Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves often target tourists.

Criminals may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables or belongings. Be cautious of distraction tactics, including people who:

• spill drinks on you or your belongings
• engage you in lengthy conversations
• persistently offer to assist you
• attempt to distance you from your personal belongings

Burglaries and home break-ins occur, including from holiday homes and rentals.

Theft is particularly common in crowded public areas such as:

• popular tourist areas and historical sites 
• buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports 
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas
• beaches 

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily 
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas 
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers
• keep doors and windows locked when you are away 

Vehicle theft and theft from parked vehicles occur. Thieves often target rental cars. Criminals on scooters or on foot often snatch bags and other valuables from pedestrians and from inside cars stopped at traffic lights.

If you plan on driving during your stay:

• keep your windows closed and car doors locked at all times 
• keep bags and other valuables out of the reach of pedestrians
• never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Sexual assault

Sexual assaults have occurred, including against foreign women.

The Italian Government operates 1522, a 24/7 public utility number with multilingual operators to respond to the needs of victims of gender-based violence and stalking.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you may report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office. You can also report the assault to the police (Polizia di Stato) or seek medical attention by calling 112.

Useful links

• 1522 – anti-violence and stalking
• Advice for women travellers

Jubilee 2025 

The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. 

A large number of visitors are expected. Pilgrimages and large-scale events will take place across the city during the Holy Year. If you plan on travelling to Rome during the Jubilee, plan accordingly.

During the Jubilee, especially during large events, you should expect: 

• large crowds and public gatherings
• disruptions to traffic and movement
• an increased presence of security forces 

Jubilee 2025 – Official site

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely. Attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of Italy maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated mainly through local media. Enhanced security measures are also deployed in various strategic locations and transport hubs.

Expect increased police and military presence during holidays and in public places, including tourist locations and major landmarks.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Victims of crime

You can report a crime at the nearest police station (Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato).

It’s possible to file a preliminary complaint online, in Italian, for certain types of minor crimes, including theft.

Useful links

• Online preliminary complaint – Arma dei Carabinieri (in Italian only)
• Closest police station – Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police (in Italian only)

Fraud

Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs.

The risk of credit card skimming is high. Businesses may use compromised ATMs or PIN readers to collect your credit card information, especially in popular tourist areas. 

When using your debit or credit card: 

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal your personal data or credit information.

• Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media 
• Use secure public Wi-Fi networks 
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location 
• Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers 

Useful links 

• Overseas fraud 
• Cyber security while travelling 

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly, particularly in larger cities and often with little notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Useful links

• Information on upcoming strikes – Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (in Italian only)
• More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking and other alpine and extreme sports, can be dangerous.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone 
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity 
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity 
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, dehydration and heatstroke, which can be fatal 
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water 
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards 

Information on avalanche risk – Meteomont, Arma dei Carabinieri

Water activities

Swimming

Always respect warning flags at beaches.

Be cautious on the beach and in the water during fall and winter. Waves can be unpredictable, break closer to the shore than expected and cause strong riptides.

• Monitor weather conditions
• Avoid beaches and coastal areas if the weather forecast is poor 
• Pay attention to erosion and rockfall warnings
• Do not dive in unfamiliar waters as hidden rocks or shallow water can cause serious injury or death

Boating

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Waters in the Strait of Bonifacio, between Corsica and Sardinia, and the Strait of Messina, between Sicily and mainland Italy, can be difficult to navigate due to strong winds and currents.

If you’re planning on going boating or taking a boat tour:

• have life jackets available and accessible for all passengers
• don't board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• carry a VHF marine radio or GPS transmitter to share your location in case of emergency

Water safety abroad

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Italian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Italy is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays up 90 days
Work visa: required
Student visa: required

Useful links

• Information for foreign nationals – Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police
• Guide to temporary entry into Italy under CETA

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Declaration of presence

If you plan to spend fewer than 90 days in Italy, you must report your presence in the country. When you arrive in Italy from outside the Schengen area, make sure to have your passport stamped. This counts as a declaration of presence. If you arrive from within the Schengen area, you must file a declaration of presence at a local police office within 8 days of arrival.

Commercial accommodations such as hotels will generally file the declaration on your behalf, but you are responsible for making sure it's done.

Failure to comply with this regulation could result in expulsion.

Entering Italy – Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Italy. 

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Italy. 

Medications containing controlled substances are subject to stricter guidelines. You should verify with your doctor if this applies to any of your medications. You must declare any such medications when you arrive in Italy, and you may only bring the amount required for up to a 30-day prescription.

• Bring enough medication for your stay 
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage 

Travelling internationally with medication – Italian Ministry of Health

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available throughout the country. However, hospital services may be limited in rural areas. Not all medical staff will be able to speak English or French, but many doctors will. Medical treatment and emergency room visits are free of charge but only for life-threatening emergencies, as determined by the treating physician. Hospitals expect upfront payment for services when an emergency is not considered life-threatening.

There are private clinics and hospitals that cater to foreign travellers.

Death abroad

If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Italy, you should:

• share your plans or wishes with relatives
• make sure important documents can easily be located
• make arrangements in case of your death while in the country

Death outside Canada

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Italy are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Italy to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Italy authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Public behaviour

Certain municipalities, particularly those with a high number of visitors, such as Rome, Florence and Venice, have adopted strict public conduct rules. Some actions that may seem inoffensive are illegal and you could face a fine or arrest if you do not respect the rules.

