Generally, Italy is a safe place for travelers. And one of our favorite places to visit!
Here's what you need to know about safety in Italy, including updates about the COVID pandemic.
UPDATE: Italy and COVID-19
When will it be safe to travel to Italy? Do Americans need a lot of paperwork to visit Italy? These are common questions right now because of COVID.
Here's the latest:
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers from the United States are permitted to enter Italy without a negative COVID test or proof of recovery.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to check and follow the COVID-19 rules in Italy. Right now, the only nationwide requirement to keep in mind is that FFP2 masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare settings.
Safety statistics in Italy
Don’t take our word for it—check out the data! Italy’s crime rate has been in a consistent freefall since 2010.
Plus, you’re never far from a police officer: Italy has 550 officers per 100,000 people, which means it’s 9th in the world in terms of police presence. For context, the US is ranked 45th.
That means you can explore Italy's incredible places to visit without having to worry much about safety.
Solo travel in Italy
You'll find plenty of fantastic things to do in Italy for solo travelers—from sipping an Aperol spritz outside a cafe, to enjoying Italy's world-class museums, to simply wandering through the historic streets of Rome.
And locals tell us that, on the whole, Italy is a safe place for anyone traveling by themselves. They provided these tips for solo female travelers:
- Unfortunately, catcalling is a reality in Italy. But it’s no worse than any other country in Europe.
- There are female-only hostels in some cities.
- The Vatican has a dress code for men and women. Keep your knees and shoulders covered. Otherwise, you might be barred from entering certain buildings.
- Use the same precautions you would anywhere else—don't accept drinks from strangers and know how you're getting home at night.
Solo travelers can benefit greatly from local advice. Our trip planners are Italian locals (many of which are Italian women) who are happy to share how they navigate their country safely. They can let you know about the best places to visit in Italy as a solo traveler, and which you may want to avoid.
Common scams to know
There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Italy, so don't let a scammer ruin your trip.
Stay safe with local insights—locals tell us to keep an eye out for these common scams:
- People asking you to sign a charity petition: Usually, someone will approach you asking for a signature for a petition of a fake charity. As soon as you agree to sign it, the scammers will aggressively demand a donation or take the opportunity to pickpocket you.
- Taxis charging a flat rate and not using the meter: Taxis in the city are required to use the meter to calculate charges unless they’re going to/from the airport. Any taxi charging you a flat-rate is not an official taxi.
- Someone presenting a box of pizza (or another large item): The scammer aims to block your view from the waist down while an accomplice tries to pick your pocket.
- Having your way intentionally blocked in the subway: One member will engage, block, or distract you in some way, while another quickly picks a valuable off of you.
- Roma (Gypsy) babies: Roma women have been known to beg with passed-out babies that they’ve intentionally drugged in order to increase sympathy/leverage the situation to get money from you.
- “Free” rosemary: Another favorite tactic of scammers is to offer you a “free” sprig of rosemary (or another charm) for good luck. Once you’ve accepted it they’ll demand payment.
Locals add to beware of people stopping you for surveys, asking for donations, or even “accidentally” spilling something on or tripping into you. If any of the above situations or something similar happens to you in Italy, be extra cautious, keep moving, and don’t engage.
In general, locals also say to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or public transit.
Vaccinations and drinking water in Italy
If you’re traveling from the US and are up to date on your regular vaccines, you’re all set in terms of medical preparations. No special vaccines or medicines required!
And although you’ll be mostly drinking Aperol spritz, Chianti, or other classic Italian drinks, be reassured that you can totally drink the water. Italy’s tap water is safe. In fact, it’s just as good or even better than what you’d drink in the US.
