Is Italy Safe for Travel in 2026? Travel Warnings You Should Know

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Updated: October 29, 2026 | By Tomiko Harvey

Quick answer: Yes, Italy is safe for travelers in 2026. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism, the same level as France and Spain.

Violent crime against tourists is rare, and pickpocketing and scams are the real risks. Right now, plan around the October cost-of-living protests and the October 30 general strike, which I cover below.

I still remember my first time in Rome, standing in front of the Trevi Fountain at midnight, holding on to my camera for dear life because I was scared of being robbed.

James spent the entire flight warning me about scammers and thieves, and even my travel insurance company had sent me three safety emails about staying safe in Italy.

The only things I ever really had to think about were the rose scam, someone asking me to take a photo, and making sure I did not set my camera down when I stopped to look around.

That’s it. Not fear. Not danger. Just pay attention the same way you would in any busy city.

Italy isn’t dangerous, but it does require self-awareness. I’ve had my bag grabbed in a restaurant, and that was my fault for leaving it on the back of my chair.

The pickpocketers at the Colosseum are professional, and if you aren’t watching, they will have your passport and credit cards before you realize it.

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I’ve been approached by scammers at train stations in Naples and Milan.

I have been to Italy four times, covering Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Venice.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before my first trip to Italy, including what the October 2026 protests mean for your trip.

Is It Safe to Travel to Italy Right Now? The October 2026 Protests and Strikes

Happening This Week: Nationwide General Strike on October 30

Several unions have called a nationwide general strike from 9 p.m. Thursday, October 29, to 8:59 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, over wages, the cost of living, and military spending.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome warns that disruptions may continue after those hours.

Expect trouble with Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord trains, flights all day Friday, taxis all day Friday, highways starting Thursday night, and local buses and metros depending on the city.

The USB union has a demonstration planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday at Piazza dei Cinquecento, right outside Rome’s Termini station, and student protests are expected in other cities.

If you are in Italy over the next few months, confirm your flight and train directly with the airline or rail company, leave extra time for the airport, and stay away from Termini on Friday mornings if you can.

If you can move a Rome to Florence or Venice train to Saturday, do it.

The 17 October Movement Protests

Since mid-October 2026, Italy has seen weekly demonstrations over the rising cost of living, fuel prices, school funding, and the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The organizers call themselves the “17 October Movement,” and they have promised protests every weekend until the government falls.

Most marches are peaceful, but some have turned violent. On October 17 and 18, groups of mostly young people smashed and looted shops in central Milan and clashed with police in Milan and Bologna.

Police used tear gas and water cannons, and more than 300 people were detained in Milan.

The government has since sent about 500 soldiers to patrol Milan and passed a decree creating a new offense for organized violence at demonstrations.

On Saturday, October 24, thousands marched in Rome, Milan, Turin, Florence, and Bologna.

In Rome, a small group briefly entered the Colosseum before being escorted out, and a march passed Termini Station.

In Florence, police pushed back protesters at the Santa Trinita bridge, and in Bologna, police used a water cannon and tear gas.

The organizers now keep meeting points secret until the last minute to avoid police, so you may not get much warning before a crowd shows up.

In southern Italy, a truckers’ strike over diesel prices caused fuel shortages and empty grocery shelves in parts of Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, and Basilicata.

The blockade was reported to be ending, but supplies may take weeks to fully recover.

What this means for your trip: Tourists are not the target. Your biggest risks are getting caught in a crowd, delayed by road closures, or locked out of a landmark for a few hours. Here is what I would do:

• Check the U.S. Embassy Rome alerts before weekend sightseeing. The embassy posts protest routes and times.
• Avoid Piazza del Duomo in Milan, the Colosseum and Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome, and the main squares in Bologna and Florence on Saturday afternoons.
• Book Colosseum and Vatican tickets for weekday mornings when you can.
• Leave the area if you see a crowd forming. Do not stop to film.
• Enroll in STEP so you get alerts by email.

