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Risk level
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Crime
Petty crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing
and purse snatching occurs, and
tourists are frequently targeted.
On the road
The theft of items from vehicles is
common, and thieves often target
rental cars. They may use distraction
techniques or simulate accidents.
Thefts can occur at gas stations,
highway service areas, and parking
lots.
On public transportation
Thefts on public transportation and
passenger trains are common,
particularly on those servicing major
tourist sites, main cities and airports.
Thieves will often steal your
belongings while you’re asleep or
distracted and may hassle or crowd
you.
Home break-ins
Home burglaries occur mainly in
main cities and coastal areas and
sometimes affect holiday rental
accommodation.
Victims of crime
If you are a victim of a theft, go to the
nearest police station (Carabinieri or
Polizia di Stato) to report it. Keep a
copy of your report, as you may need
it to make a claim to your insurance
provider.
Useful links
Online preliminary complaint -
Arma dei Carabinieri (in Italian)
Closest police station - Polizia di
Stato, Italy’s national police (in
Italian)
Advice for women travellers
Fraud
Cybercrime
Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may
compromise public Wi-Fi networks to
steal credit card or personal
information.
Overseas fraud
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in
Europe. Terrorists have carried out
attacks in several European cities.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any
time.
Useful links
Information on planned strike
action - Ministry of Infrastructure
and Transport (in Italian)
More about mass gatherings
(large-scale events)
Mountain activities
If you intend to go hiking,
mountaineering or skiing:
never do so alone
consider hiring an experienced
guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that
includes helicopter rescue and
medical evacuation
ensure that your physical
condition is good enough to
meet the challenges of your
activity
ensure that you’re properly
equipped
stay informed about weather
and other conditions that may
pose a hazard
inform a family member or
friend of your itinerary
know the symptoms of acute
altitude sickness, which can be
fatal
obtain detailed information on
trekking routes or ski slopes
before setting out
do not venture off marked trails
or slopes
Stray dogs
Stray dogs are common in certain
areas.
Road safety
Road conditions and road safety vary
throughout the country.
Public transportation
The quality and availability of public
transportation vary across the
country.
Taxis
In Italy, drivers start the meter at the
point of departure rather than at
pick-up. Ride-sharing services are
available but may operate differently.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the
compliance of foreign domestic
airlines with international safety
standards.
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Schengen area
Italy is a Schengen area country.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa
for travel to countries within the
Schengen area. However, visa-free
travel only applies to stays of up to 90
days in any 180-day period. Stays are
cumulative and include visits to any
Schengen area country.
Useful links
Schengen area
Foreign Representatives in
Canada
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending
on the type of passport you use for
travel.
Official travel
Useful links
Foreign Representatives in
Canada
Canadian passports
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays up
to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays
up 90 days
Work visa: required
Student visa: required
Declaration of presence
If you plan to spend fewer than 90
days in Italy for visits, business,
tourism or study, you don’t need to
apply for a residence permit.
However, you must report your
presence in the country. Commercial
accommodations will generally file
the declaration on your behalf, but
you are responsible for making sure
it's done. Request a copy of this
record.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry
requirements related to yellow fever
(vaccines section).
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Health
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine
vaccinations, as per your province or
territory, are up-to-date before
travelling, regardless of your
destination.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Measles
Hepatitis B
COVID-19
Influenza
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and
influenza, can be shared between
humans and animals. Certain types
of activities may increase your
chance of contact with animals, such
as travelling in rural or forested
areas, camping, hiking, and visiting
wet markets (places where live
animals are slaughtered and sold) or
caves.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise
proper cough and sneeze etiquette,
which includes coughing or sneezing
into a tissue or the bend of your arm,
not your hand. Reduce your risk of
colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole
responsibility of the traveller. The
traveller is also responsible for his or
her own personal safety.
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Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or
trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.
Convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences or heavy fines.
Useful links
Alcohol, drugs and travel
Cannabis and international travel
Public behaviour
Certain municipalities, particularly
those with a high number of visitors,
such as Rome, Florence and Venice,
have adopted strict public conduct
rules. Certain behaviours are illegal
and may include:
Counterfeit merchandise
Buying counterfeit merchandise,
such as sunglasses or purses, is
illegal. You may receive heavy fines if
you’re caught buying counterfeit
merchandise.
Photography
Photography of military installations
and critical infrastructure is
regulated.
Drones
Recreational and commercial flying
of drones is regulated.
Useful links
Civil drones - European Union
Aviation Safety Agency
Use of drones - Italian Civil
Aviation Authority (in Italian)
Identification
Authorities may request to see your
ID at any time.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized
in Italy.
Useful links
List of Canadian Central
Authorities for the Hague
Convention
International Child Abduction: A
Guidebook for Left-Behind
Parents
Travelling with children
The Hague Convention - Hague
Conference on Private
International Law
Canadian embassies and
consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response
Centre
Driving
You may drive for up to one year with
a valid Canadian driver’s licence and
an international driving permit or a
certified translation of your Canadian
licence.
Useful links
Driving in Italy - European
Commission
International Driving Permit
Public transportation
You must purchase bus, metro and
tram tickets in advance at kiosks in
stations or at tobacco shops and
validate them at machines located on
board or in the station.
Money
The currency of Italy is the euro
(EUR).
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Natural disasters
and climate
Wildfires
Forest and maquis fires often occur
during the summer months,
particularly in Sicily and Sardinia.
Calabria
Campania (Amalfi Coast)
Liguria (Cinque Terre)
Rome
Sicily
Tuscany
Acqua alta
Venice is subject to tidal flooding
(acqua alta), particularly during fall
and spring. During episodes of
severe flooding, some streets and
squares become impassable, and
certain businesses and landmarks
may temporarily suspend their
activities. Local authorities typically
install raised pedestrian platforms to
facilitate crossing in strategic
locations.
Useful links
Tidal forecast - City of Venice (in
Italian)
Interpreting tidal forecast - City
of Venice
@ICPSMVenezia - Tide
Forecasting and Reporting
Centre (in Italian)
Avalanches
In mountainous areas, avalanches
present a risk. They can make roads
impassable and cause power
disruptions. These conditions can
affect access to isolated areas,
including tourist resorts, and limit the
ability of emergency services to
respond.
Seismic activity
Italy is located in an active seismic
zone. Even minor earthquakes can
cause significant damage. Volcano
eruptions occur.
Sicily
Mount Etna is Europe’s most active
volcano. Periods of high activity can
bring significant ash fall, earthquakes
and emission of harmful gases.
Campania
Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean
Fields in the Naples area are active
volcanoes. They are both located
near densely populated areas and
are continually monitored by the
local authorities.
Useful links
Earthquakes - What to Do?
Information on active volcanoes -
Italian national institute of
Geophysics and Volcanology (in
Italian)
Information on seismic activity in
Italy - Italian Civil Protection
Department
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Local services
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Consular assistance
Rome - Embassy of Canada
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