Italy

Last updated: 06 November 2008

Current at: 18 November 2008

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Italy. Travellers to Italy for winter sports holidays should also ensure that their insurance provides adequate coverage.

Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

Cases of Chikungunya Fever, a viral infection carried by mosquitoes, have been reported in July and August in Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna Region of eastern Italy. Ravenna is located on the eastern Adriatic Italian coast, north of Rimini and San Marino and on a level with Bologna.

The clinical features include high fever, headache, myalgia and arthralgia, rash and occasionally, gastrointestinal symptoms.

Travellers are advised to take sensible precautions against mosquito bites

Further information on Chikungunya Fever can be found on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre:

http://www.ndsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Vectorborne/ChikungunyaFever

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry photographic ID with you at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Public demonstrations are a relatively frequent occurrence in Italy, especially in the centres of major cities where tourists are likely to find themselves. They are usually well organised and rarely if ever turn violent. However, travellers should exercise common sense if in the vicinity of large public gatherings.

As in other parts of the European Union, the Italian government is fully aware of the threat of terrorism, in particular due to its involvement in Iraq, and is taking measures to combat this threat. Simulated Emergencies have taken place in Milan and Rome to prepare the authorities for possible incidents and in general there is a strong police presence at the major tourist sites.

CRIME

Incidents of violent crime against tourists in Italy are rare. However travellers should be aware that petty crime – pick pocketing, bag snatching etc – is common, particularly on public transport and in tourist areas. Vigilance should be paid to personal belongings in train stations (particularly Termini Station in Rome), at the public areas of the airports, at all tourist sites and when using bus, metro or tram services. The pickpockets generally ply their trade on crowded buses in popular tourist areas, as well as on the street. Thieves often work in a team, with one or more distracting the victim as others commit the crime – it is common for the distraction to be children posing as beggars and asking for money.

Tourists should be aware that there have also been reports of ATMs being tampered with in order for cards to be “skimmed”, so you should exercise caution when entering your PIN.

The usual personal safety rules should be applied when walking in cities at night.

The Embassy has come across a number of incidents where travellers have been drugged through substances being placed in drinks, and subsequently robbed of money, credit cards and mobile telephones. Travellers are advised to exercise vigilance in bars, and be wary of drinks offered by strangers in night spots.

Theft from vehicles is common. Drivers should keep doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight both whilst driving and when parked.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Consumption of Alcohol

Visitors to Italy should be aware that alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants than in Ireland. Whilst Italians will normally drink wine with their meals, there is a cultural taboo and intolerance regarding public intoxication and in particular anti-social behaviour as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

Illegal Drugs

The Italian authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment.

Marriages in Italy

All Irish citizens wishing to marry in Italy must obtain a nulla osta. More information on how to apply is available here.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Taxis in Italy are licensed, with clearly marked signage. They run on a meter, and a list of supplementary charges (late hours, luggage etc) will be listed inside. Air- and seaports often attract unlicensed drivers posing as taxis, which should be avoided as they will generally grossly overcharge tourists. It is therefore recommended that only official taxis be hired. Major cities also have a number of chauffeur companies, which often offer transfer from the airport to the centre and vice versa at competitive prices.

Buses, trains, trams and the metro all require valid tickets. These must be purchased in advance and validated in a validating machine either in the station or on the bus/tram. Failure to have a valid ticket will result in an on-the-spot fine. Inspectors will make no exceptions for tourists.

Public Transport strikes occur relatively frequently in Italy, with reduced services or complete suspension. They are generally advertised in advance, and tourists should keep informed of possible strikes and how these may impact on their plans.

ROAD SAFETY

The Department of Foreign Affairs encourages caution and vigilance when driving in Italy. Traffic in Italy is faster-paced than in Ireland and driving customs are different. In cities and towns, the widespread use of motorbikes and mopeds require drivers to be extra alert and cautious. It is important to note that when turning right at junctions, even if there is a green signal, pedestrians crossing the road into which one is turning have precedence. All drivers are required to wear a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside. Dipped headlights must be used at all times when driving on motorways.

Many Italian city centres operate restricted driving zones to which only cars with permits have access. Fines will be issued to all cars entering this zone without a permit. As signange is often limited, it will not always be clear if a restricted zone is in operation. In addition, car license plates are read electronically so you may not be aware that you have incurred a fine until you receive notification via post some months later. Tourists are advised to seek local advice on whether restricted traffic zones are in operation, and to respect all regulations.

Pedestrians should also remember that traffic will be coming from the opposite direction to traffic in Ireland. They should pay particular heed to the additional danger at night when walking along roads without a proper pavement and when crossing roads even at a designated crossing place. Most pedestrian crossings are not controlled by signals, but rather are similar to zebra-crossings in Ireland; however drivers, especially on motorbikes and mopeds, frequently ignore these, so particular care should be taken.