Strikes are separate from the protests, and they hit travelers harder.

Italy has a national rail strike planned from 9 p.m. on November 20 to 8 p.m. on November 21, 2026, plus air traffic control strikes on November 21 and a 24-hour Milan Malpensa strike on November 22.

Milan’s metro, trams, and buses also have a 24-hour strike on November 13. Check strike dates before you book trains, and know that guaranteed service windows usually run in the early morning and evening.

What the U.S. State Department Says About Italy

The U.S. State Department rates Italy Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

The latest advisory was issued on September 10, 2026, and the only risk indicator listed is terrorism. That is the same level as France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The advisory summary also says petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transportation, including trains.

It does not list crime, civil unrest, or kidnapping as risk indicators, and it does not tell Americans to avoid any region of Italy. Check the current Italy advisory before you go, because levels can change.

Italy Crime Statistics

Here is what the numbers say:

• Homicides: Italy recorded 327 homicides in 2024, a rate of 0.55 per 100,000 people, according to Istat. The U.S. rate is roughly nine times higher.
• Violent crime against tourists is rare. Most incidents involving visitors are thefts.
• Theft hot spots: Milan, Rome, and Florence report the most thefts, which lines up with where tourists crowd.
• Guns: Civilian gun ownership is tightly regulated, so armed robbery of tourists is uncommon.

Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit, and I’ve walked the Spanish Steps at sunset, wandered off the beaten path in Tuscany, and caught trains between Rome and the Amalfi Coast without incident.

The Real Safety Concerns You Should Know About

Pickpocketing and Petty Theft

This is the #1 safety issue in Italy.

High-risk locations from my experience:

• Rome: Termini Station, Colosseum area, Metro lines A and B, Trevi Fountain area
• Florence: Near the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella station
• Milan: Metro system, Duomo area, Centrale train station
• Naples: Train stations, Spaccanapoli street, port area
• Venice: Vaporetto (water buses), Rialto Bridge, San Marco Square

How pickpockets operate (I’ve watched this happen):

1. The distraction team: Someone “accidentally” bumps into you, drops something, or asks for directions
2. The grab: While you’re distracted, another person unzips your bag or lifts your phone
3. The pass-off: Stolen items are immediately handed to a third person who disappears

What worked for me:

• Anti-theft crossbody bag worn in front in crowded areas
• Phone in front pocket with hand on it in busy metros
• Wallet in front pocket or hotel safe, never back pocket
• Decoy wallet with expired cards and small cash for peace of mind
• Money belt under clothing for passport and backup cards

Common Scams to Watch For

Friendship bracelet scam (Rome, Florence, Venice): Someone ties a “free” bracelet on your wrist, then demands €20 and can get aggressive if you refuse.

Keep your hands in your pockets near tourist sites and say “No, grazie” without stopping.

Petition scam: A person with a clipboard asks you to sign for a charity while a partner goes through your bag. Never stop for clipboards.

Restaurant scams: Watch for a coperto (cover charge) that is not on the menu, inflated tourist menus, and “free” appetizers that show up on the bill.

Ask about the coperto, skip restaurants with hawkers outside, and check the bill before you pay.

Transportation Safety

Trains: Italy’s trains are safe and efficient. The main risk is theft at stations and on crowded regional trains, so keep your bag on your lap or where you can see it, not on the rack by the door.

Taxis: Official white taxis are safe. Unlicensed drivers at airports and stations may overcharge dramatically.

My solution: Use only official taxi stands or apps like FreeNow or itTaxi. Make sure the meter starts at zero.

Uber works only in a few cities, including Rome and Milan, so confirm the license plate and wait in a well-lit, busy spot.

When the driver arrives, ask for the name on the booking instead of saying yours.

Train stations: Rome’s Termini and Milan’s Centrale are pickpocket hot spots. Buy tickets in advance on the Trenitalia or Italo apps instead of at the machines, and ignore anyone who offers to help you with them.

