Rome Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium-High

COVID-19 Situation in Rome

Italy is on the UK's travel amber list of countries that pose a risk of contracting COVID-19 based on the country's infection rate. Based on this indicator, travellers should not go to Italy unless it is for essential, family or business reasons. On their return to the UK, travellers are required to fill in a passenger locator form, to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result before travelling, to quarantine at home for 10 days and to take a sequencing test on day 2 and day 8 after their arrival.

Before travelling, travellers must fill in the European Digital Passenger Locator Form that generates a QR code to facilitate contact tracing and take a PRC test no more than 48 hours before travelling to be able to fly.

On arrival in Italy, travellers will be required to self-isolate for 5 days after which, they must take a rapid antigenic or swab test for COVID-19. When arriving, travellers must call the COVID-19 helpline for the region they are travelling to within 48 hours.

To control the spread of the virus, people must maintain a one-meter social distancing, and the use of facemasks is mandatory in enclosed public places and in outdoor spaces where social distancing rules cannot be respected. Cinemas, theatres and concert venues are operating at limited capacity and people must pre-book their visit to a museum or exhibition.

See our healthcare section for preventive measures against the disease.

The overall travel advice is Rome is to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

Rome, also known as the "Eternal City", is a beautiful city that attracts millions of tourists every year. Renowned for its culture and captivating architecture, it is a very popular destination to visit.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides a Security and Bodyguard Service in Rome for corporate and private clients. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard Services in Italy.

In light of recent terrorist incidents across Europe, the travel advice for Rome is to keep in mind that large gatherings and ceremonies pose as potential terrorist attacks. From 8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016, it is the Holy Year of Mercy for the Catholic Church. This could be a potential target, especially around the Vatican city. So, travellers should remain vigilant during this time.

June and July are the high peak months but also the hottest and most crowded time to visit Rome. It is recommended that April, May, and late September through to October, are the best seasons to visit and that the summer months should be avoided.

On Friday the 12th of May 2017, two bombs exploded in Rome, both were small devices that were thought to be set off by timer. There is no immediate suspicion of Islamist terrorism, but rather anarchist groups, which have carried out similar firebombings in the past.

Rome is a relatively safe city, but petty thefts and pickpocketing are still an issue; particularly around tourist attraction sights and public transport. Thieves often work in groups and use various methods to distract you. Use common sense and watch your valuables at all times. Fiumicino airport is a particular hotspot for petty crimes, so make sure not to leave your luggage unattended.

There is a no-smoking policy in Italy in all public places, such as trains, buses, restaurants and pubs (unless there is a separate smoking room).

When travelling by car in Italy, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

If visiting Rome for at least 3 days, it is worth purchasing the Roma Pass. It costs around 36 euros and entitles holders to free access to the first two museums and/or archaeological sites, and full access to public transportation, with further reductions to other popular destinations (excluding the Vatican).

Rome’s main railway station is Roma Termini. Trains and metros are the best form of public transport to travel around Rome, as they are cheap and easy.

Taxis are another form of transportation, but be aware that they are expensive. Taxis are usually white in Rome and mainly pick you up at a taxi stand. Be aware that if calling for one over the phone, the metre starts running the moment it is called and not when it arrives to pick you up. This can be very costly at times, so it is advisable to find a taxi stand or use the metros.

If you are travelling from Fiumicino airport to the city centre by taxi service, there is a flat price of 48 euros that will take an estimated time of 45 minutes. Make sure to make the taxi driver aware of your knowledge, so that they do not try to overprice you.

Police emergency: 112 or 113
Fire emergency: 115
Fire emergency: 1515 (Woodland/Forest fire service)
Medical emergency: 118
Maritime emergency: 530 or 800 090090
International Operator: 170 (English speaking)
Brakedown service: 116 A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Association) gives roadside assistance.

Official languages: Italian
Religion: Christianity (Greek Orthodoxy)
Currency: Euro
Time now in Rome:

U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto,
121,
00187 Rome,
Telephone: +39 06 46741
Email: uscitizensrome@state.gov
Emergency Telephone: +39 06 46741

British Embassy Rome
Via XX Settembre 80/a,
00187 Rome
Telephone: +39 06 4220 000
Telephone: +39 06 4220 0001
Email: italy.consulate@fco.gov.uk

French Embassy Rome
Piazza Farnese 67
00186 Rome,
Telephone: +39 06 686 011

For further embassy information and locations, please see our live travel map below.

Tourist travel guide: Rome's guide
Places to stay: Italy guides

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Italy. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

Italy has a public health system that provides emergency care to everyone. EU nationals that obtain an EHIC card are entitled to reduced-cost medical care. It is advised for non-EU citizens to take out necessary medical insurance, in order to reduce extra overseas costs. There are a number of international hospitals in Rome that have English-speaking staff and doctors.