U.S. Warns Travelers to Italy: New Advisory Urges Caution Due to Terrorism Risk
U.S. Warns Travelers to Italy: New Advisory Urges Caution Due to Terrorism Risk
Kameron DuncanWed, September 16, 2026 at 7:50 PM UTC
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As the weather gets colder in many portions of the country, some Americans are considering traveling during the next few months. The holiday season is also quickly approaching, giving travelers a chance to take a few days off to visit a new location.
One of the most prominent travel hubs in the European continent has welcomed American travelers for decades, but a new travel advisory from the United States State Department may cause some potential vacationers to rethink their destination.
The United States has recently its travel advisory for the country of Italy to a level 2 designation, asking those who make their way to the country to exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
Travel Advisory for Major European Destination
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,” the state department’s advisory reads.
Much like previous updates to travel advisories, those who still wish to go to Italy are warned about petty crime in popular tourist locations like public transportation and train stations.
Travelers are being told that crimes against tourists are often crimes of opportunity, making things like purse snatching, pickpocketing and car break-ins some of the more common forms of crime.
For travelers with trips to Italy still planned, the state department says they should stay aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for breaking news and escalating situations.
The increased terrorism risk comes after the state department noted several disturbing findings by Italian law enforcement.
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Bombs have been found outside public buildings, Italian authorities and diplomats have received bomb threats, and they’ve also been targeted with letter bombs and Molotov cocktails.
The state department notes that Americans have not been explicitly targeted in terrorist attacks or plots for such attacks in Italy, but that “vulnerable targets” like high-profile public events (sporting events, concerts etc), airports and transit stations could be at an elevated risk.
Several major events are planned over the next few months in Italy, such as Fashion Week in Milan at the end of September. The ATP Finals – one of the most prestigious tournaments in men’s top-level tennis – is scheduled to be held in Turin in November.
Several major soccer matches will also take place in Italy throughout both the domestic Serie A league and the continental UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues.
A Major STEP Taken For Safety While Abroad
In an effort to provide travelers with as many resources as possible, the state department has directed potential visitors to STEP – the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program.
Travelers who enroll in STEP before their visit abroad will receive real-time safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy most relevant to their trip.
The program is offered at no cost, and can help travelers with several issues they can encounter while traveling abroad. STEP can expedite emergency support for documentation issues like a lost passport, and one traveler can enroll multiple guests with a single group itinerary.
As the fall travel season intensifies, the state department is giving American travelers a heads up when it comes to potential issues or problems they could encounter on a trip to Italy.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Sep 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