Driving: Driving in Italy can be scary. I don’t know which is worse, Italy or Costa Rica, because I needed a cocktail by the time I arrived at my destination.

Places like the Amalfi Coast can be extremely hard to navigate because of huge buses, mopeds, narrow streets, and one-way systems.

Watch for ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) in city centers. Driving into one by mistake can mean a fine weeks after you get home.

Validate paper tickets: If you buy a paper train or bus ticket, stamp it in the validation machine on the platform or at the stop before you board. Riding with an unvalidated ticket can mean a fine on the spot.

Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Heat, and Floods

Italy sits in an active earthquake zone, and Mount Etna in Sicily erupts regularly.

Eruptions rarely threaten visitors, but ash can close Catania airport for hours, so build a buffer day into Sicily trips.

Summer heat is the hazard I take most seriously. July and August temperatures in Rome and Florence often pass 95°F, and lines at the Colosseum and Vatican offer little shade.

Carry water, book morning time slots, and rest in the afternoon like the locals do.

Fall storms can flood low-lying areas, including Venice during acqua alta season from October to January. Pack waterproof shoes for Venice in late fall.

Know about IT-alert: Italy’s public warning system sends emergency alerts for earthquakes, floods, volcanic activity, and other major emergencies straight to phones on Italian networks, including visitors’ phones with roaming or a local SIM. You do not need an app. If your phone buzzes with an IT-alert message, read it and follow the instructions.

Traveling Italy as a Black Woman: What to Expect

This is the first question I get from Black friends planning Italy trips: “Is Italy racist?”

I’ve never experienced racism in Italy. Not once. No slurs, no discrimination, no hostile treatment. Zero.

While I haven’t personally experienced racism in Italy, I know plenty of people who’ve said they are never going to Italy again because of how they were treated.

You might even get the occasional “Are you traveling for your honeymoon?” or “What’s the occasion?” because, apparently, Black people cannot simply have the money to explore the world.

The staring gets really annoying, and you will notice it more outside Rome, Milan, and Florence.

In smaller towns and rural areas, people stare.

It’s not hostile; it’s curiosity. Black tourists are less common in places like Tuscan hill towns or small villages in Umbria.

Italians aren’t used to seeing Black women traveling solo or in small groups, so they look, and the moment you interact, everything changes.

Once you say “Buongiorno” or ask for directions, Italians light up.

They’re warm, helpful, and genuinely excited to help you enjoy their country.

Where you will blend in: Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Bologna have large immigrant communities from Africa, South America, and Asia, plus international tourists everywhere. You are just another tourist, and nobody blinks.

Most comfortable for first-time Black travelers: the big cities above, plus popular tourist towns like Siena, Verona, Lucca, and the Cinque Terre.

Practical Safety Tips for Italy

Before You Go

Documents:

• Scan your passport, IDs, and cards, and email copies to yourself
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Save Italy emergency number: 112 (unified emergency services)
• Note your embassy location and contact info

Money:

• Notify the bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
• Bring at least two credit/debit cards, and keep them separated
• Have €100-200 in small bills for emergencies

Insurance and strikes: With protests and strikes happening right now, check that your policy covers trip delays and cancellations caused by strikes and civil unrest. Many policies exclude “foreseeable events,” which means once a strike is announced, it may be too late to buy coverage for it. Buy your policy when you book your trip, not the week before you fly.

While You’re There

Daily habits that keep me safe:

1. Morning routine: Passport and backup card stay in hotel safe. I carry only what I need that day.
2. Bag positioning: Crossbody bag in front in crowds, hand on it in metros and buses.
3. Phone discipline: Never set phone on tables at outdoor cafes. Never use phone while walking in touristy areas.
4. Situational awareness: Look around frequently. Notice who’s near you. Trust your gut if something feels off.
5. Evening caution: I’m comfortable walking Italian cities at night, but I stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid parks after dark.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong in Italy

If You’re Pickpocketed

1. Report to local police (Carabinieri or Polizia) for insurance claims
2. Cancel credit/debit cards immediately
3. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen
4. File an insurance claim as soon as possible

Emergency numbers:

• Police: 112 (unified) or 113 (Polizia)
• Carabinieri: 112
• U.S. Embassy Rome: +39 06 4674 1
• Medical Emergency: 118

Getting an Emergency Passport

If your passport is stolen:

1. Report theft to the Italian police
2. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
3. Bring police report, ID (if available), passport photos
4. Emergency passports are often issued within a day or two (fees apply)

The U.S. Embassy is in Rome, with consulates in Florence, Milan, and Naples.

