Italy attracts visitors with its Renaissance masterpieces, historic cities, and celebrated food culture. Many travelers planning their route often wonder, is Italy safe to visit? It’s a sensible question when your trip may include busy piazzas, coastal towns, and crowded landmarks.
Each year, millions explore the country, placing Italy among Europe’s top destinations. It holds the 33rd position on the Global Peace Index, ranking ahead of France and well above the United States. Overall safety is strong, though certain risks do exist.
Knowing how these risks appear in day-to-day travel helps you move through Italian cities with more confidence and enjoy the experiences that draw so many visitors. In this guide, we will discuss the overall travel conditions of this European country and how safe it is for travellers.
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Is Italy Safe to Visit Right Now?
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The crime rate in Italy is low, with 0.51 homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, one of the lowest levels in Europe. Recent data shows a continued downward trend in violent crime, and cities like Rome maintain figures that remain low for a major capital.
Property crime affects tourists more directly. Italy ranked highest in the 2024 European Pickpocketing Index, and Rome recorded over 33,000 pickpocketing cases in 2024.
Locations with higher theft activity include the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Milan’s Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and busy stations like Termini and Centrale. Awareness of areas to avoid in Italy and basic safety tips for travelers in Italy helps reduce these risks.
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Top Petty Crimes and Scams in Italy
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Common Scam Types
1. Gladiator Photo and Character Schemes
- Around the Colosseum and Via dei Fori Imperiali, performers dressed as gladiators or centurions approach tourists for photos. They act friendly and pull visitors in before mentioning any fee.
- Once the photo is taken, they demand 20–50 euros per person and may block paths or act hostile if payment is refused. Groups often surround tourists to increase pressure, even though this practice was banned in 2023.
- These common scams in Italy now include portable card readers and fake vests with unofficial badges, making the setup look legitimate.
- The best response is to avoid any interaction from the start. Decline firmly, walk away, and call 112, the main emergency number in Italy, if the situation becomes aggressive.
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2. Fake Police and Document Inspection
- Some scammers pose as police officers, showing fake badges and claiming to investigate counterfeit money or similar issues. Working in pairs gives them more credibility.
- They ask to check bags, documents, or wallets, then skim card details or take cash before disappearing. Any request to follow them to a “nearby station” usually ends in theft.
- How to stay safe in Italy as a tourist includes recognizing that real police officers never ask to inspect bank cards or cash on the street. They may ask for ID only.
- If approached, ask for official identification and offer to walk with them to the nearest police station. Genuine officers agree; scammers leave quickly.
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3. Oil Painting Street Trap
- This scam is common near Florence’s Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica and has also appeared in Rome and Milan. “Artists” place large canvases on busy walkways where tourists are likely to step.
- If someone steps on a canvas, the scammer claims the artwork is damaged and demands a high payment. Some create marks themselves to make the accusation seem credible.
- Cheap prints are often used rather than real paintings, and the layout is arranged to cause accidental contact.
- Stay alert when walking through crowded areas and avoid stepping on any displayed items. If accused unfairly, stay calm and refuse payment. Call the police if the pressure continues.
4. Friendship Bracelet and Rose Harassment
- Individuals approach suddenly and tie bracelets on wrists or hand over roses without permission. Once contact is made, they demand money and may follow tourists until they pay.
- This occurs often around the Duomo in Milan and Piazza San Marco in Venice. Some groups use the distraction to assist accomplices in pickpocketing.
- Prevention involves keeping your hands free and refusing all unsolicited items. Continue walking without engaging, and seek nearby security if they persist.
- Safety tips for travelers in Italy highlight the importance of maintaining personal boundaries. Anyone offering a “gift” and then demanding payment is attempting a scam.
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Prevention Tips
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- Use crossbody bags positioned in front with zippers facing inward for better control. Avoid wearing backpacks in crowded streets, metro stations, or major attractions. A money belt under your clothing adds another layer of protection for documents and emergency cash.
- Keep valuables in inner pockets instead of places that can be reached easily. Avoid wearing noticeable jewelry or displaying expensive devices. Leave your passport secured in your hotel safe unless required, and carry a photocopy for identification.
- Stay alert in busy areas where distractions happen frequently. Pickpockets often create commotion, spill drinks, or bump into travelers while an accomplice targets bags or pockets. If someone acts strangely close or tries to divert your attention, check your belongings immediately.
- Review prices before ordering at restaurants by requesting menus with clearly printed costs. Leave any place that refuses to provide transparent pricing. Compare your final bill with menu amounts to identify overcharging quickly.
- Download offline maps before heading out to avoid looking uncertain in public spaces. Learning short phrases like no, vai via, and aiuto helps you set boundaries when needed, which is useful for solo travel safety in Italy and women’s safety in Italy.
- Guidelines for safe travel in Italy recommend photographing important documents and saving them securely online. Keep printed copies of passports, bank cards, and insurance details separate from the originals to speed up replacements if theft occurs.
General Safety in Italy
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Nighttime Safety Considerations
- Italian cities have lively evening scenes, though safety levels differ by neighborhood. Rome’s historic districts, including Trastevere, Monti, and areas near the Vatican, stay active late into the night, with restaurants and foot traffic offering a comfortable environment for visitors.
