Italy Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism . There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Common targets include: Tourist spots Transportation centers Shopping malls and markets Local government buildings Hotels, clubs and restaurants Religious sites Parks Sporting and cultural events Schools Airports Public a...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Italy safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-8pm. Some close for lunch (1-4pm). In large cities, some pharmacies are open 24/7. Look for the green cross sign (Croce Verde). Farmacia turns into a farmaceutico di turno (on-duty pharmacy) after hours for urgent needs. Prescription rules: EU prescriptions are accepted. Non-EU prescriptions require validation by an Italian doctor. Italy has stricter rules than some EU countries — many antibiotics and prescription medications require an Italian prescription. 💡 Tips Pharmacies are widely available. Many medications require a prescription. The pharmacist (farmacista) can advise on minor ailments. Some OTC products like ibuprofen and paracetamol are available without prescription.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $40-70/week 💡 Tip Italy's public hospitals provide emergency care free of charge to all people. For non-emergency care, you'll need travel insurance. Carry your insurance details and a 24/7 emergency contact number. Pharmacies may direct you to a hospital for serious conditions. 💡 Tip Italy's public hospitals provide emergency care free of charge to all people. For non-emergency care, you'll need travel insurance. Carry your insurance details and a 24/7 emergency contact number. Pharmacies may direct you to a hospital for serious conditions.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Italy requires documentation for medicines containing internationally controlled drugs — check the Italian Ministry of Health website before travel. Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are widely available. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted, but a local GP can issue an Italian prescription. Carry controlled medications in original packaging with your prescription.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with prescription (ricetta medica). Italy requires original packaging and a medical certificate for travelers carrying controlled medications.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are in Table I of Italy's controlled substances (DPR 309/1990). Adderall is not approved or marketed in Italy. Importing is illegal and can result in criminal prosecution.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Medical cannabis available since 2013 with specialist prescription. Recreational use decriminalized for small amounts (administrative sanctions). CBD products with <0.6% THC legally sold as 'cannabis light.'
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription for ADHD but heavily regulated (Table I substance requiring special prescription). Must carry original packaging and medical documentation.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Low-dose codeine available with standard prescription. Stronger opioids require special non-repeatable prescriptions (ricetta non ripetibile). Subject to strict dispensing controls.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not obligatory. Restaurants typically add a 'coperto' (cover charge, €1-3/person) — this is not a tip. Leave €1-3 per person for good restaurant service. Cafes: leave small coins. Taxis: round up. Not tipping is not rude.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Ordering a cappuccino after 11am (locals only have milky coffee in the morning)
• Sitting down at a cafe and expecting counter prices (sitting costs more)
• Speaking loudly in churches and historic sites
• Wearing swimwear away from the beach (fines in many coastal towns)
• Putting the bill on the table before it's asked for (waiters wait to be asked)

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Italy: