Italy Travel 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Pilgrims, Tourists, and Visitors During the Holy Year Jubilee

Listeners considering travel to Italy in 2025 should be aware of several important developments and precautions. The U.S. State Department has issued advice to exercise increased caution in Italy due to the potential for terrorism, noting that attacks may occur with little or no warning and could target crowded places such as tourist sites, public transportation hubs, markets, shopping centers, local government buildings, hotels, restaurants, religious sites, parks, and during major events and festivals. Travelers are encouraged to stay alert in public places and pay attention to their surroundings.

This year, Italy is experiencing a significant influx of visitors, especially in Rome, due to the 2025 Jubilee, a major Holy Year for the Catholic Church. With tens of millions of pilgrims and tourists expected, particularly around major religious events like the Opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica, security measures in the city and surrounding areas have been heightened. Police, law enforcement, and military personnel are more visible, and enforcement of passport regulations is stricter than in previous years. Travelers are strongly advised to carry their original passport at all times, as photocopies are unlikely to be accepted; failure to comply may lead to fines or other penalties. Utilizing anti-theft passport carriers is recommended for safety and convenience.

Entry requirements for Italy remain straightforward: visitors must carry a passport with at least three months’ validity beyond their intended stay, and, depending on nationality, a valid visa if required. Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and most EU countries can visit Italy and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Be aware that in 2025, new EU entry and exit biometric checks, including fingerprinting and facial photos, will be implemented for non-EU nationals, which may lengthen processing times at border controls.

General safety in Italy is good, but petty crime such as pickpocketing is common, especially in busy tourist hotspots and on public transportation. Vigilance with personal belongings is advised. Road conditions in cities are generally good, but rural and mountainous areas may have poorly maintained roads, and Italian driving habits can be aggressive with frequent speeding and disregard for traffic rules, particularly among motorcyclists and scooter riders. Listeners planning to drive should do so defensively and be cautious in congested or unfamiliar areas. During winter, snow tires or chains are required in snowy regions, and roads may be closed by avalanches or landslides.

Italy is seismically active, experiencing occasional earthquakes, with associated risks such as landslides and avalanches in mountainous areas. The country also faces regular volcanic activity—most notably from Mount Etna—which can disrupt air travel and require sudden evacuations. When planning outdoor or adventure activities, especially along the coast or in the mountains, monitor weather forecasts closely and respect safety advisories, as rapid changes in weather can create hazardous swimming, boating, or hiking conditions. Strong riptides and unpredictable waves are common, particularly in fall and winter.

No COVID-19 restrictions are in effect for entry into Italy as of 2025, but travelers should consult their doctor before travel for health precautions and bring necessary medications. It's wise to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover possible emergencies, medical situations, or trip disruptions.

In summary, while Italy remains a prime travel destination, listeners should be especially mindful of heightened security due to the Jubilee, stricter passport requirements, and increased risks of petty crime and road hazards. Stay updated with the latest government advisories, carry essential documents, and use