Is Italy Safe to Travel to in 2026?
Risk level: Low-Moderate risk
Last updated
Overview
Stunning Mediterranean country with world-class food, art, history, and scenery. Generally safe for tourists in most areas, but major cities suffer from widespread petty theft and pickpocketing. Northern and central Italy are more orderly and prosperous, while the south is more chaotic but often very charming.
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October for most regions; July and August are hot and crowded; Alps and Dolomites have a winter ski season.
Safety
Violent crime against tourists is low. Petty theft and pickpocketing are very common in major tourist cities (Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples). Some southern cities have visible urban decay and occasional organised crime influence. Northern Italy and rural areas are noticeably safer and more orderly.
Recommendations
Be extremely vigilant with belongings in Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples and Milan. Use hotel safes. Avoid flashing valuables. Stick to well-lit tourist areas at night in bigger cities. Rural and northern areas are much calmer.
Health and tap water
Tap water: Excellent — generally safe to drink from the tap.
Good healthcare in major cities and tourist areas. Tap water is safe. Summer heat can be intense in the south.
Entry and exit
Visa-free for most up to 90 days in Schengen. ETIAS expected later in 2026.
Laws
Strict on drugs. Generally relaxed attitude toward minor issues, but theft is common and enforcement can be slow in tourist areas.
Other notes
Incredible food, wine, art, history and landscapes. Can feel chaotic and inefficient in the south. Northern Italy is more modern and efficient. Tourist spots are expensive.
Emergency numbers: Police 112, Ambulance 112, Fire 112.
Regional risk notes for Italy
- Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol — Low risk: Alpine north. Extremely safe, orderly and prosperous. One of the best regions in Italy.
- Valle d'Aosta — Low-Moderate risk: Alpine region. Very safe, scenic and high quality of life.
- Friuli Venezia Giulia — Low-Moderate risk: Northeast. Safe, orderly and underrated.
- Toscana / Tuscany — Low-Moderate risk: Beautiful but very touristy. Pickpocketing common in Florence.
- Veneto — Low-Moderate risk: Venice has heavy pickpocketing. Countryside is calmer.
- Lombardy — Low-Moderate risk: Milan area. Prosperous but urban theft is common.
- Emilia-Romagna — Low-Moderate risk: Excellent food region. Generally calm and pleasant.
- Piedmont — Low-Moderate risk: Turin and wine country. Safe and high quality.
- Lazio — Low-Moderate risk: Rome has very common pickpocketing. Tourist areas are manageable with vigilance.
- Umbria — Low-Moderate risk: Quiet and beautiful. One of the calmer central regions.
- Marche — Low-Moderate risk: Underrated and generally safe.
- Abruzzo — Low-Moderate risk: Mountains and coast. Calm and scenic.
- Molise — Low-Moderate risk: Small and very quiet. Low tourism, low crime.
- Puglia — Low-Moderate risk: Beautiful south. Generally relaxed and tourist-friendly.
- Basilicata — Low-Moderate risk: Rural and quiet. Low crime but limited infrastructure.
- Sardegna / Sardinia — Low-Moderate risk: Beautiful island. Generally safe and relaxed.
- Liguria — Low-Moderate risk: Cinque Terre and Genoa coast. Scenic but crowded in peak season.
- Campania — Moderate risk: Naples area. Chaotic with high petty crime and some no-go zones.
- Calabria — Moderate risk: Southern tip. Some organised crime influence and higher poverty.
- Sicilia / Sicily — Moderate risk: Stunning but has mafia influence, urban issues and petty crime in cities.
Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]