Italy remains a popular tourist destination in 2025, but travelers should be aware of some important advisories and recent developments. The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Italy, urging visitors to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and potential for civil unrest. This advisory has been in place since September 2024.
A significant event impacting travel to Italy is the ongoing Jubilee 2025, also known as the Holy Year, taking place in Rome from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. The UK Foreign Office advises that Rome is expected to be very busy during this period, particularly during major events like the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica. Travelers should anticipate large crowds, disruptions to traffic and movement, and an increased presence of security forces.
For U.S. citizens planning to visit Italy, it's crucial to note that starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to board domestic flights in the United States. This could affect your travel plans if you're connecting through a U.S. airport on your way to Italy.
Additionally, the European Union is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in mid-2025. U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain this authorization before entering Schengen Area countries, including Italy. The online application process is designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.
Regarding safety, while Italy generally has a moderate crime rate, petty theft remains a concern, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. The U.S. Embassy in Italy advises travelers to be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in city centers and at major tourist attractions.
Natural disasters are another consideration for travelers. Italy is located in a seismically active zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. The country also has several active volcanoes, including Mount Etna in Sicily, which can cause travel disruptions including airport closures during periods of activity.
For those visiting Venice, be aware of the Acqua Alta phenomenon, which causes high tide flooding, most commonly occurring in fall and spring. A new tourist tax for day-trippers to Venice was also introduced in 2024, requiring visitors to pay a fee on certain days of the year or risk fines.
As of March 2025, there are no specific COVID-19 related entry requirements for Italy. However, travelers should stay informed about potential changes in health regulations and be prepared for any unexpected developments.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Italy, like many European countries, occasionally experiences transportation strikes that can affect trains, buses, and air travel. Visitors are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and have flexible travel plans.
While these advisories and developments may sound concerning, millions of tourists continue to enjoy safe and memorable trips to Italy each year. By staying informed, exercising caution, and respecting local laws and customs, you can make the most of your Italian adventure in 2025.
A significant event impacting travel to Italy is the ongoing Jubilee 2025, also known as the Holy Year, taking place in Rome from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. The UK Foreign Office advises that Rome is expected to be very busy during this period, particularly during major events like the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica. Travelers should anticipate large crowds, disruptions to traffic and movement, and an increased presence of security forces.
For U.S. citizens planning to visit Italy, it's crucial to note that starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to board domestic flights in the United States. This could affect your travel plans if you're connecting through a U.S. airport on your way to Italy.
Additionally, the European Union is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in mid-2025. U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain this authorization before entering Schengen Area countries, including Italy. The online application process is designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.
Regarding safety, while Italy generally has a moderate crime rate, petty theft remains a concern, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. The U.S. Embassy in Italy advises travelers to be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in city centers and at major tourist attractions.
Natural disasters are another consideration for travelers. Italy is located in a seismically active zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. The country also has several active volcanoes, including Mount Etna in Sicily, which can cause travel disruptions including airport closures during periods of activity.
For those visiting Venice, be aware of the Acqua Alta phenomenon, which causes high tide flooding, most commonly occurring in fall and spring. A new tourist tax for day-trippers to Venice was also introduced in 2024, requiring visitors to pay a fee on certain days of the year or risk fines.
As of March 2025, there are no specific COVID-19 related entry requirements for Italy. However, travelers should stay informed about potential changes in health regulations and be prepared for any unexpected developments.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Italy, like many European countries, occasionally experiences transportation strikes that can affect trains, buses, and air travel. Visitors are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and have flexible travel plans.
While these advisories and developments may sound concerning, millions of tourists continue to enjoy safe and memorable trips to Italy each year. By staying informed, exercising caution, and respecting local laws and customs, you can make the most of your Italian adventure in 2025.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Italy remains a popular tourist destination in twenty twenty five,
but travelers should be aware of some important advisories and
recent developments. The U s State Department currently maintains a
Level two travel advisory for Italy, urging visitors to exercise
increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and potential
for civil unrest. This advisory has been in place since
(00:23):
September twenty twenty four. A significant event impacting travel to
Italy is the ongoing Jubilee twenty twenty five, also known
as the Holy Year, taking place in Rome from December
twenty fourth, twenty twenty four to January sixth, twenty twenty six.