- Some neighborhoods require more caution. Around Rome’s Termini Station, risks increase after 10 PM. Milan’s Via Padova, Via Giambellino, and Viale Monza report higher incidents based on local data tied to the crime rate in Italy. In Naples, areas such as Scampia, Forcella, and streets near Piazza Garibaldi call for strict awareness after dark. These are commonly listed among areas to avoid in Italy at night.
- Popular tourist zones in Florence feel safe for evening walks, especially near the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Venice also remains comfortable during the evening on its main islands, though quiet lanes far from busy routes carry more risk.
- Nightlife safety in Italy improves when you stay in well-lit, populated areas. Use licensed taxis or approved ride-share services and avoid unofficial drivers. Keeping your phone charged helps with directions and contacting help if needed. Moving in small groups is recommended for smoother, safer evenings.
- Women’s safety in Italy generally remains strong in tourist districts. Solo female travelers manage evening outings successfully by staying in populated areas, avoiding isolated alleys, and trusting their instincts. Verbal harassment can occur in some southern regions, but it rarely escalates beyond comments.
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Physical Safety
Some of the important emergency numbers in Italy are:
|
Service |
Emergency Number |
Notes (Official Govt Links) |
|
European Emergency Number |
112 |
Single European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Official info:https://www.salute.gov.it |
|
Police (Carabinieri) |
112 |
National military police force handling major emergencies. Official site:https://www.carabinieri.it |
|
State Police (Polizia di Stato) |
113 |
Civil police for crime, theft, and public safety issues. Official site:https://www.poliziadistato.it |
|
Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco) |
115 |
National fire and rescue service. Official site:https://www.vigilfuoco.it |
|
Medical Emergency (Ambulance) |
118 |
Emergency medical and ambulance services. Official health portal:https://www.salute.gov.it |
|
Tourist Police |
171 |
Assistance line for tourists via Polizia di Stato. Official tourism info:https://www.italia.it |
|
Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) |
1530 |
Maritime and sea rescue emergencies. Official site:https://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it |
|
Roadside Assistance (ACI) |
803 116 |
Nationwide roadside assistance run by Automobile Club d’Italia. Official site:https://www.aci.it |
Italy’s 112 emergency system operates 24/7 throughout the country. Operators answer in Italian, English, and French, connecting callers with appropriate emergency services, including police, fire brigade, medical assistance, and coast guard. The average response time for 112 calls is 9 seconds.
The single European emergency number 112 functions from any telephone, including mobile phones without SIM cards. Calls remain free of charge always. The system provides caller location capability, identifying positions within seconds to expedite emergency response.
State Police (113) handles urgent law enforcement needs, including ongoing crimes, thefts, violence, public disturbances, and traffic accidents. Tourist Police (171) specifically assists visitors, speaking English and understanding common tourist concerns. They handle scam reports, lost documents, and tourist-related crimes.
Ambulance services (118) provide emergency medical assistance throughout Italy. Response times vary significantly, arriving within 10-20 minutes in major cities but potentially exceeding two hours in remote rural areas, depending on hospital proximity and call volume.
Health and Medical
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- Health and hygiene in Italy meet strong European standards across major tourist regions. Italy ranked 22nd in the 2024 CEOWORLD Health Care Index and received a score of 98.3 for medical infrastructure and trained professionals, the highest ranking in Europe for that category.
- Public hospitals offer emergency care to all individuals, including foreign visitors. Immediate treatment is provided during life-threatening situations, while payment is handled afterward. Some public facilities face long waiting times, which leads many travelers to consider private options for faster access.
- Private hospitals offer shorter wait times, modern equipment, and English-speaking staff. Costs are higher and usually require upfront payment, with reimbursement handled through travel insurance. Large Italian cities host reputable private medical centers that maintain international standards.
- Pharmacies, marked with green cross signs, are reliable and easy to find. They follow set schedules from Monday to Saturday, while duty pharmacies operate around the clock. Updated schedules appear on pharmacy doors or through local information channels.
- Solo travel safety in Italy includes knowing how prescriptions work. Pharmacies accept only Italian prescriptions issued by local doctors, meaning visitors needing medication must consult an Italian physician. Over-the-counter items remain available but must be paid for in full.
- Travel insurance with broad medical coverage is essential, as follow-up care, tests, and medications can become expensive. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card receive treatment at the same rates as residents. These factors help travelers assess medical support when asking is Italy safe to visit for those with health concerns.
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Law and Prohibitions
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Italian law operates under European Union frameworks while maintaining distinct national regulations. Foreign visitors must follow Italian law regardless of their home country’s rules. The legal system emphasizes written codes with judicial interpretation.
Drug possession carries severe penalties throughout Italy. Cannabis remains illegal despite recreational use in some demographics. Small quantities lead to fines and potential imprisonment, while larger amounts or trafficking charges result in lengthy sentences. Never transport substances across international borders.
