Italy
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Japan's MOFA currently issues no advisory for this country.
No advisory issued
Exercise normal precautions in Italy. Be aware of pickpocketing and bag snatching in major tourist cities, particularly Rome, Florence, and Naples. Tourist scams are common near major attractions.
United States (State Dept)
Level 2
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, and public gatherings.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
FCDO advises caution due to terrorism risk. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are very common in Rome (particularly around Termini station, Colosseum, and on buses), Naples, Florence, and Milan. Be aware of counterfeit goods sellers — buying fake branded goods in Italy can result in fines of up to €10,000 for the buyer.
Japan's MOFA issues no advisory for Italy, while the US asks for increased caution nationwide over terrorism. The UK likewise raises terrorism and adds broad warnings about street crime. One risk is specific to Italy: buying counterfeit goods is punishable for the buyer, not only the seller as in most countries, with fines of up to EUR 10,000.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
No advisory issued
“Exercise normal precautions in Italy. Be aware of pickpocketing and bag snatching in major tourist cities, particularly Rome, Florence, and Naples. Tourist scams are common near major attractions.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, and public gatherings.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
See our advice before travelling
“FCDO advises caution due to terrorism risk. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are very common in Rome (particularly around Termini station, Colosseum, and on buses), Naples, Florence, and Milan. Be aware of counterfeit goods sellers — buying fake branded goods in Italy can result in fines of up to €10,000 for the buyer.”Destination Customs
Prohibited / Restricted Imports
Meat, dairy, and plant products from outside the EU — restricted or prohibited under EU phytosanitary regulations.
Tobacco — 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco duty-free from non-EU countries.
Alcohol — 1 liter of spirits over 22% or 2 liters of wine duty-free from non-EU countries.
Cash exceeding €10,000 — must be declared at customs.
Medications — carry a prescription for controlled substances. Some Japanese OTC medications (e.g., those containing pseudoephedrine or codeine) may be restricted in the EU.
Export Restrictions
Antiques and cultural artifacts — export of items over 70 years old or valued over €13,500 requires authorization from Italy's Ministry of Culture. Italy is extremely strict about cultural heritage.
Endangered species products (coral, tortoiseshell, etc.) — prohibited under CITES without documentation.
Food products (certain cheeses, cured meats) — may face restrictions when entering non-EU countries. Check destination country rules.
Customs rules can change. Always verify with the local customs authority or embassy before travelling. See Japan return customs guide
SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.NEVER buy counterfeit goods from street vendors — Italian law fines the BUYER up to €10,000, not just the seller. This is aggressively enforced in tourist areas
- 2.In Rome, be extremely careful on buses 40 and 64 (Vatican routes) — these are the most notorious pickpocket lines in Europe
- 3.Wear bags cross-body and keep them zipped and in front of you. Use bags with anti-theft features if possible
- 4.Beware of 'gladiators' and costumed characters near the Colosseum — they aggressively demand payment for photos
- 5.Get travel insurance — Italian public hospitals provide emergency care but private treatment is expensive and wait times can be long
- 6.Book train tickets on Trenitalia or Italo official sites — validate tickets before boarding or face fines of €50+
- 7.Download offline maps and translate key phrases. English proficiency varies significantly outside major tourist centers
Pre-Trip Checklist
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Sources & Freshness
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