The UK Foreign Office advises that Rome is expected to
be very busy during this period, particularly during major events
(00:46):
like the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Travelers should anticipate large crowds, disruptions to traffic and movement,
and an increased presence of security forces. For US citizens
planning to visit Italy, it's crucial to note that starting
May seventh, twenty twenty five, a real id will be
required to board domestic flights in the United States. This
(01:09):
could affect your travel plans if you're connecting through a
US airport on your way to Italy. Additionally, the European
Union is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System
ETS in mid twenty twenty five. US citizens and other
visa exempt travelers will need to obtain this authorization before
(01:29):
entering Shanngan area countries, including Italy. The online application process
is designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures. Regarding safety,
While Italy generally has a moderate crime rate, petty theft
remains a concern, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation.
The US Embassy in Italy advises travelers to be vigilant
(01:52):
against pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in city centers and
at major tourist attractions. Natural disasters are another consideration for travelers.
Italy is located in a seismically active zone and experiences
frequent earthquakes. The country also has several active volcanoes, including
Mount Etna in Sicily, which can cause travel disruptions, including
(02:15):
airport closures during periods of activity. For those visiting Venice,
be aware of the aqua alta phenomenon, which causes high
tide flooding, most commonly occurring in fall and spring. A
new tourist tax for day trippers to Venice was also
introduced in twenty twenty four, requiring visitors to pay a
fee on certain days of the year or risk fines.
(02:37):
As of March twenty twenty five, there are no specific
COVID nineteen related entry requirements for Italy. However, travelers should
stay informed about potential changes in health regulations and be
prepared for any unexpected developments. Lastly, it's worth noting that Italy,
like many European countries, occasionally experiences transportation strikes that can
(03:00):
affect trains, buses, and air travel. Visitors are advised to
stay informed about potential disruptions and have flexible travel plans.
While these advisories and developments may sound concerning, millions of
tourists continue to enjoy safe and memorable trips to Italy
each year. By staying informed, exercising caution, and respecting local
(03:21):
laws and customs, you can make the most of your
Italian adventure. In twenty twenty five,
Italy remains a popular tourist destination in twenty twenty five,
but travelers should be aware of some important advisories and
recent developments. The U s State Department currently maintains a
Level two travel advisory for Italy, urging visitors to exercise
increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and potential
for civil unrest. This advisory has been in place since
(00:23):
September twenty twenty four. A significant event impacting travel to
Italy is the ongoing Jubilee twenty twenty five, also known
as the Holy Year, taking place in Rome from December
twenty fourth, twenty twenty four to January sixth, twenty twenty six.
The UK Foreign Office advises that Rome is expected to
be very busy during this period, particularly during major events
(00:46):
like the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Travelers should anticipate large crowds, disruptions to traffic and movement,
and an increased presence of security forces. For US citizens
planning to visit Italy, it's crucial to note that starting
May seventh, twenty twenty five, a real id will be
required to board domestic flights in the United States. This
(01:09):
could affect your travel plans if you're connecting through a
US airport on your way to Italy. Additionally, the European
Union is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System
ETS in mid twenty twenty five. US citizens and other
visa exempt travelers will need to obtain this authorization before
(01:29):
entering Shanngan area countries, including Italy. The online application process
is designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures. Regarding safety,
While Italy generally has a moderate crime rate, petty theft
remains a concern, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation.
The US Embassy in Italy advises travelers to be vigilant
(01:52):
against pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in city centers and
at major tourist attractions. Natural disasters are another consideration for travelers.
Italy is located in a seismically active zone and experiences
frequent earthquakes. The country also has several active volcanoes, including
Mount Etna in Sicily, which can cause travel disruptions, including
(02:15):
airport closures during periods of activity. For those visiting Venice,
be aware of the aqua alta phenomenon, which causes high
tide flooding, most commonly occurring in fall and spring. A
new tourist tax for day trippers to Venice was also
introduced in twenty twenty four, requiring visitors to pay a
fee on certain days of the year or risk fines.
(02:37):
As of March twenty twenty five, there are no specific
COVID nineteen related entry requirements for Italy. However, travelers should
stay informed about potential changes in health regulations and be
prepared for any unexpected developments. Lastly, it's worth noting that Italy,
like many European countries, occasionally experiences transportation strikes that can
(03:00):
affect trains, buses, and air travel. Visitors are advised to
stay informed about potential disruptions and have flexible travel plans.
While these advisories and developments may sound concerning, millions of
tourists continue to enjoy safe and memorable trips to Italy
each year. By staying informed, exercising caution, and respecting local
(03:21):
laws and customs, you can make the most of your
Italian adventure. In twenty twenty five,
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