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Italy (U.S. report)
March 11, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required. Italian authorities may deny entry to travelers who attempt to enter without a valid passport. A visa is not required for tourist stays up to three months.
However, for all other purposes, such as work, study, etc., a visa is required and must be obtained from the Italian Embassy or Consulates before entering Italy. For further information concerning visas and entry requirements,
travelers may contact the Under Italian law, tourists are required to register with a local police station and obtain a "permesso di soggiorno" (permit to stay) within eight working days of their arrival, regardless of the intended length of stay.
Visitors may be required to show police that they have sufficient means of financial support. Credit cards, ATM cards, travelers' checks, prepaid hotel/vacation vouchers, etc. may be evidence of sufficient means. In an
effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for a child's travel from the
parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. Citizens born in Italy and/or who are also Italian
citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other laws imposing special obligations upon them in Italy. Those who might be affected should inquire at an Italian embassy or consulate regarding their status before
traveling to Italy. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page at http://www.travel.state.gov for our
SAFETY/SECURITY: There have been occasional episodes of violence in Italy, most often connected to Italian internal developments or social issues. At various times, Italian authorities have found bombs outside public
buildings, have received bomb threats and were subjects of letter bombs. Firebombs or Molotov cocktails have been thrown at buildings or offices in the middle of the night. These incidents have all been attributed to organized
crime or anarchist movements. Americans were not targeted or injured in these instances. Demonstrations may have an anti-American character. Even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn into confrontational
situations and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Italy should take commonsense precautions and follow news reports carefully in order to avoid demonstrations and to be aware of heightened
security and potential delays when they occur. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the
current The
Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S.
federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328. CRIME: Italy has a low rate
of violent crime, little of which is directed toward tourists. However, some travelers have been victims of rape and beatings. Tourists going to nightclubs or bars in areas where crowds of people gather outdoors for late night
drinks should be careful. If you are a victim of such a crime, please file a police report and contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. There are also in-country organizations, which provide counseling, medical, and legal
assistance to certain crime victims. Petty crimes such as pick pocketing, theft from parked cars, and purse snatching are serious problems, especially in large cities. Pickpockets sometimes dress like businessmen, so
tourists should not be lulled into a false sense of security by believing that well-dressed individuals are not potential pickpockets or thieves. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, on public buses or trains,
or at the major railway stations, Rome 's Termini, Milan 's Centrale, Florence 's Santa Maria Novella, and Naples ' Centrale and Piazza Garibaldi. Travelers should also be alert to theft in Milan 's Malpensa airport,
particularly at car rental agencies. Clients of Internet cafes in major cities have been targeted. Tourists who have tried to resist petty thieves on motor scooters have suffered broken arms and collarbones. Thieves in Italy
often work in groups or pairs. Pairs of accomplices or groups of street urchins are known to divert tourists' attention so that another can pickpocket them. In one particular routine, one thief throws trash, waste or ketchup at
the victim; a second thief assists the victim in cleaning up the mess; and the third discreetly takes the victim's belongings. Criminals on crowded public transportation slit the bottoms of purses or bags with a razor blade or
sharp knife, then remove the contents. Theft of small items such as radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and even cigarettes from parked cars are a major problem. Robbers take items from cars at gas stations often by
smashing car windows. Thefts have also been reported from occupied vehicles waiting in traffic or stopped at traffic lights. Vehicles parked near beaches during the summer have been broken into and items stolen. In a scam
practiced on the highways, one thief signals a flat tire to the driver of another car and encourages the driver to pull over. Often, the tire has been punctured by an accomplice, while in other instances, there may, in fact, be
nothing wrong with the vehicle. When the driver stops, one thief helps change the tire, while the other takes the driver's belongings. Use particular caution driving at night on highways, when there may be a greater incidence
of robbery attempts. There have been occasional reports of break-ins of rental cars driven by Americans when the precautions mentioned above were not followed during stops at highway service areas. On trains, a commonly
reported trick involves one or more persons who pretend to befriend a traveler and offer drugged food or drink. Also, thieves have been known to impersonate police officers to gain the confidence of tourists. The thief shows
the prospective victim a circular plastic sign with the words "police" or "international police." If this happens, the tourist should insist on seeing the officer's identification card (documento), as
impersonators tend not to carry forged documents. Tourists should immediately report thefts or other crimes to the local police. Organized criminal groups operate throughout Italy, but are more prevalent in the south. They
have occasionally resorted to violence to intimidate or to settle disputes. Though the activities of such groups are not generally targeted at tourists, visitors should be aware that innocent by-standers could be injured.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local
police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be
transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and help you locate an attorney if
