Security Brief for Italy prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:09:16 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Italy: 2 - Low

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 2 2 Civil Unrest 3

Low Terrorism 2 Kidnapping 2 Geopolitical 2

Security Overview : Overview of Italy The biggest threat to foreign travelers is from petty and opportunistic theft, particularly in major cities such as and . Scams are commonplace, and foreigners or tourists are often specifically targeted. There is growing concern over the threat from the Islamic State (IS), and counterterrorism efforts have resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals and the foiling of various plots. Unrest occurs periodically over various socioeconomic and political issues. Protests are typically of a low level and peaceful but have the potential to escalate into violence.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance. Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Tips and guidelines for surviving an airline hijacking Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling.

Security Alerts & Advisories Informational Alerts

Civil Unrest: Protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions likely to continue in cities across Europe through July. Localized disruptions likely. Event: COVID-19 Protests Location(s): Urban centers (map) Time Frame: Through at least July Impact: Possible increased security, localized disruptions

Summary Sporadic protests will likely continue in cities across Europe through at least the end of July as residents denounce restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19, as well as their economic consequences, particularly for the hospitality industry. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public transport workers may hold strikes or other forms of labor actions.

The COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations, are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.

In addition, though a large proportion of demonstrations involve hospitality workers, the adoption of the COVID- 19 issue as a rallying point by both far-left and far-right-wing groups means that some protests could also prompt counterdemonstrations, posing a potential for clashes between rival activists.

Advice Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.

Alert begins: 03/31/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: European Council introduces EU Digital COVID Certificate in numerous EU countries as of July 2; travel restrictions remain. Incident: Travel restrictions Location(s): EU member states (except Ireland) and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Transport and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in 21 EU member states have implemented the European Council's "EU Digital COVID Certificate" as of July 2. The certificate is a digital or physical QR code that acts as proof of whether a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Member states should in principle allow individuals possessing the certificate to enter the country without restriction. The certificate is currently being issued by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. All remaining EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, are set to recognize and begin issuing the certificate by Aug. 12.

The European Council (EC) previously added several more countries, including the US, to the list of countries with which it recommends member states relax entry restrictions due to positive data regarding the COVID-19 situation in those countries. As of July 2, the following countries are on the list: Albania, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the US, and China (provided it implements a reciprocal travel arrangement). The EC advises EU member states to restrict nonessential travel from all other countries outside the bloc as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID- 19.

Countries participating in the measure include all EU Schengen Area member states; non-Schengen EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania; and the four non-EU Schengen-associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EC's recommendation is advisory only; individual member states retain the authority to unilaterally deny travel from countries on the approved list or to permit travel with countries not on the approved list.

Additionally, the EC previously issued advice for member states to implement additional COVID-19 measures, including mandatory testing before departure, stricter measures to address virus variants of concern, and a common European passenger locator form. Persons exempted from the recommendations include family members of EU nationals, diplomats, foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare workers, and truck drivers transporting freight. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, citizens of the UK are no longer being treated as EU citizens and are therefore subject to measures restricting travel to the EU from outside the bloc as per EC recommendations.

The EC also issued advice May 20 recommending that member states begin lifting restrictions for vaccinated travelers from countries outside the bloc; most member states have not currently implemented this measure.

Advice Prospective travelers from countries on the approved list should check for possible additional restrictions imposed by the destination country prior to booking travel. Persons from countries not on the approved list should postpone travel to the countries participating in the closure. Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions.

Resources European Union

Schengen Area countries Alert begins: 07/02/2021

Entry/Exit: Italy maintaining domestic COVID-19 social distancing mandates, international entry restrictions as of July 12. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Travel and business disruptions

Summary Italy is maintaining light-touch domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of July 12 as part of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. All regions of the country remain designated as "white," the lowest risk category of the official four-tiered, color-coded COVID-19 tracking system. In white-level regions, most nonessential businesses may operate. Social distancing must be observed. Facemasks must be worn in indoor public spaces, including stores and shopping centers. They may be removed once seated in a catering establishment.

Authorities are also maintaining international entry restrictions for certain travelers. Travel is permitted from EEA- associated states, the UK, Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US. Travelers from Australia, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival, self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, and submit to a further test at the end of the self-isolation period. Travelers from the US, Canada, and Japan will be exempt from these measures if they possess a Green Pass, a certificate that proves that they have either completed the vaccination course, have tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous 48 hours, or have overcome the disease in the previous six months. For additional details regarding the Green Pass, click here.

