The State Department has updated its travel advisory for Italy, keeping the country at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” while revising its guidance to highlight ongoing terrorism concerns.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,” the advisory states.
Italy remains one of the world’s most visited countries, drawing millions of tourists each year to its beaches, historic villages and ancient Roman landmarks. But the updated advisory comes after several terrorism-related arrests in the country over recent months.
In August, Italian news agency ANSA reported that a 16-year-old in northern Italy was arrested on international terrorism-related charges after investigators said he had spread jihadist and pro-ISIS material online.
In June, a separate 16-year-old near Bologna was arrested after authorities allegedly found jihadist material and weapons-making manuals in his possession.
The advisory also flags petty crime as a significant concern for visitors, particularly “in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains.”
“Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins,” the State Department said.
Officials are urging Americans traveling to Italy to monitor local media for breaking news, stay alert in tourist areas and be ready to change plans if circumstances warrant. “Stay aware of your surroundings,” the advisory reiterates.
Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to the State Department for additional comment.
Italy is among several popular destinations to receive updated travel guidance from the State Department in recent weeks. This month, the agency also updated its advisory for Peru, citing crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism. Brazil’s advisory was likewise updated recently, with officials warning of crime and kidnapping risks including armed robberies, carjackings and incidents in which criminals drug victims’ drinks before robbing them.
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