Medical Emergencies

Italy has excellent healthcare. Call 118 for an ambulance. EU citizens get free care with an EHIC card. Non-EU visitors pay, but costs are reasonable by U.S. standards.

Pharmacies (farmacie) can handle minor issues and are everywhere.

Safest Cities in Italy and Where to Take Extra Care

No Italian city is off-limits for tourists. Some regions feel noticeably calmer, and a few cities call for more street smarts, especially at night.

Safest areas in my experience:

• Tuscany (Florence, Siena, countryside)
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Parma, Modena)
• Veneto (Venice, Verona, Padua)
• Northern lakes region (Como, Garda)

Cities that need extra caution:

1. Naples, Italy

Naples has incredible architecture, food, and energy, but it also has more petty crime than most Italian cities.

Organized crime, such as the Camorra, exists here but does not target tourists. Pickpocketing and scooter bag snatching are common, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Stick to well-traveled neighborhoods like Chiaia and the historic center, and keep a hand on your belongings at all times.

My take on Naples: It gets a bad reputation, but I love it.

Yes, it’s grittier than Florence. Yes, you need to watch your belongings more carefully. But the food, culture, and energy are incredible.

So, don’t skip Naples!

2. Palermo, Italy

Palermo, located in Sicily, calls for similar caution. The Sicilian Mafia still operates here, but it does not target visitors.

While the historic center of Palermo is generally safe, avoiding certain neighborhoods is recommended, especially at night. Exercise caution, stay in well-lit areas, and be vigilant of your surroundings.

3. Catania, Italy

Catania, on Sicily’s east coast at the foot of Mount Etna, is a lively, affordable base for exploring the island.

Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, especially around the fish market and the train station.

It’s advised to avoid walking alone at night, stick to well-populated areas, and be mindful of your belongings.

Incidents can happen anywhere. Stay alert, keep your belongings secure, and trust your instincts, and you can enjoy all three cities.

Is Italy Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo female travelers often experience unwanted flirtation and stares, which can cause them to feel uncomfortable.

It is not uncommon for a lady to hear “Ciao Bella”(Hello Beautiful). Just ignore the comment and walk on.

Again, using common sense, staying in public areas or with your tour guide is not only a good way to see the places you want to see but also a great way to meet other travelers.

Italy is generally very safe for solo women. Catcalling happens, especially in southern Italy, but physical harassment is rare.

Tips from female travelers:

• Ignore catcalls completely. Responding often encourages more
• Dress modestly in smaller towns and rural areas
• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods
• Book accommodations in well-reviewed, central areas
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave

Best cities for solo female travelers: Florence, Bologna, Verona, Siena

I suggest walking away, ignoring the comments, or simply stating I am waiting on my husband, which usually works.

• Use the same precautions you would at home, don’t accept drinks from strangers, and don’t walk alone at night.

Is Italy Safe at Night?

Yes, in most tourist areas. Nighttime crime in Italy is mostly theft, not violence: pickpocketing, purse snatching, and phone grabs when people let their guard down.

Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast towns stay busy late, and well-lit main streets are patrolled. Avoid empty streets around big train stations after dark, especially Termini in Rome and Centrale in Milan.

I have walked Rome after midnight more times than I can count, including that first night at the Trevi Fountain, and the crowds are part of what keeps it safe.

Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori stay lively until late, and so does Santo Spirito in Florence.

