Tourists should be aware about travelling to Italy in the next 12 months as high numbers of visitors are expected to celebrate the Roman Catholic Holy Year which usually happens once every 25 years.
The Vatican will host a number of large events to celebrate the Holy Year, and Rome expects a high number of visitors throughout the Holy Year of 2025, particularly during large events.
The Foreign Office issued the safety and security advice, which stretches to January 2026.
Jubilee Events
Check the official Jubilee website or download the Jubilee app for a calendar of events and to stay informed of anything that might affect your travel or plans whilst in Rome.
Pilgrim’s card
If you are planning to take part in the Jubilee, get a free digital Pilgrim’s card. You will need this to take part in the main Jubilee events and to organise a pilgrimage to the Holy Doors of the 4 Papal Basilicas of Rome: St Peter’s in the Vatican, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul Outside the Walls.
Transport around the city
Transport routes around the city will be very busy. Local authorities may ask you to enter or leave by specific routes. Make sure you:
- plan your journey
- leave plenty of time, particularly during large events
For information on public transport in Rome during the Jubilee, see the Rome public transport website or use the Rome city journey planner.
Increased risk of petty crime
The higher number of travellers during the Holy Year could increase levels of petty crime.
Crime
Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.
To reduce your personal risk:
- keep sight of your belongings at all times
- beware of thieves using distraction techniques
- avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
- leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe
Stolen Passports
Be aware that if your passport is stolen, you cannot use a police report to leave Italy. See our lost or stolen passports guidance
Public transport
Take care on public transport, in crowded areas and in city centres, including main stations – particularly in and around Termini station in Rome.
Be particularly careful with your belongings:
- on trains to and from airports
- at cruise ship ports
- on the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train between Naples and Sorrento
- when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches
Theft from cars
Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.
Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car.
Drink spiking and alcohol
Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Italy are often stronger than those in the UK and other countries
General information and cultural differences
Personal ID
You must always be able to show some form of ID. In most cases a copy of the photo page of your passport should be enough, but you may also be asked for a second form of photo ID. The police will normally ask for your full passport if you are stopped while driving.
Public transport regulations
You must validate your tickets on public transport before you start your journey. Officials patrol public transport and will issue an on-the-spot fine of 100 to 500 euros (reduced to 50 euros if paid immediately) if you do not have a validated ticket.
Tourist tax
Many major cities in Italy impose a small tax on tourists. You must usually pay this tax at your hotel as it is unlikely to be included in your holiday booking. The rate of tax varies from city to city and can depend on the star rating of the hotel. Hotels often ask for payment in cash. Make sure you get a receipt. For more information, check with the local tourist information office.
Venice access fee
If you are visiting Venice, you may need to pay an access fee. See when access fees apply, exemptions and how to make a payment.
Public offences
Some Italian towns and cities have specific laws, and you could be fined for breaking them. For example, there may be laws against:
- dropping litter
- sitting on monument steps
- eating and drinking next to main churches, historic monuments and public buildings
- defacing historic monuments
It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains in many towns and cities, including Florence and Rome. You could face a fine of up to 10,000 euros for urinating in a public place.
On the island of Capri, you must not use or bring on to the island any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays and straws. If you do, you could be fined up to 500 euros.
Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities. It is illegal to buy items from unlicensed street traders. If you do, you could be stopped by the local police and fined.
It’s illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. You could face a large fine for doing so. It’s also illegal to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas.
For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting and also check before travelling the Foreign Office website for updates. Italy travel advice – GOV.UK