Italy Travel 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Visitors During Jubilee Year with Heightened Security and Crowded Attractions

Travelers considering a trip to Italy in 2025 should be aware of several important advisories and updates affecting safety, security, and practical preparations. The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to the possibility of terrorism, noting that attacks could occur with little or no warning. Major tourist areas and public venues, particularly in larger cities, are the most likely targets.

Rome and Vatican City are experiencing especially large crowds this May in connection with both the 2025 Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, and recent events such as the death of Pope Francis in April. These events are drawing millions of visitors and pilgrims, particularly during main ceremonies like the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica. This increase in visitors means a significantly heightened security presence, including more police, law enforcement, and military personnel throughout Rome and around key religious and tourist sites. Local authorities are enforcing stricter passport and identification rules—travelers must carry original passports at all times, and digital or photocopied versions are not being accepted as sufficient documentation.

Alongside these heightened security measures, visitors need to stay alert to petty and opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in crowded areas such as public transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, and outdoor cafés. Thieves often work in teams and use distraction tactics, so travelers should keep valuables secured, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or persistent conversation. Vehicle theft and theft from rental cars are also common, especially when belongings are left visible.

Health-wise, Italy has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions as of 2025, so there is no requirement to provide proof of vaccination or testing for entry. However, travelers are encouraged to consult their doctors before departure to ensure routine vaccines are up to date and to prepare for any specific health needs. For emergencies, knowing local emergency numbers and the locations of hospitals or clinics is recommended.

Italy is also subject to natural risks, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and occasional flooding or landslides, especially in seismically active or mountainous areas. Staying informed through local news and official advisories is sensible, particularly if traveling near Mount Etna or other active volcanic regions.

Entry requirements remain straightforward for most visitors: travelers must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond their departure date from Italy, and citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and EU member states can enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, new biometric checks are being introduced for non-EU visitors as part of the EU Entry/Exit System, which will include fingerprinting and facial recognition on arrival and departure.

Finally, travelers visiting during Jubilee events or in connection with memorials for Pope Francis should monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities, as crowd management protocols and spontaneous demonstrations could impact movement in and around Rome and the Vatican.

In summary, while Italy remains a popular and generally safe destination, current conditions in 2025 call for increased vigilance against terrorism, petty crime, and security checks, as well as an understanding of logistical challenges posed by the Jubilee and other major events. Proper documentation, securing valuables, and monitoring official updates will help ensure a smoother and safer visit.