Public conduct rules may include:

• sitting, eating or drinking on a monument or an archaeological landmark
• bathing in fountains or canals
• walking in an urban setting in swimwear or without a shirt/T-shirt
• feeding pigeons
• putting locks on bridges or monuments
• dropping litter or using single-use plastic

Natural heritage

You should not remove natural objects and plants from their natural setting. You could be fined if you do.

Removing pebbles, shells, or sand from the beaches in Sardinia and other coastal regions is prohibited.

In mountainous areas, it’s illegal to cut certain types of endangered flowers and disturb delicate alpine tundra.

Photography

Photography of military installations and critical infrastructure is regulated.

Request permission from local authorities before taking photographs of such installations.

Drones

Italian and European laws regulate recreational and commercial drone operation.

You must register your drone to use it across the European Union and apply for an authorization with the Italian authorities. Depending on the size of your drone and the intended use, you may also need to take a proof of competency exam.

Certain areas are restricted or off-limits for personal drones. These include:

• military sites
• within 5 km of airports
• mass gatherings, including major sporting events and concerts
• protected natural spaces, including natural parks

If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

Useful links

• Travelling with drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency
• Use of drones - Italian Civil Aviation Authority (in Italian only)
• drone operator’s portal – D-flight

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents

You will need to present your passport when you check-in to a hotel or other commercial accommodation.

Wait at the reception until the hotel staff has taken the required information from your passport.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Italy.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Italy, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Italy.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Italy, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Italian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Italy to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You may drive for up to one year with a valid Canadian driver’s licence, accompanied by an international driving permit or a certified Italian translation of your licence.

You must also have an international car insurance plan.

If you drive a foreign-registered car, you must display a sticker indicating its country of origin on the back of the car. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle registered abroad for more than 60 days. If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 60 days, you must obtain Italian plates.

Mandatory equipment

You must keep certain safety equipment in your car at all times, including a warning triangle and reflective jacket.

You must use snow tires or snow chains in certain regions during certain times of the year. If you plan to drive in the winter, you should verify in advance if your vehicle will require snow tires or chains. Pay attention to road signage during the winter, especially in mountainous regions.

Limited traffic zones and low-emission zones

Historic centres of many Italian cities have restricted traffic zones marked as ZTL. “Zona Traffico Limitato”, or low-emission zones, to reduce air pollution.

You need a special permit to access limited traffic zones. To be granted access to a low-emission zone, your car must meet certain environmental standards.

If you enter these zones without a permit, you could be fined. If you’re driving a rented vehicle, the rental agency may provide your contact details to the local authorities.

Some municipalities use the services of a private company to collect the fines abroad. You could receive traffic tickets by mail several months after returning to Canada.

• Pay close attention to street signage
• Confirm in advance how to access your hotel by vehicle if it’s located in a ZTL

Regional regulations

Certain islands restrict or prohibit non-resident vehicles during the high tourism season and holiday season. These include:

• the Aeolian Islands (Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano)
• the Aegadian Islands (Favignana)
• the Campanian Archipelago (Capri, Ischia, Procida)
• the Pelagie Islands (Linosa)
• the Tuscan Archipelago (Giannutri, Giglio)
• Ustica

Other islands could enforce similar regulations. Confirm before travelling.

On route 163 of the Amalfi Coast, between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, it’s prohibited to use campervans or large recreational vehicles.

Useful links

• Driving in Italy – European Commission
• International Driving Permit

Public transportation

You must validate your tickets on public transport before you start your journey, or pay on-board where possible to do so. If you don’t validate your ticket, you may receive an on-the-spot fine.

Money

The currency of Italy is the euro (EUR).

Payment in cash is restricted to transactions under €1000.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Italy. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information. 

Earthquakes

Italy is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

Volcanoes

There are nine active volcanoes in Italy.

If you are travelling near active volcanoes: 

• monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media 
• pay careful attention to all warnings issued 
• follow the advice of local authorities 
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice 

Some active volcanoes are continually monitored by Italian authorities and are located near densely populated urban areas or popular tourist destinations.

Sicily

Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano. Periods of high activity can bring significant ash fall, earthquakes and emission of harmful gases.

Aeolian Islands

The Stromboli and Vulcano islands are active volcanoes. Eruptions, ash fall and lava flow occur regularly.

Campania region

Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields in the Naples area are active volcanoes.

Useful links

• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Information on active volcanoes - Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (in Italian only)
• Information on seismic activity in Italy - Italian Civil Protection Department

Wildfires

Forest and maquis fires often occur during the summer months, particularly in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Fire risk - Italian Civil Protection Department

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly in the fall and winter, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable, and infrastructure damaged.

Certain areas of northern and central Italy are especially prone to seasonal flooding, including:

• Emilia-Romagna
• Veneto
• Liguria

Venice, in Veneto Region, sees tidal flooding known as “acqua alta,” particularly in the fall and spring. The city of Venice maintains a warning system for tidal flooding, and local authorities may install raised or floating platforms to allow pedestrians to cross low-lying areas.

The Italian Civil Protection Department publishes weather alerts on its website.

• Exercise caution, particularly around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

• Tidal forecast - City of Venice (in Italian only)
• Interpreting tidal forecast - City of Venice
• Latest alerts - Italian Civil Protection Department

Avalanches

In mountainous areas, avalanches present a risk and could result in fatalities. They often make roads impassable and cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including tourist resorts, and limit the ability of emergency services to respond.

If you plan on skiing or mountaineering:

• stay informed of weather and safety conditions
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Information on avalanche risk - Meteomont, Arma dei Carabinieri