{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"IT","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Italy","url-slug":"italy","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:04 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Italy. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
The level of street crime is comparable to that of other European countries, particularly in large urban centres. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur at tourist sites, on public transportation, and at major airports and railway stations. If possible, avoid carrying handbags. Motorcyclists frequently grab bags and other personal belongings from pedestrians, often resulting in injury.
Episodes of violence may occur, sometimes involving bomb attacks by organized criminal or extremist groups.<\/p>\n
Exercise caution and be alert while travelling by road and rail, as criminals target foreigners at gas stations, on highways, and on trains. Car theft occurs at gas stations and on highways. Keep a close eye on your vehicle when stopping at service areas.<\/p>\n
Keep your windows closed, bags and handbags out of reach, and doors locked at all times. Never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle and use secure parking facilities, especially overnight.<\/p>\n
Thieves often work in pairs or groups and will attempt to distract the victim while their accomplices rob them.<\/p>\n
Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags are often snatched from passenger seats by thieves travelling on scooters.<\/p>\n
Rail passengers have been offered drugged food or drink and been robbed or assaulted while sleeping. Keep your compartment door securely locked.<\/p>\n
The number of lost and stolen passports increases during the summer months. To prevent loss or theft, exercise caution and carry a photocopy of your passport, rather than the original.<\/p>\n
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they can turn violent without notice.<\/p>\n
Transportation strikes regularly affect services of the national airline, railways, city bus lines and taxis. Plan alternate travel arrangements and regularly check with transportation providers for any schedule changes. Monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. Drugs may be present that could put you at risk of assault and robbery. Incidents of this sort have occurred even in small towns known to be frequented by tourists.<\/p>\n
Fraudulent electronic readout devices are being used at automated banking machines (ABMs) in Italy. These devices are designed to capture the account information stored on the card’s magnetic strip through a card reader fixed over the legitimate reader. The customer’s PIN is recorded with a small video camera installed above the keypad. The victim’s banking information is then sold or traded online. To avoid being a victim of this fraud, use ABMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid card readers with an irregular aspect, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, and check any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.<\/p>\n
See our Overseas fraud<\/a> page for more information on scams abroad.<\/strong><\/p>\n City streets are often narrow, winding and congested. Motor scooters and other vehicles are often driven recklessly. Lane markings are frequently non-existent, and traffic lights are limited and often ignored. Numerous accidents are caused by excessive speeding on highways and rural roads.<\/p>\n Pay close attention to road conditions and refrain from driving during or immediately after severe storms. Monitor local news and follow the advice and warnings issued by local authorities.<\/p>\n In northern Italy, be aware of ground fog and poor visibility, especially in winter.<\/p>\n Only use officially licensed taxis equipped with roof lights and meters. If you call a radio taxi, be aware that the meter starts to run as soon as the cab leaves to pick you up.<\/p>\n Rail service is widely available. Ferry services are available to Greece, North Africa and local islands (for example, Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia and Elba).<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n If you intend to do mountaineering or ski touring:<\/p>\n a) never practice these activities alone;<\/p>\n b) always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company;<\/p>\n c) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation;<\/p>\n d) ensure you are in top physical condition;<\/p>\n e) advise a family member or friend of your destination, your itinerary and when you expect to be back;<\/p>\n f) know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal;<\/p>\n g) register with the Embassy of Canada in Italy; and<\/p>\n h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out, and do not venture off established trails, especially in early or late winter.<\/p>\n Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.<\/p>\n Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Never travel with your passport and proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate) in the same bag or pouch. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss.<\/p>\n Dial 113 for emergency assistance.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Italian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Italian Republic<\/a> or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of their expected departure from the Schengen area. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.<\/p>\n Customs officials may ask you to show them a return ticket, proof of the purpose of your visit to Italy and\/or proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Having more than one source of funds (for example, cash, traveller's cheques, credit card, bank card) is recommended.<\/p>\n Tourist Visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n Business Visa: Not required for stays up 90 days*<\/p>\n Work Visa: Required<\/p>\n Student Visa: Required<\/p>\n * The 90 days begin upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area.<\/p>\n \n The following 26 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.<\/p>\n The Schengen area has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders:<\/p>\n You do not need visas for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Your stays are cumulative, and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. Some countries require that you register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival.<\/p>\n It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.<\/p>\n After 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, you must leave for another 90 days before you can re-enter.<\/p>\n If you overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a long-stay national visa. <\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tTick-borne encephalitis<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to tick bites (e.g., those spending time outdoors in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Road travel<\/h3>\n
Public transportation<\/h3>\n
Mountain activities<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
\nSchengen area <\/h3>\n
\nChildren and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>