Photography restrictions apply at military installations, government buildings, and certain museums. Archaeological sites permit personal photography but prohibit commercial filming without permits. Always request permission before photographing individuals, especially at religious sites where photography might be forbidden during services.
Removing archaeological artifacts constitutes a serious criminal offense. Taking stones, pottery fragments, or any items from historical sites results in prosecution and imprisonment. Customs officers inspect luggage carefully. Penalties include substantial fines plus jail time.
Driving regulations require proper licensing and insurance. International Driving Permits accompany home country licenses for legal driving. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Motorcycle helmets are required by law. Drunk driving limits are set at 0.05% blood alcohol content, with random checks common.
Public behavior norms differ in some countries. Topless sunbathing occurs on some beaches but remains illegal in public parks, pools, and urban areas. Nude sunbathing is restricted to designated beaches only. Respect local customs at religious sites by covering shoulders and knees, and removing shoes when entering churches.
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Climate and Weather Safety
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Italy experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures vary significantly between regions and seasons, requiring different preparations depending on travel timing.
Summer months from June through September bring intense heat, particularly in Rome, Florence, and southern regions. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F) during heat waves. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes but still experience extreme conditions.
Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke affect unprepared tourists frequently during summer visits. Drink water constantly throughout the day. Look for shade during peak midday hours between 12 PM and 4 PM. Wear high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and light-colored clothing.
Winter temperatures remain mild in southern regions and islands, ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F). Northern Italy and mountainous areas see colder conditions with snow in higher elevations. Rain falls primarily from November through March, heaviest in northern and western regions.
Wildfire risk peaks during the summer months when high temperatures combine with dry vegetation. Central regions and areas around Rome face elevated fire danger. Monitor local news and follow government restrictions on forest access during high-risk periods.
Italy’s seismic activity causes occasional earthquakes, though major destructive events occur infrequently. Buildings in tourist areas follow modern seismic codes. Familiarize yourself with safety procedures provided by accommodations, knowing exit routes and assembly points.
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Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
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Italy offers a rewarding driving experience, but visitors should understand how local habits and road conditions differ from other countries. These points help with how to stay safe in Italy as a tourist, especially for those planning to rent a car or scooter.
- Major highways are generally well maintained, while many rural roads have narrow lanes, tight turns, and limited barriers. These conditions require slower speeds and careful control, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with Italian countryside routes.
- Driving behavior often feels firm and fast-paced. City traffic features frequent lane changes, limited use of turn signals, and parking in unconventional spots. Pedestrians sometimes face vehicles that expect them to yield at crossings, so remain alert even when you have the right of way.
- Scooters and motorcycles move quickly through gaps in traffic and may appear from angles that drivers or pedestrians do not expect. When crossing streets, look both ways, even on one-way roads, as scooters sometimes travel against the flow.
- Speed limits vary by region: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, and 130 km/h on highways. Enforcement relies on cameras and mobile units, and fines can be significant for violations. Following these rules is an important part of safety tips for travelers in Italy.
- Parking is a recurring challenge in cities due to limited space. Vehicles commonly block sidewalks or narrow lanes, and break-ins occur in tourist zones. Avoid leaving valuables in parked cars and choose secure garages whenever possible.
- Public transport offers a more predictable option for many travelers. Rome’s metro, buses, and trams cover key areas reliably, though pickpocket awareness is necessary. Trains, domestic flights, and ferries connect major destinations and provide steady alternatives to driving.
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FAQs
What types of crime should tourists worry about in Italy?
Pickpocketing is the main concern for visitors, especially in crowded areas of Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. Tourist sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Duomo attract organized theft groups.
Taxi overcharging, restaurant bill tricks, and street scams such as fake police checks or forced photo schemes can also occur. Violent crime against tourists stays very low based on the current crime rate in Italy.
Which neighborhoods should tourists avoid in different Italian cities?
Some areas to avoid in Italy include Scampia, Forcella, and neighborhoods near Piazza Garibaldi in Naples due to higher criminal activity. Parts of Via Padova, Via Giambellino, and Viale Monza in Milan report elevated risks as well.
Rome’s Termini area can feel unsafe late at night, while most historic centers and small towns remain comfortable for visitors during the day.
How does healthcare work for tourists needing medical attention?
Emergency treatment is available to everyone, but follow-up care requires payment unless you have insurance. Public hospitals treat urgent cases first, while private facilities offer faster service at higher costs.
Pharmacies accept only Italian prescriptions, so visitors needing medication must see a local doctor. For emergencies, call 112, the main emergency number in Italy.
How safe is solo female travel throughout Italy?
Women’s safety in Italy is generally strong, and many solo travelers report smooth experiences. Harassment tends to be limited to verbal comments, with violent incidents involving tourists remaining rare. Staying in active areas, using licensed transport, and avoiding quiet streets late at night support solo travel safety in Italy.
Is Italy safe to visit compared to other popular European destinations?
If you’re asking is Italy safe to visit, the answer is yes for most travelers. Italy records one of Europe’s lowest levels of violent crime, while pickpocketing remains the main issue in tourist hotspots. With awareness of belongings and basic precautions, visitors move through Italian cities comfortably and enjoy secure travel across the country.