Where I get more careful is the walk home. Stick to main streets instead of cutting through empty alleys, take an official white taxi from a stand or book one through FreeNow instead of hopping in with someone who approaches you, and keep your drink with you at bars, like you would at home.

Entry Requirements and Travel Basics for Italy

• Visas: Americans can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months past your departure date, and I recommend six.
• EES (Entry/Exit System): Since April 10, 2026, non-EU travelers have their fingerprints and photo taken at the first Schengen border. Expect longer lines at passport control on your first entry.
• ETIAS: The €20 travel authorization for Americans has been pushed to 2027 and is not required yet. Only apply through the official EU website when it launches.
• Currency: Italy uses the euro. Budget carefully, because tours, hotels, food, cocktails, taxis, and trains add up quickly.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall. Summers are the busiest and hottest.
• Main airports: Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci), Milan Malpensa and Linate, Bergamo, Naples, Bologna, Pisa, and Venice Marco Polo.

Where to Stay in Italy for a Safer Trip

Location does more for your safety than any lock. Book central, well-lit neighborhoods close to the sights so you are not walking long, empty stretches at night.

Rome: Stay near the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, or the Monti neighborhood, all walkable to the major sights. Skip the blocks right around Termini station if you can. Browse boutique hotels in Rome, or see my list of 19 boutique hotels in Rome.

Florence: Stay in the historic center near the Duomo or across the river in the Oltrarno. Here are my favorite boutique hotels in Florence.

Amalfi Coast: The towns are small and safe, and the bigger risk is the drive. Here is my guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, plus the luxury hotels I would book:

• Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello. An 11th-century palace with an infinity pool high above the sea.
• Palazzo Avino, Ravello. A former 12th-century villa with a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant and a private beach club.
• Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi. Family-owned, with a cliffside pool and a private beach club, a short walk from town.
• Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel, Conca dei Marini. A 17th-century monastery turned boutique hotel with terraced gardens and a spa.
• Le Sirenuse, Positano. The classic Positano address, with sea views and the La Sponda restaurant.
• Hotel Onda Verde, Praiano. A quieter cliffside option with wide views of the coast.

Use the map below to compare hotel prices along the Amalfi Coast.

Book Tours That Help You Skip the Crowds

Crowds are where pickpockets work, so a guided tour with timed entry is a safety tool, not just a convenience. You skip the long lines, and the guide keeps your group moving.

I would book a Colosseum guided tour and a skip-the-line Vatican Museums tour before you land.

For more ideas, see my guides to the best things to do in Rome at night and the top Amalfi Coast tours on Viator.

Is Italy Safe? Frequently Asked Questions

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So, Is Italy Safe to Visit? My Final Take

Yes, Italy is safe, just not “leave your bag on the back of a café chair” safe.

Will you need to watch your belongings more carefully than at home? Probably. Will you run into a scammer or two? Possibly.

Will the October 2026 protests change your plans? Maybe for an afternoon, if you are in Rome, Milan, or Bologna on a Saturday.

But will you be in physical danger? Almost certainly not.

I’ve had more close calls with my safety in Las Vegas and San Francisco than I’ve had in all my time in Italy combined.

Don’t let headlines keep you from Italy. Check the embassy alerts and strike calendar the week before you fly, book your big sights for weekday mornings, and keep your phone and wallet in front of you.

Then go enjoy one of the best trips of your life.

Before you go, read my Italy packing list so you are ready for everything from cobblestone streets to upscale restaurants, including the security items that actually kept my belongings safe.

Heading south? I rounded up the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, mapped out the Amalfi Coast towns worth visiting, and covered whether Palermo is safe if Sicily is on your list.

Building out the rest of your trip? Use my 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary, plan a Sorrento to Capri day trip, book one of the best Pompeii tours from Naples and Sorrento, and add a few day trips from Florence.

Why not save this post to your Pinterest board for later? I am also on Pinterest so feel free to follow Passports and Grub boards and get the latest PIN directly.

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