Italy Travel 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Jubilee Year Visitors Navigating Security, Entry Requirements, and Potential Risks

As of April 28, 2025, travelers planning to visit Italy should exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism. The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Italy, warning that terrorist attacks are possible with little to no warning. Potential targets include tourist spots, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, and public gatherings.

This year holds special significance for Italy as 2025 is a Jubilee year, which is expected to bring a significant increase in visitors, particularly to Rome. Italian authorities have implemented heightened security measures that will remain in effect throughout 2025. Travelers should anticipate an increased presence of police, military, and law enforcement personnel across the country.

An important change for this Jubilee period is the stricter enforcement of passport regulations. Visitors must carry their original passports at all times, as photocopies that might have been accepted in the past will likely no longer suffice. Non-compliance could result in fines or penalties. Consider using anti-theft options to secure your passport while exploring.

For entry into Italy in 2025, visitors must ensure their passport has at least three months of validity remaining. Citizens from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and European Union members can travel to Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The European Union has also implemented a new Entry/Exit System this year, which includes standardized biometric tests such as fingerprints and facial photographs for non-EU citizens entering or exiting the Schengen Zone. This applies to visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Regarding health precautions, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into Italy as of April 2025, though consulting with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel is still recommended.

When exploring Italy, be aware that petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in busy areas. Road safety varies throughout the country, with narrow, congested streets in cities and potentially poorly maintained roads in rural areas. Italian driving habits can be aggressive, with motorcycles and scooters often weaving between vehicles and on sidewalks.

Natural disaster risks include earthquakes, as Italy is located in a seismically active zone. Volcanic eruptions, particularly from Mount Etna, can cause travel disruptions including temporary airport closures. Flooding and mudslides are also possible hazards.

For water activities, always respect warning flags at beaches and be cautious of unpredictable waves, especially during fall and winter. When boating, ensure life jackets are available for all passengers and avoid vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Italian cities have traffic-restricted zones to reduce congestion, so checking local municipality websites before driving is advisable. Always use marked pedestrian crossings and exercise caution when crossing roads, as pedestrian fatalities are not uncommon.

Despite these precautions, Italy remains a generally safe destination for tourists who stay alert and informed about local conditions.