Europe

Italy

Location

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, north-east of Tunisia.

Italy shares with the rest of Europe a threat of international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets. Theft is quite common, especially in the cities. Harassment for women can be a problem if travelling alone. Travellers should never sleep in train stations, you run the risk of theft. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, climate injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications.

Local water is safe to drink in the capital and major cities and hotels. Use bottled water in rural areas if in doubt.

Mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands.

Predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south.

Regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice.

Avian influenza, hepatitis A, polio, rabies.
Hospital: Ospedale Agostino Gemelli, 8 Largo Gemelli, Rome 00168. Tel: 6-30151

Air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulphur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities.

Roads are generally in very good condition, however Italian drivers can be erratic and drive aggressively. On the spot fines for minor traffic offences operate in Italy. You should carry at least one reflective safety jacket and wear it when repairing your vehicle on public highways.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.