needed. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSURANCE: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside
urban areas. Public hospitals sometimes do not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States, so travelers are encouraged to obtain insurance that would cover a stay in a private Italian hospital or clinic. It
is almost impossible to obtain an itemized hospital bill from public hospitals, as required by many U.S. insurance companies, because the Italian National Health Service charges one inclusive rate (care services, bed and
board). The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical
evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services
outside the United States. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans to cover overseas health care expenses including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding
health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured
travelers requiring medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties unlike travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance. Prior to your trip, ask your insurance company if payment will be made to the overseas
healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for incurred expenses. Some insurance companies include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Travelers should always carry a prescription for any drugs they are taking and should know the generic name of the drug. Most prescription drugs available in the U.S. can
also be found in Italy. If you are taking an unusual medicine that is difficult to find even in the United States, we suggest that you bring an ample supply with you when you travel. Mailing prescription drugs to Italy is
time-consuming and complicated. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the U.S. The information below concerning Italy is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate for all locations or circumstances. Safety of Public Transportation: Good Streets in historical city centers are often narrow, winding
and congested. Traffic lights are limited, often disobeyed and a different convention of right-of-way is observed. Italy has over 5,600 kilometers (3,480 mi.) of "Autostrada," or superhighways. Commercial and individual
vehicles travel and pass on these well-maintained roads at very high speeds. Accidents do occur in which contributing factors include excessive speed, alcohol/drug use and/or sleepiness of long-distance drivers. Italy has one
of the highest rates of car accident deaths in the European Union. In rural areas, a wide range of speed on highways makes for hazardous driving. Roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails. Travelers in northern
Italy, especially in winter, should be aware of fog and poor visibility, responsible for multiple-car accidents each year. Most Italian automobiles are equipped with special fog lights. Roadside assistance in Italy is excellent
on the well-maintained toll roads, but limited on secondary roads. For specific information concerning Italy's drivers' licenses, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Italy's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 – in compliance with international aviation safety
standards for oversight of Italy's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on
specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (618) 229-4801. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Italian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Italy
of items such as professional equipment, commercial samples, advertising materials and/or goods for exhibition and fair purposes. Tax-free shopping rules are strictly enforced. Be sure you have read and understood all the
procedures and conditions regarding refunds before purchasing any item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Italy in Washington or one of Italy's Consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs
requirements. The U.S. Customs Service may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. Contact the Italy's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations. They may differ significantly from those of the
United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Italian law, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Italy are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Strikes and other work stoppages occur frequently in the transportation sector (national airlines, airports, trains, and bus lines). Most are announced in advance and are of short duration. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Several major earthquake fault lines
cross Italy. Principal Italian cities do not lie near these faults, but smaller tourist towns, like Assisi, do and have suffered earthquakes. General information about disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from
the Italy also has several active
volcanoes generating geothermal events. Mt. Etna, on the eastern tip of the island of Sicily, has been erupting intermittently since 2000. Mt. Vesuvius, located near to Naples, is currently capped and not active. Activity at
Mt. Vesuvius is monitored by an active seismic network and sensor system, and no recent seismic activity has been recorded. Two of Italy's smaller islands, Stromboli and Vulcano in the Aeolian Island chain north of Sicily, also
have active volcanoes with lava flows. Detailed information on volcano activity in Italy is available from the CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans residing, studying or working in Italy, and longer term tourists, are encouraged to register
at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Rome or at one of the three U.S. Consulates General and obtain updated information on travel and security. The U.S. Consulates are located in: Florence: Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38, tel: 39-055-266-951,
consular fax: 399-055-215-550; Milan: Via Principe Amedeo 2/10, tel: 39-02-290-351, and fax: 39-02-290-35-273; Naples: at Piazza della Repubblica, tel: 39-081-583-8111, and consular fax: 39-081-583-8275. There are U.S.
Consular Agents located in: Genoa: at Via Dante 2, tel: 39-010-584-492, and fax: 39-010-553-3033; Palermo: at Via Vaccarini 1, tel: 39-091-305-857, and fax: 39-091-625-6026; Trieste: at Via Roma 15, tel: 39-040-660-177, and
fax: 39-040-631-240. * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 28, 2003, to update the information on Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions,
Special Circumstances, Disaster Preparedness, and Registration and Embassy/Consulate Locations.
Still Current at: 18 May 2004
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