Just a friendly reminder that your passport must have at least six months vaidity beyond your planned date of departure for departure to Italy!  

Please check the expiration date on your passport carefully because if your passport does not meet the requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes.  You could also be denied entry when you arrive in Italy.  For this reason, we recommend that your passport have at least six months’validity remaining.  

Some other requirements, as posted on the State Department website:

  • Passports must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps
  • No Vaccinations needed
  • No tourist visa needed if you're staying under 90 days
  • Currency restriction for entry is capped at 10,000 Euros or the equivalent in another currency

Some Safety information:

Italy has a moderate rate of crime, especially for theft and economic crimes; violent crimes are rare. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following local circumstances:

  • Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfit goods(usually fashion accessories).
  • Travelers must purchase train, bus or metro tickets and validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding (usually near the entrance of the train or metro or  on the bus). Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an on-the-spot fine by an inspector on the train, bus or metro. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
  • Thieves impersonate police officers. If you are stopped by a plainclothes policeman, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet and immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone.
  • Do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, at airports, car rental agencies, on public buses, metros and trains, and at the major railway stations. Never leave baggage alone in a car, including in a closed trunk. For more information on trains and security, please see the Italian railway police’s advice for travelers.
  • Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of thieves and pick-pockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, bars, and cafes. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians as they ride by. Resisting these thieves can be dangerous.
  • Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times to avoid carjackings and thefts while you are waiting in traffic.

The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Here are some helpful hints to protect against and identify skimming devices:

  • Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or secured inside a bank/business. 
  • Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN. 
  • Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader. 
  • Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM. 
  • Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

VICTIMS OF CRIME:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention at the nearest public hospital as soon as possible.

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+39) 06-4674-1 or after-hours (+39) 06-4674-1.  

  • Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas and U.S. victim’s compensation programs.

We can:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
  • Provide information on victim’s compensation and support in Italy
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

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