Officials have imposed a mandatory five-day self-isolation period for all arrivals who have visited the UK during the previous 14 days due to concerns over virus variant strains present in the country. Such persons must also test negative within 48 hours prior to arrival and at the end of the isolation period. The measure is scheduled to remain in place until July 30.

Travel from other locations is currently prohibited for non-Schengen citizens or family members unless conducted for study, proven work needs, or urgent health or family reasons. Permitted arrivals must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken at most 72 hours before arrival, self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, and submit to a further test at the end of the self-isolation period; some exceptions apply. All permitted arrivals, except those from San Marino and Vatican City, must fill out a digital passenger locator form before arrival. Additionally, transport and health workers in transit through Italy and those staying in Italy for less than 120 hours for work reasons are exempt from testing and isolation requirements. The measures are subject to change with little to no notice.

Authorities have also suspended travel from Brazil, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka due to concerns over COVID-19 variants. Officials will deny entry to individuals who have been in these countries within 14 days before arriving in Italy. Exemptions are in place for Italian residents, who must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Italy, take a second test on arrival, isolate in government- designated hotels for 10 days, and take a third test at the end of the isolation period.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources Government of Italy Regional COVID-19 Risk Zones Country Level Status for Entry to Italy List of Countries from where Travelers Face Restrictions Upon Entry in Italy COVID-19 Related Hotline Numbers Self-Declaration Form for Travelers to Italy World Health Organization (WHO)

Alert begins: 07/12/2021 Warning Alerts

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Western European countries and territories through June 30. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 epidemic Affected Area(s): Western Europe (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 30. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 30-June 30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

High risk of transmission:

UK Portugal Andorra Cyprus Spain Latvia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Ireland Monaco Slovenia Greece Sweden Lithuania Gibraltar France Jersey Luxembourg Switzerland Estonia Norway Faroe Islands

Moderate risk of transmission

Montenegro Croatia Liechtenstein Italy Austria Germany Czech Republic Finland Bulgaria

Low risk of transmission Serbia Hungary Slovakia Bosnia and Herzegovina Isle of Man Iceland Poland Guernsey Malta North Macedonia Kosovo Greenland Romania Albania San Marino

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress US CDC Global COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Notice WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/30/2021

Mass Transit: Unionized public transport workers plan a 24-hour strike in Rome, Italy, July 12; service disruptions likely. Event: Public transport strike Location(s): Rome (map) Date: July 12 Impact: Ground transport disruptions; possible increased congestion, protests

Summary Public transport workers in Rome affiliated with the Faisa Cisal union are planning a 24-hour strike July 12 over labor disputes with management. The walkout will likely affect bus, tram, and metro services, as well as railway services on the Rome-Civitacastellana-Viterbo, Rome-Lido, and Termini-Centocelle lines.

While workers are legally mandated to provide minimum services, particularly from the beginning of service until 08:30 and 17:00-20:00, service disruptions and consequent travel delays remain likely; services that do run could be overbooked, particularly given current COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Higher demand for alternative forms of transport could result in increased traffic congestion and reduced taxi availability during the labor action.

Union members typically stage protests during such strikes, and demonstrations are possible in central Rome July 12. Any such gatherings are likely to pass off without incident.

Advice Confirm all urban public transport reservations July 12; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Check local media sources for up-to-date information on regional public transport information. Consider alternative transport options to mitigate travel disruptions and allow extra time to reach destinations. Limit exposure to likely protest sites and demonstrations due to potential transport delays.

Resources Rome live traffic information (Italian)

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Italy There is no conflict threat to Italy at present.

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a moderate threat in Italy

Italy experiences frequent demonstrations and protests related to a wide array of issues. Rallies often involve Italian politics or Italian unions. Student groups such as the COBAS student union periodically organize rallies with large turnouts. Topics sparking unrest include anti-globalization, anti-capitalist, anti-austerity, feminist, and environmental issues. Immigration is a recent issue of concern, sparking demonstrations by both pro- and anti- migrant groups in Rome and other cities. These rallies have the potential to escalate into violence. In November 2019, the grassroots "Sardines" movement (movimento delle sardine) began staging demonstrations in the Emilia-Romagna region against far-right leader and his anti-migrant and anti-Europe rhetoric; the movement has since held large demonstrations across northern and central Italy. Illegal migrants held in detention centers may also riot, leading to an enhanced risk of localized violence. Protests can also involve journalists and members of the press campaigning against perceived targeting by the coalition government.

