From Fox News · Andrea Margolis · · 1m 20s
Italy just got a fresh US travel warning
The State Department is telling Americans headed to Italy to watch for terrorism and pickpockets alike.
In brief
The State Department is telling Americans headed to Italy to watch for terrorism and pickpockets alike. Italy stays at Level 2: go, but stay alert in crowded tourist spots and keep your bag close. Originally reported by Fox News.
A new warning for Italy
The State Department refreshed its travel advisory for Italy on Thursday, keeping the country at Level 2 but rewriting the summary to spell out the risks.
“Exercise Increased Caution”
Terrorism is the headline
The advisory names terrorist violence as an active concern, even though Italy draws less attention on that front than other parts of Europe.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy”
Two teenage arrests
In August a 16-year-old in northern Italy was arrested on international terrorism charges over pro-ISIS material online. In June another 16-year-old near Bologna was held with jihadist material and weapons manuals.
Pickpockets, not just plots
The advisory flags petty crime as a real problem in tourist areas and on public transportation, trains included. Most of it is opportunistic.
“purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins”
What travelers should do
Watch local media for breaking news, stay alert in crowded tourist spots, and be ready to change plans on short notice.
“Stay aware of your surroundings”
Italy is not alone
Peru's advisory was updated this month over crime, unrest, kidnapping and terrorism. Brazil's cited armed robberies, carjackings and drink-drugging robberies.
What it means
Italy stays at Level 2: go, but stay alert in crowded tourist spots and keep your bag close.
