US warning: Traveling to Italy is risky due to the risk of terrorism!
US State Department warns against traveling to Italy due to increased risk of terrorism. Important safety information for travelers.

US warning: Traveling to Italy is risky due to the risk of terrorism!
The US State Department issued a travel warning for Italy on May 23, 2025 due to an increased threat of terrorism. The warning was posted on the official Travel.State.Gov platform and says travelers should be particularly careful. The danger in Italy has been upgraded to level two out of four, meaning “increased caution”. Level three would recommend “reconsider travel,” while level four is a “do not travel” warning. The Italian security authorities are also warning of possible terrorist attacks, which is further aggravating the security situation.
The US State Department's warning identifies specific targets that could be subject to potential terrorist attacks. These include, among others, tourist attractions, transport centers and shopping centers. Local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants and religious sites are also on this list. It is also advised to take emergencies seriously and to carry out observations in public areas.
Recommendations for travelers
The US State Department has made a number of recommendations for US citizens wishing to travel to Italy. Travelers should exercise extra caution in tourist locations and monitor local news regularly. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also recommended. Additionally, visitors should create an emergency plan and obtain comprehensive travel health information.
Similar warnings have also been issued for German travelers, who are also at the second level of caution. In Germany, attention is drawn to the danger posed by terrorist groups and individual perpetrators. For Switzerland, however, a significantly lower risk is mentioned, which is classified as a “safe travel destination” at level one.
Special information about travel times
In 2025, Rome will celebrate a Holy Year with over 30 million pilgrims expected. This could put further strain on tourist attractions and increase risk. Tourists should be particularly vigilant about their safety at religious sites, where increased security measures are expected.
The Italian security authorities have also highlighted the problem of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing in tourist centers, as well as diversionary scams. Moody alarms and alerts informing drivers of common car break-ins and vehicle thefts, especially near beaches, are also important to note.
Natural and climate risks
In addition to the increased threat of terrorism, the sources point to various natural and climate risks. Italy is seismically active, meaning earthquakes and volcanic eruptions like those at Etna and Vesuvius can occur at any time. During the summer, floods and landslides are feared in northern Italy, as well as drought warnings in the central and southern regions, particularly Sicily.
In view of this overall situation, experts recommend adding yourself to the crisis preparedness list, checking information regularly and always acting in a security-conscious manner. Travelers should ensure that they have sufficient travel health insurance and find out about entry requirements from the relevant authorities and tour operators.
Travelers are encouraged to follow official travel advice, such as the... Mercury, as well as further information from Foreign Office to be followed to ensure a safe journey.