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01/06/2005: "Foreign Office Advice for Travel to Italy"
Foreign Office Advice for Travel to Italy
SUMMARY
Italy shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by serious bomb attacks on trains in Spain in March 2004. There continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism in Italy by extreme left wing and secessionist groups, which are aimed primarily at official Italian targets.
There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy. See Local Travel below for dates of pre-planned strikes.
You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities.
There continues to be non-violent volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Italy is in an earthquake zone.
Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and should make themselves aware of local skiing laws and regulations throughout their visit (see: http://www.goski.com/italy.htm and http://www.avalanches.org).
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
Italy shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by serious bomb attacks on trains in Spain in March 2004. Last year the Italian Government announced that the risk of an international terrorist attack in Italy had increased. At the request of the British Embassy, the Italian authorities have increased security around British interests.
The Italian authorities take terrorism seriously and in recent years they have carried out numerous arrests of extremists in Italy, which have disrupted a number of terrorist networks. Nevertheless, there continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism. Typically, incidents have been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs and incendiary devices, and carried out by extreme left-wing and secessionist groups.
On 24 May a parcel bomb was sent to the brother of a Government Minister but defused, another exploded in a Turin Police station and another was defused at a Lecce Police station on 26 May. On 13 March 2005, three people were injured in a church in Treviso when a small device hidden in a plastic candle exploded. Earlier in March, anarchist groups placed four bombs near Carabinieri stations in Milan and Genoa; a parcel bomb was left at the front door of a residential building in Orvieto; a bomb exploded in front of the courthouse in Ostia (on the coast near Rome) and a flare was thrown at a political party building in Milan. In 2004, two rudimentary incendiary devices were made safe by Police outside a Rome branch of McDonalds and a car blew up outside a McDonalds branch in Brescia killing the driver, in what appeared to be a suicide car bomb - there were no casualties.
For further information and advice please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas.
Crime
Though levels of crime are low, you should take care on public transport and in crowded areas where pickpockets and bag snatchers may be operating. In Rome, take particular care around the main railway station, Termini, and on the number 64 bus, which goes to and from St Peter's Square. You should also take care in and around railway stations in other large Italian cities. You should be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you. Passports, credit cards, travel tickets and cash should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Only carry with you what you need for the day. Consider making use of safety deposit facilities in hotels.
The number of robberies from cars, at rest stops and service stations on the motorways, is on the increase. You should treat with caution offers of help if you find yourself with a flat tyre, particularly on the motorway from Naples to Salerno, as sometimes the tyre will have been punctured deliberately.
Always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in the vehicle even if you will only be away for a short time or are nearby. There have been a number of recent cases of stolen cars containing luggage or of luggage left in cars overnight being stolen. You should avoid leaving luggage in cars overnight or for any length of time.
Be vigilant when travelling on sleepers/night trains. Thieves sometimes operate on trains in Italy and may take the opportunity, during the night period, to rob sleeping travellers. Theft can also take place on trains during the day. Do not leave bags containing valuables unattended.
Local Travel
If you need to use a taxi, please remember to travel in only officially licensed taxis. These will have a taxi sign on the roof. Also ensure that the meter in the taxi has been restarted before commencing your journey.
You are advised that there is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by transport workers in cities across Italy. However, you should be aware of the following pre-planned strikes:
31 May 2005: 24 hours Local public transport
06 June 2005: 12:00-16:00 Pilots Italian union strike
06 June 2005: 10:00-18:00 Air traffic control
16 June 2005: 10:00-18:00 Air traffic control
26 June 2005: 12:30-16:30 Alitalia pilots
07 July 2005: 12:00-16:00 Rome air traffic control
Due to heightened security at ports and other sensitive areas, delays at security check-points may occur. You are therefore advised to plan your travel accordingly.
Travellers on public transport should note that tickets for public transport need to be endorsed in a ticket machine before commencing a journey. The machines are usually positioned at the entrance to platforms in railway stations, in the entrance hall to metro stations and on board buses and trams. Officials patrol all means of public transport and will issue an on the spot fine of Euros 50 to 60 if you do not hold an endorsed ticket.
