The Foreign Office has issued a warning for anyone visiting Italy, one of the UK's favourite holiday destinations, with 4.8 million visits in 2025 according to the Office of National Statistics. The alert focuses on road safety for pedestrians, highlighting that drivers are allowed to turn right when the green pedestrian crossing signal is on, which may surprise UK visitors accustomed to crossing safely on red lights.
New warning for pedestrians
In a recent update, the Foreign Office advises: “Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.”
Further advice includes exercising caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including road underpasses, and noting that emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only and should not be used as pedestrian routes.
Crime advice for tourists
The Foreign Office also highlights that compared to the UK, petty street crime is higher in Italy. It states: “Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.”
Advice includes keeping sight of belongings at all times, being wary of thieves using distraction techniques, avoiding carrying all valuables together in handbags or pockets, and leaving spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe.
Cars can also be targeted: “Thefts from parked cars is common across the country. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle, even out of sight in the boot, for any length of time.” Thieves may use distraction methods, such as asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with the car.