Protesters tend to congregate in public areas, outside government buildings, and at diplomatic missions. While most protests are peaceful, some have resulted in violence, including confrontations with the police. Radical elements periodically infiltrate anti-government demonstrations and clash with security forces. Most of these incidents occur in Rome. Protests do not typically directly target foreign nationals or assets.

Issues involving football (soccer) have a high tendency to erupt in violence due to the large numbers of "ultra" hardcore fans in the country. Violent clashes at football matches themselves are also not uncommon in Italy.

Labor strikes and work stoppages occur with some regularity, sometimes causing delays in transportation. Strikes and stoppages are usually well publicized in advance. Major labor unions Fiom and CGIL periodically stage strikes over socioeconomic issues that can affect local and regional public transportation as well as international flights, railroad networks, and ferry services.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and embassy contacts in Italy Emergency contact numbers in Italy

POLICE 112 FIRE 115 AMBULANCE 118 PAN-EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER 112 INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CODE +39 Contact information for select embassies in Italy:

Austria - Embassy China - Embassy

Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi 3 Via Bruxelles 56 00198 Rome 00198 Rome Phone: +39 06 844 0141 Phone: +39-06-965-24-200 www.bmeia.gv.at www.it.china-embassy.org/ita/ France - Embassy Germany - Embassy

Piazza Farnese 67 Via San Martino della Battaglia 4 00186 Rome 00185 Rome Phone: +39 06 68 60 11 Phone: +39 06 492 13 1 www.it.ambafrance.org www.italien.diplo.de/ United Kingdom - Embassy United States - Embassy

Via XX Settembre 80/a Via Vittorio Veneto 121 00187 Rome 00187 Rome Phone: +39 06 4220 0001 Phone: +39 06 46741 www.gov.uk/world/italy www.it.usembassy.gov For a comprehensive listing of embassy and consulate contact information in Italy, as well as Italian diplomatic missions in other destinations, visit www.embassypages.com. Please advise WorldAware, using the feedback button, if this link does not work or if you require additional information that the link does not provide.

Familiarize yourself with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case your country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Crime: Crime generally poses a low threat in Italy

Street crime, including petty theft, is a serious concern in large cities including Rome, , and Naples. Most incidents occur in crowded tourist sites, on public busses or trains, or at major railway stations, such as Rome's Termini, 's Centrale, Florence's Santa Maria Novella, and Naples' Centrale. Thieves are opportunistic and known to target foreigners. Groups of petty street criminals may bump into travelers or spill something on them to divert their attention so that their accomplices can pickpocket them. Another scam involves criminals asking the victim for directions to distract them while another criminal takes a piece of luggage. Travel documents are a commonly reported stolen item.

Vehicle break-ins have been reported, particularly when vehicles are parked on the street. Criminals may target visible electronics, luggage, and other valuables. Thieves on scooters have been known to snatch bags from pedestrians, using razors to slash straps. Snatch-and-grab activities have targeted drivers waiting in traffic or stopped at traffic lights, particularly in Naples and the south. Abusive car attendants may extort small sums of money to safeguard parked vehicles, resorting to vandalism if the amount is not paid. There have been reports of thefts from yachts in the Gulf of Naples, and in the waters around Sorrento, Capri, and Positano.

Violent crime is rare, although there is a potential for violent escalation, particularly if a victim shows resistance. In Florence, where a large British and American community exists, there has been a reported increase of crimes against foreign female college students, including sexual assaults using date-rape drugs.

Organized crime in southern Italy is pervasive, having infiltrated the social and economic life of many places. Major groups include the Camorra, based in Naples and the Campania region, the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria, and the Cosa Nostra in Sicily. Organized criminal networks are extensively involved in extortion rackets, and businesses may be victimized if they do not pay protection money. Due to immigration, many foreign organized crime groups that come from Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia have also started branching out in Italy. Organized crime groups are unlikely to directly affect tourists or business travelers.

Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is low in Italy The political situation in Italy is generally stable, although constitutional government turnovers are common. A degree of political instability following an inconclusive March 2018 election has persisted following the formation of a populist government. Corruption can be a problem, especially in the south, although overall levels are generally low by international standards. The Italian police are well equipped, well trained, and generally very efficient.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Italy is low

Kidnapping

For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Italy is low. Kidnappings are not a regular occurrence, and kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common types of abduction in Italy include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom and high-net worth individual kidnap-for-ransom. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Summary of security services in Italy

Security forces in Italy are generally reliable. Responsiveness is good and overall security capabilities are robust. Police in major cities in Italy typically speak English, though this is less likely in more rural areas. Although Italy has a number of different security forces, the Polizia di Stato (State Police) and Carabinieri (military police) are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff.

Interaction with Travelers

In Italy, travelers in need of assistance should contact their diplomatic mission if possible, but may also rely on security forces.

Law Enforcement Reliability

The threat that security forces pose is generally low.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a low threat in Italy

Italy is a known operations and logistics base for Islamist militants in Europe. Hubs for such activity include Milan, Rome, and Naples, as well as several medium-sized cities in northern and southern parts of the country. There is particular concern over the threat from IS. Militants from IS have issued multiple threats against Italy in propaganda videos. Sunni extremist militants have specifically singled out the city of Rome, as well as Christian monuments and religious buildings in the country as potential targets. Other potential targets include tourist sites, monuments, transportation hubs, government buildings, water and electricity systems, US military bases, and Jewish religious buildings. Islamist terrorists are likely to use a range of weapons including bladed weapons, automatic rifles, explosives, and vehicles; however, Italy has not experienced any Islamist terrorist attacks in recent years.

Italy's porous coastal borders make it a point of first entry for migrants and asylum-seekers from North Africa, and there are concerns over militants infiltrating these groups. There are also concerns over the return of individuals who left the country to fight with IS abroad. Returning fighters will have increased proficiency in terms of carrying out an attack, and they are also likely to engage in radicalizing, fundraising, and facilitation activities. Italian authorities prioritize counterterrorism efforts, which have resulted in a number of arrests and foiled attacks. In late April 2016, police forces in Milan detained three suspects who were planning an attack in Rome. The suspects, of Moroccan origin, had planned to hit the Vatican and the Israeli Embassy. A Somali asylum seeker was arrested in March 2016 in Campo Basso for plotting a suicide bombing in Rome's Termini station. A Lebanese immigrant was arrested in Macomer (Sardinia) in November 2018 for allegedly planning a chemical attack on the island.

Italy has a long history of combatting domestic terrorism. In the Cold War era, Italy frequently suffered from politically motivated terrorist attacks by far-right and far-left groups; however, most of the groups responsible for acts of political violence were dissolved in the late 1980s. With the recent populist wave across Europe, there is a possibility that political extremist groups could mobilize again. Likely targets for these groups include government buildings, public officials and some foreign corporations including banks. Most attacks by such groups are unsophisticated, involving homemade improvised explosive devices (IEDs) containing flammable liquids or gunpowder and crude ignition mechanisms, some of which fail to operate. In July 2019, Italian authorities confiscated a cache of weapons, including an air-to-air missile, from an extreme-right group.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling

Overview of Italy The Italian Republic is located in Southern Europe. It includes the two largest islands of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy is a stable democracy and is generally safe for work and travel, although demonstrations are frequently held in response to social frustrations and can occasionally escalate into localized violence. Labor strikes often take place and are usually well publicized ahead of time. The Italian economy is the fourth largest in Europe and considered to be strong, although the country suffers from rising public debt and unemployment. Additionally, southern Italy remains economically weaker than the prosperous north. Islamist terrorism is a concern, and authorities have broken up several recruitment cells. Violent crime is not very common, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching is frequently reported, especially in cities. Businesses should note that organized criminal networks have a huge presence in the economy, especially in the southern regions such as Sicily, although their activities are unlikely to impact tourists and travelers. Weather, Currency Exchange

ITALY WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Rome / Ciampino: CURRENCY 1 Euro 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.8423 High: 93° F High: 82° F High: 85° F High: 79° F High: 84° F US Dollar 1.1872 1.0000 (33° C) (27° C) (29° C) (26° C) (28° C) Low: 71° F Low: 68° F Low: 64° F Low: 67° F Low: 65° F (21° C) (20° C) (17° C) (19° C) (18° C)

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