Goodbye to Italy: State Department activates Level 2 alert and urges its citizens to exercise extreme caution in the face of “imminent danger”

Italy welcomes around 70 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

From the bustling cities of Rome, Milan, Naples, and Florence to the beautiful landscapes of Sardinia and Tuscany and the stunning Amalfi Coast in summer, Italy has something for everyone.

Though a relatively safe place for tourists, the US State Department has released a travel advisory for those planning a trip this summer. The US government evaluates the safety of countries using a scale of four; the higher the number, the more dangerous the country. The State Department has increased the threat level for Italy, as well as Spain, from Level 1 to Level 2, emphasizing the need for travelers to be aware of potential security risks and to exercise heightened caution during their visit.

“Stay alert in tourist areas”

A warning was issued for both Italy and Spain due to the “risk of terrorist violence,” states the department’s website. Extreme caution is advised for those using public transit, visiting popular tourist attractions, shopping centers, religious buildings, sporting events, and other public spaces.

“If you choose to travel to Italy, be alert at tourist sites.” Additionally, the State Department issued the following recommendation: “Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency."

Italy replies: “It does not correspond to reality.”

The Italian government has issued a statement on this matter, calling the warning “unfounded” and “not in line with the reality of the facts,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism.

Based on a report from the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the Italian government assures that "there is no specific news about hostile activities or initiatives organized on our national territory" and gave assurances that Italy is a safe haven, given the immense number of visitors it receives each year.

“Even in recent major international events, Italy has demonstrated a great capacity to guarantee the safety of foreign visitors," they concluded, citing as an example the Pope’s conclave to succeed Francis at the Holy See.

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