Italy Travel 2026: Essential Safety Tips for Olympics, Skiing, and Exploring with Confidence in Lombardy and Beyond
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Italy Travel 2026: Essential Safety Tips for Olympics, Skiing, and Exploring with Confidence in Lombardy and Beyond
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Current entry requirements are straightforward. Your passport must have at least three months validity, and while no visa is currently required for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or European Union, be aware that the EU has announced a new travel authorization process called ETIAS that will launch in late 2026. COVID-19 vaccination proof is no longer required for entry.
The Government of Canada notes that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Italy, while the U.S. Department of State advises exercising increased caution. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs frequently, particularly targeting tourists in crowded areas and on public transport. The Canadian government emphasizes staying aware of your surroundings in public places and being especially vigilant during sporting events and religious holidays, as these occasions have historically attracted heightened security concerns.
If you're traveling for the Winter Olympics currently underway in Milan and Cortina, significant planning ahead is essential. The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games run until February 22, with Paralympic Games following from March 6 to 15. Events span eight cities across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. Expect increased police and military presence in tourist locations and major landmarks. Crowds at Olympic venues can be intense, so arriving early and familiarizing yourself with venue layouts is crucial.
Be prepared for unpredictable winter weather. Download offline maps, as cell coverage can be patchy in mountain areas. Pack waterproof outerwear and traction aids for shoes, as even city sidewalks can become icy. Notably, all Italian ski resorts now require helmets for both children and adults for the 2025-26 season, and reckless skiing or snowboarding can result in fines or liability.
Two significant transport strikes have been announced. ITA Airways and ground-handling staff will strike on February 16, potentially canceling up to 220 flights at major airports including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Verona, though guaranteed service windows from 7-10 AM and 6-9 PM must operate. Additionally, state rail carrier Ferrovie dello Stato has called a strike from 9 PM on February 27 through 8:59 PM on February 28, affecting high-speed and regional trains, with cascading delays potentially extending into February 29.
Understanding local rules is important for your safety and experience. Public drinking in streets and train stations is restricted in many Italian cities, and some towns enforce quiet hours. On public transport, validate your ticket before boarding and respect reserved seating for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. On ski slopes, lift passes are checked at gates and sharing or misusing them can lead to penalties.
Register with your embassy's STEP program before departure and save the EU-wide emergency number 112. Ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and any recreational activities you plan to undertake. During the day, most Italian cities are incredibly safe, though remain alert in crowded places like major tourist attractions and busy markets. Violent crime rates against tourists are remarkably low, making Italy a generally secure destination when you exercise standard travel precautions.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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