US issues sudden warning on Italy travel, cites 'risk of terrorist violence'

Italy placed itself as the fifth most visited country in the world in 2024, welcoming a whopping 65 million international visitors in 2024. However, the US and Canada still keep the country at their “exercise increased caution” travel advisory rating instead of the “take normal precautions.”

The US state department issued a new travel advisory on May 23, warning of possible attacks in key public areas, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, transport hubs, shopping centres, parks and cultural events.

"There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy," The Street quoted the advisory.

The warning positioned Italy alongside other Western European nations like France and the UK, where major cities face similar security risks.

Rome, home to nearly three million people, is considered more susceptible to such threats than smaller European capitals like Vienna, Bern or Zagreb, which are currently rated at Level 1, "exercise normal precautions".

The advisory warned that terrorists may strike with little or no warning, urging travellers to stay vigilant at a variety of common targets.

These include popular tourist spots, transportation centres, shopping malls and markets, as well as local government buildings. Hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, and sporting or cultural events are also considered potential risks. Additionally, schools, airports, and other public areas have been highlighted as places where attacks could occur, underscoring the need for heightened caution throughout the country.

The US advisory system comprises four tiers, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 4 reserved for war zones or countries under authoritarian regimes. While the Level 2 designation for Italy has not changed in recent years, the newly reissued advisory includes a more specific cautionary tone, although no fresh incidents have been cited.

The state department said its advisories are regularly reviewed and updated, however, it did not clarify why this particular update was issued now. A similarly vague advisory for Switzerland issued on 20 May, despite its reputation as one of the world’s safest countries, sparked ridicule across social media.

The Italian government has not commented on the renewed US advisory, which encourages travellers to remain vigilant, follow local news, and register with the US embassy before or during their trip. “Check local media for breaking news,” the notice advised. It further asked tourists to prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

In a broader diplomatic context, the advisory update came as other nations scrutinised travel to the United States itself. The UK foreign ministry updated its own guidance in March 2025, warning citizens to comply strictly with US entry rules amid reports of travellers being detained at American borders. “You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,” the advice notes.

Meanwhile, in a modest gesture toward improving relations, the US downgraded China’s travel warning from Level 3 ("reconsider travel") to Level 2 in late 2024, a move that drew backlash from Republican lawmakers but has not been reversed under the Trump administration.

As peak travel season begins, tourists headed to Italy in 2025 are advised to remain aware.