Listeners considering travel to Italy should be aware that as of August 2025, there are several important advisories and recent developments to keep in mind for a safe and informed trip. Due to the 2025 Jubilee, an event bringing millions of extra visitors to Rome and Italy, security measures have been significantly heightened throughout the country. This means there will be a noticeably increased presence of police, law enforcement, and even military personnel, especially in and around Rome. Italian authorities and travel experts stress that all visitors must carry their original passports at all times, as enforcement of identification checks will be stricter than in previous years. Using only a photocopy or image of your passport is unlikely to be accepted, and not having your original document could result in fines or other penalties.
The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Italy, primarily due to the risk of terrorism and common petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded city centers, at major tourist attractions, and on public transportation. According to The Street and the U.S. State Department, threats include potential terrorist activity at hotels, clubs, restaurants, public transportation hubs, shopping centers, parks, and during cultural events. Attacks may occur with little or no warning, so staying vigilant in crowded areas is essential.
Criminal activity, while generally not violent, frequently targets tourists in large urban centers like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. Petty theft, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in train stations, on public transit, and at popular attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican. Thieves may use distractions as a tactic and often operate in teams. Travelers should use anti-theft bags, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or all important documents together. The UK Foreign Office further warns about scams targeting drivers, including staged breakdowns and requests for help, so it’s advisable not to stop for strangers on the roadside.
Be especially cautious on beaches and in coastal waters, as waves and riptides can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak seasons. Always heed lifeguard advice and warning flags. When boating, make sure the vessel is well-maintained and properly equipped with safety gear, and avoid overloaded boats.
For those renting cars, note that driving habits in Italy can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving, frequent speeding, and improper passing not uncommon, especially by motorcycles and scooters. Roads in the countryside and mountainous regions may be narrow, winding, and occasionally affected by landslides or rockfalls. Parking theft is a risk, particularly in tourist hotspots and motorway service areas, so avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as U.S. healthcare plans like Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Comprehensive insurance should include medical coverage and protection against theft and loss. While there are currently no specific vaccination requirements for visitors to Italy, being up to date on standard immunizations is advised.
Looking ahead, beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-waiver countries such as the U.S. will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Italy, but this is not yet in effect during 2025.
Listeners should consult their country’s embassy or consular services, check for real-time travel advisories, and stay updated on regulations that may evolve, especially during the Jubilee year with its exceptional security protocols and large crowds. Remaining vigilant and well-prepared will help ensure both safety and enjoyment during your Italian visit.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Italy, primarily due to the risk of terrorism and common petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded city centers, at major tourist attractions, and on public transportation. According to The Street and the U.S. State Department, threats include potential terrorist activity at hotels, clubs, restaurants, public transportation hubs, shopping centers, parks, and during cultural events. Attacks may occur with little or no warning, so staying vigilant in crowded areas is essential.
Criminal activity, while generally not violent, frequently targets tourists in large urban centers like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. Petty theft, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in train stations, on public transit, and at popular attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican. Thieves may use distractions as a tactic and often operate in teams. Travelers should use anti-theft bags, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or all important documents together. The UK Foreign Office further warns about scams targeting drivers, including staged breakdowns and requests for help, so it’s advisable not to stop for strangers on the roadside.
Be especially cautious on beaches and in coastal waters, as waves and riptides can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak seasons. Always heed lifeguard advice and warning flags. When boating, make sure the vessel is well-maintained and properly equipped with safety gear, and avoid overloaded boats.
For those renting cars, note that driving habits in Italy can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving, frequent speeding, and improper passing not uncommon, especially by motorcycles and scooters. Roads in the countryside and mountainous regions may be narrow, winding, and occasionally affected by landslides or rockfalls. Parking theft is a risk, particularly in tourist hotspots and motorway service areas, so avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as U.S. healthcare plans like Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Comprehensive insurance should include medical coverage and protection against theft and loss. While there are currently no specific vaccination requirements for visitors to Italy, being up to date on standard immunizations is advised.
Looking ahead, beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-waiver countries such as the U.S. will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Italy, but this is not yet in effect during 2025.
Listeners should consult their country’s embassy or consular services, check for real-time travel advisories, and stay updated on regulations that may evolve, especially during the Jubilee year with its exceptional security protocols and large crowds. Remaining vigilant and well-prepared will help ensure both safety and enjoyment during your Italian visit.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners considering travel to Italy should be aware that, as
of August twenty twenty five, there are several important advisories
and recent developments to keep in mind for a safe
and informed trip. Due to the twenty twenty five Jubilee,
an event bringing millions of extra visitors to Rome and Italy,
security measures have been significantly heightened throughout the country. This
(00:24):
means there will be a noticeably increased presence of police,
law enforcement, and even military personnel, especially in and around Rome.
Italian authorities and travel experts stress that all visitors must
carry their original passports at all times, as enforcement of
identification checks will be stricter than in previous years. Using
(00:44):
only a photocopy or image of your passport is unlikely
to be accepted, and not having your original document could
result in fines or other penalties. The US Department of
State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Italy,
primarily due to the risk of terrorism and common petty
crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded city centers, at
(01:08):
major tourist attractions, and on public transportation. According to the
Street and the U s State Department, threats include potential
terrorist activity at hote clubs, restaurants, public transportation, hubs, shopping centers, parks,
and during cultural events. Attacks may occur with little or
no warning, so staying vigilant in crowded areas is essential.
