits can be unexpectedly dangerous due to
strong currents and winds. Take particular care if boating between

(03:21):
Sicily and the mainland or in the Strait of Bonifacio.
Alcoholic drinks served in Italian bars are often stronger than
those in some other countries, and there have been incidents
of drink spiking leading to theft or assault. Never accept
drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at
all times. Finally, for up to date local conditions, official

(03:44):
advisories urge travelers to register with their country's embassy, follow
local news, and remain flexible in case sudden changes demand
a rapid shift in itinerary, with record crowds, increased police presence,
and a heightened focus on public safety, a well prepared
trip to Italy in twenty twenty five can still be
both safe and memorable.
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