Italy Travel Advice

On 20 May, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 hit the Emilia Romagna region with the epicentre in Finale Emilia. Main damage is reported in Finale Emilia and the surrounding areas in the provinces of Modena and Ferrara. Aftershocks have continued for several days. The Government has declared a state of emergency. Travel in the main cities remains unaffected although diversions are in place on B roads in the affected area. Updated information (in Italian) can be found on these local province websites: www.provincia.fe.it; www.provincia.modena.it; www.provincia.re.it.

On 19 May an explosion outside a school in Brindisi caused fatalities and injuries to a number of students.

Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting Milan from 1 - 3 June in order to participate in the 7th World Meeting of Families. It is highly likely that traffic in Milan will be affected during this weekend, with also some disruption to underground services.

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.

British nationals make around four million visits to Italy every year (Source: Ministry of Tourism. Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.

If you are visiting a ski resort you should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and  familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. See General - Skiing.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Source: Foreign & Commonwealth Office