Heading to Europe this fall? There’s a new travel advisory update you’ll want to know about before packing your bags.
On Sept. 10, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel guidance for Italy, one of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations. The country remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to the risk of terrorism.
That doesn’t mean Americans are being told to cancel their Roman holiday, Tuscan wine tasting or Amalfi Coast getaway. In fact, this isn’t a newly elevated warning at all. Italy was already at Level 2, and the State Department notes that the latest update did not change either the advisory level or its terrorism risk indicator. Instead, officials updated the advisory summary and safety information for travelers.
Still, with plenty of travelers squeezing in late-summer and fall trips to Italy, it’s worth knowing exactly what the advisory says before you go.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Italy Trip With a Single Carry-On
Why Is Italy Under a Level 2 Travel Advisory?
The State Department currently advises Americans to exercise increased caution in Italy because of terrorism, citing a risk of terrorist violence and other terrorist activity in the country.
Officials warn that potential targets can include places travelers routinely encounter on vacation, such as hotels, restaurants, markets, airports, public transportation, places of worship and major public events. The department’s broader terrorism guidance also recommends staying alert in tourist attractions and other venues that attract crowds.
The advisory also calls attention to a far more common concern for tourists: petty crime.
“Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains,” the State Department says, advising visitors to stay aware of their surroundings.
In other words, keeping tabs on your surroundings matters whether you’re standing in a packed piazza, boarding a train or admiring the Trevi Fountain.
Related: The Best Places to Travel in Italy
What Does a Level 2 Travel Advisory Mean?
A Level 2 advisory does not mean “do not travel.” The State Department uses a four-tier system, with Level 1 advising travelers to exercise normal precautions, Level 2 to exercise increased caution, Level 3 to reconsider travel and Level 4 to not travel.
Italy isn’t alone at Level 2, either. Other popular destinations currently carrying Level 2 advisories include Spain and the United Kingdom, although the reasons and specific guidance vary by country.
What Should Americans Traveling to Italy Do?
For travelers with an Italian vacation already on the calendar, the guidance is more about being prepared than changing your plans.
The State Department recommends staying alert in public places, reviewing the latest destination-specific guidance before traveling and enrolling in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, better known as STEP. The program allows U.S. travelers to receive updates and security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and can make it easier for officials to contact them during an emergency.
Check the latest U.S. State Department travel advisory for Italy
Travelers should also pay close attention to their belongings in crowded tourist areas and on trains and other public transportation. For emergencies within Italy, the nationwide emergency number is 112.
So, no, you don’t necessarily need to unpack the suitcase or cancel those dinner reservations. But if Italy is on your itinerary, consider the updated advisory one more thing to check before saying ciao to the U.S. and heading across the pond.
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