As the summer travel season begins and travelers start getting ready to go on their European vacations, the U.S. government wants to make sure everyone is careful in certain areas with the potential for terrorism.
Recently, the U.S. Department of State released a travel advisory for Italy warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism. The advisory ranks Italy at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which recommends travelers stay alert to possibly heightened risk. The country has held that ranking since April 2022.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,” the advisory states. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.”
The advisory warns that common targets for terror attacks include popular tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting events, schools, airports, and other public areas. It suggests that travelers should stay alert in tourist areas, and make sure to check local media for breaking news. At the moment there is no specific threat or terror plot that is cited.
According to the State Department’s 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism for Italy, there were no terrorism incidents in Italy that year. “Domestically, Italy aggressively investigated and prosecuted terrorist suspects and regularly deported foreign nationals for terrorism-related security reasons,” the report states. “Italian law enforcement has advanced capacity to detect and deter terrorist activity, links, and associations within its borders. Authorities employ those capabilities to counter terrorist recruitment, radicalization to violence, and networking. Law-enforcement agencies and intelligence services coordinate their efforts and meet regularly to review terrorist threats and share information.”
The advisory should not deter travelers from going to Italy this summer. Instead, it should just function as a reminder to be aware of one’s surroundings. It is only guidance, especially for countries ranked at Level 2. (And for some perspective, other countries have issued similar warnings to their citizens about traveling to the U.S.)
Other countries in Europe that have a Level 2 ranking and a higher risk of possible terrorism activity include Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and The Netherlands. The United Kingdom also has a Level 2 ranking.
Travelers abroad are advised to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive up-to-date messages and alerts from the local U.S. Embassy.