Road Safety
Following a three year closure, the Mont Blanc tunnel linking Italy and France is open to all vehicles except those with more than four axles, those carrying dangerous goods and those which came into circulation before 1 October 1993 and do not meet the Euro 1 and 2 pollution standards. Please note the speed and vehicle distance limits signposted at the entrance and exit. Vehicles, which are forbidden from using the Mont Blanc Tunnel should use routes along the Mediterranean coast or through the Frejus Tunnel; there are, however, some restrictions on HGVs using the Frejus Tunnel. Full details of these are available on the French Government-run website: website: http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr.
Trucks over 7,500 kilograms (75 quintali) are not allowed on Italian roads, including motorways, on Sundays from 07:00 to 24:00 hours local time. These restrictions do not apply to those trucks already granted an exception such as those carrying perishable goods and petrol supplies.
It is obligatory to use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities. The same legislation also introduced a stricter limit for alcohol in the bloodstream; the limit is now 0.5 grams per litre. The use of mobile telephones in cars is prohibited except where they are fitted with speaker devices.
It is obligatory to carry at least one reflective safety jacket in a vehicle and to wear it when standing with, inspecting or repairing a stationary vehicle on a public highway.
Italian Police may stop cars from driving in mountain areas in winter if the car does not have snow chains
On-the-spot fines' for minor traffic offences operate in Italy. These may range typically between 150 - 250 Euros. You are strongly advised to stick to the rules of the road, and/or have enough cash if you have to pay a fine. Failure to do so may seriously inconvenience your visit.
Travellers who rent cars in Italy should check the rental insurance terms carefully. Some polities will not cover an accident that does not include a third party eg a collision with a wall. Certain provisions in policies, such as fire and theft, might not apply for all regions of Italy.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
In the cities of Venice and Florence you should observe public notices about conduct. Fines are possible for visitors who drop litter. It is also now an offence to sit on steps/courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of the main churches and public buildings in Florence.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Italian Embassy, 14 Three Kings Yard, Davies Street, London, W1K 4EH; tel: 020 7312 2200; fax: 020 7312 2230; e-mail: emblondon@embitaly.org.uk
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance. In addition, you should always carry a completed E111, obtainable free of charge from British post offices. Although this can help you get emergency medical treatment in Italian state hospitals, it is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance.
The Italian authorities may carry out SARS checks on passengers arriving from China at Fiumicino (Rome) and Malpensa (Milan) airports.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence.
Major Earthquakes on 31 October and 1 November 2002, affected the Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia regions of southern Italy. The epicentre of the worst tremor was near Campobasso in Molise. Further tremors in this region cannot be ruled out.
Volcanic activity on Mount Etna in Sicily in early 2003 has now subsided. There continues to be non-violent volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Further information on Stromboli and other volcanoes around the world can be found at: www.stromboli.net.
Visitors to Venice should note that parts of Venice are liable to flooding at certain times of year, especially in late autumn and early spring.
GENERAL
Skiing
If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling. They can be contacted at:
1 Princes Street
London W1R 9AY
Tel: 020 7 355 1557/1439
You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas. Italy has just introduced a law forcing skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment if going off-piste. The law also obliges under-14s to wear a helmet and there are plans for snowboarders to be banned from certain slopes.
Further information can be obtained at the following websites:
http://www.goski.com/italy.htm
http://www.avalanches.org
You are reminded that the currency in Italy is the Euro.
Further information can be obtained from the FCO website at: Dealing with the Euro "Money Matters and the Euro".
European Union
Information on the EU can be found at: Britain and the European Union
The British Consulate, Venice has relocated to:
British Consulate,
Piazzale Donatori di Sangue 2/5
Venice-Mestre
30171
Tel: (0039) 041 5055990 or (0039) 041 5069389
Fax: (0039) 041 950254