(01:31):
Criminal activity, while generally not violent, frequently targets tourists in
large urban centers like Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. Petty theft,
like pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in train stations,
on public transit, and at popular attractions such as the
Coliseum and Vatican. Thieves may use distractions as a tactic
(01:52):
and often operate in teams. Travelers should use anti theft bags,
keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying
large sums of cash or all important documents together. The
UK Foreign Office further warns about scams targeting drivers, including
staged breakdowns and requests for help, so it's advisable not
(02:12):
to stop for strangers on the roadside. Be especially cautious
on beaches and in coastal waters, as waves and riptides
can be unpredictable, particularly during off peak seasons. Always heed
lifeguard advice and warning flags. When boating, make sure the
vessel is well maintained and properly equipped with safety gear,
(02:32):
and avoid overloaded boats for those renting cars. Note that
driving habits in Italy can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving,
frequent speeding and improper passing not uncommon, especially by motorcycles
and scooters. Roads in the countryside and mountainous regions may
be narrow, winding and occasionally affected by landslides or rock falls.
(02:53):
Parking theft is a risk, particularly in tourist hotspots and
motorway service areas, so avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as US health care plans
like Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Comprehensive
insurance should include medical coverage and protection against theft and loss.
(03:15):
While there are currently no specific vaccination requirements for visitors
to Italy, being up to date on standard immunizations is advised.
Looking ahead, beginning in late twenty twenty six, travelers from
visa waiver countries such as the US will need to
obtain an IS travel authorization before entering Italy, but this
(03:36):
is not yet in effect during twenty twenty five. Listeners
should consult their country's embassy or consular services, check for
real time travel advisories, and stay updated on regulations that
may evolve, Especially during the Jubilee year with its exceptional
security protocols and large crowds. Remaining vigilant and well prepared
(03:57):
will help ensure both safety and enjoyment during your Italian visit.
Listeners considering travel to Italy should be aware that, as
of August twenty twenty five, there are several important advisories
and recent developments to keep in mind for a safe
and informed trip. Due to the twenty twenty five Jubilee,
an event bringing millions of extra visitors to Rome and Italy,
security measures have been significantly heightened throughout the country. This
(00:24):
means there will be a noticeably increased presence of police,
law enforcement, and even military personnel, especially in and around Rome.
Italian authorities and travel experts stress that all visitors must
carry their original passports at all times, as enforcement of
identification checks will be stricter than in previous years. Using
(00:44):
only a photocopy or image of your passport is unlikely
to be accepted, and not having your original document could
result in fines or other penalties. The US Department of
State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Italy,
primarily due to the risk of terrorism and common petty
crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded city centers, at
(01:08):
major tourist attractions, and on public transportation. According to the
Street and the U s State Department, threats include potential
terrorist activity at hote clubs, restaurants, public transportation, hubs, shopping centers, parks,
and during cultural events. Attacks may occur with little or
no warning, so staying vigilant in crowded areas is essential.
(01:31):
Criminal activity, while generally not violent, frequently targets tourists in
large urban centers like Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. Petty theft,
like pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in train stations,
on public transit, and at popular attractions such as the
Coliseum and Vatican. Thieves may use distractions as a tactic
(01:52):
and often operate in teams. Travelers should use anti theft bags,
keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying
large sums of cash or all important documents together. The
UK Foreign Office further warns about scams targeting drivers, including
staged breakdowns and requests for help, so it's advisable not
(02:12):
to stop for strangers on the roadside. Be especially cautious
on beaches and in coastal waters, as waves and riptides
can be unpredictable, particularly during off peak seasons. Always heed
lifeguard advice and warning flags. When boating, make sure the
vessel is well maintained and properly equipped with safety gear,
(02:32):
and avoid overloaded boats for those renting cars. Note that
driving habits in Italy can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving,
frequent speeding and improper passing not uncommon, especially by motorcycles
and scooters. Roads in the countryside and mountainous regions may
be narrow, winding and occasionally affected by landslides or rock falls.
(02:53):
Parking theft is a risk, particularly in tourist hotspots and
motorway service areas, so avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as US health care plans
like Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Comprehensive
insurance should include medical coverage and protection against theft and loss.
(03:15):
While there are currently no specific vaccination requirements for visitors
to Italy, being up to date on standard immunizations is advised.
Looking ahead, beginning in late twenty twenty six, travelers from
visa waiver countries such as the US will need to
obtain an IS travel authorization before entering Italy, but this
(03:36):
is not yet in effect during twenty twenty five. Listeners
should consult their country's embassy or consular services, check for
real time travel advisories, and stay updated on regulations that
may evolve, Especially during the Jubilee year with its exceptional
security protocols and large crowds. Remaining vigilant and well prepared
(03:57):
will help ensure both safety and enjoyment during your Italian visit.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.