Italy

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Italy

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Italy and across Europe. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. 

The Italian government takes a proactive approach to counter-terrorism and has strengthened measures at borders, airports and transport hubs. Italian security is highly visible: visitors should not be surprised or alarmed to see armed police at metro stations, large squares and important public buildings.

New Zealanders in Italy are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Crime
Opportunistic petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching and passport theft is common in crowded and tourist areas, in larger cities and on public transport. Professional thieves often work together and may distract victims and rob them while their attention is diverted including in restaurants and shops.  Motorcyclists may grab bags from pedestrians.  

Travellers are often targeted on long distance and night trains and public transport facilities including airports, railway stations and bus terminals (especially to and from Fiumicino Airport and around Rome’s Termini station). Theft from vehicles is also common, particularly from unattended vehicles, including at rest stops and service stations. Travellers should also avoid leaving valuables in hotel rooms or rented accommodation due to the risk of burglary and opportunistic theft.

New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious in public places, guard belongings carefully and never leave bags open or unattended. Extra care should be taken to ensure food and drink is never left unobserved. Victims of spiked food and drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted.

Credit card and ATM fraud involving ‘skimming’ machines is a risk to travellers. Check for any unauthorised transactions on your bank statements.

Civil unrest
Strikes and demonstrations occur frequently in Italy particularly in larger cities and can cause disruption to air, bus, rail and taxi services. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent. 

Seismic activity
Several major fault lines cross Italy, and earthquakes are frequent. Unlike in New Zealand, it is standard practice in Italy to leave the building when an earthquake strikes and to move towards open ground where there is less chance of being hit by falling debris.  There are also several active volcanoes in Italy, including Mount Etna in eastern Sicily. Travellers should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions in the event of seismic or volcanic activity.

General travel advice
Due to the high risk of theft, lost and stolen passports are not uncommon. Travellers should report the theft to police and apply immediately for a new passport online. It is illegal to travel without a valid document.

Recent hot summers have caused some disruption to travellers due to drought and forest fires. Check with local authorities if you’re considering travel to affected areas.

It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods (including fashion accessories). If caught, you could be heavily fined or detained by local authorities.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Italy should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Italy are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy

Street Address Via Clitunno, 44, 00198 Rome, Italy Telephone +39 06 853 7501 Fax +39 06 440 2984 Email rome@nzembassy.it Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/italy Hours Mon- Fri 0830-1230 and 1330-1700

New Zealand Consulate-General Milan, Italy

Street Address Via Terraggio 17, Milan 20123, Italy Telephone +39 02 385 91679 Fax + 39 2 4801 2577 Email milano@nzte.govt.nz

See our regional advice for Europe

MIL OSI