Is Italy safe for Black travellers?
Safe for tourists overall, but police profiling of Black people documented
Why this rating
Italy is rated US Level 2, mainly for terrorism risk, with crime against visitors largely opportunistic theft. The Council of Europe's ECRI (2024) found racial profiling by police particularly affects people of African descent, which the Italian government publicly rejected; Italy is also covered by FRA's 2023 survey, which found 45% of Black respondents across the EU faced racial discrimination in five years.
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- EUR
- Language
- Italian
- Best time to visit
- Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
- Visa
- Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors.
- Health
- No specific vaccines needed.
- Emergency
- 112
- Plugs
- Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz
- Driving
- On the right
Know before you go
- ECRI 2024: police racial profiling especially affects people of African descent
- Government dismissed ECRI findings as 'shameful', limiting likelihood of reform
- Pickpocketing in tourist areas and on public transport
Border & airport: Major airports efficient.
SafeRoute tip: Keep your passport or a copy on you for police checks. Major cities like Milan and Rome have more diverse neighbourhoods.
Travelling to Italy?
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Create a free accountBlack-owned in Italy
- IBRIS · Trento
Pizzeria in Trento, northern Italy, run by Burkinabè-born owner Ibrahim Songne — wood-fired pizza and a friendly welcome in the Alpine city.
Black-owned · Ibrahim Songne · Source · Website
Ownership checked Sep–Oct 2026 · confirm details with each business.
Italy: common questions
Is Italy safe for Black travellers right now?
SafeRoute rates Italy 42/100 (watch: mixed picture), last reviewed Sep 2026. Italy is rated US Level 2, mainly for terrorism risk, with crime against visitors largely opportunistic theft. The Council of Europe's ECRI (2024) found racial profiling by police particularly affects people of African descent, which the Italian government publicly rejected; Italy is also covered by FRA's 2023 survey, which found 45% of Black respondents across the EU faced racial discrimination in five years.
What is the official travel advice for Italy?
US Level 2 (terrorism, Sep 2026); FCDO: no areas advised against. Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.
What should Black travellers know before going to Italy?
Keep your passport or a copy on you for police checks. Major cities like Milan and Rome have more diverse neighbourhoods. Major airports efficient. Key warnings: ECRI 2024: police racial profiling especially affects people of African descent; Government dismissed ECRI findings as 'shameful', limiting likelihood of reform; Pickpocketing in tourist areas and on public transport.
Can I share my own experience of Italy?
Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on Italy, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.
Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.