Local Laws

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBT Rights: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in Italy. Same sex marriages, however, are not legally recognized in Italy.  See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues: The following conditions in Italy may prove challenging for travelers in Italy:

• Pervasive narrow cobbled streets;
• Many sidewalks lack ramps, and some streets lack sidewalks altogether or, as in Venice, feature stairs and narrow pedestrian bridges;
• Many hotels and attractions do not have ramps, elevators, or handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Advance planning can go a long way in making a difference in accommodation for travelers with disabilities. We recommend:

• Inform airlines and hotels of your disability when making reservations to allow them time  to prepare accommodations;
• Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are wheelchair accessible;

Train stations in Italy have accommodations for those traveling in wheelchairs. With advance notice, a person with a disability can receive personal assistance when traveling through a particular station. More information is available at Trenitalia's website addressing disabled travelers.

If you want to rent a car, hand-controlled vehicles are available in Italy from major car rental companies. Contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip in order to reserve the vehicle.

Remember that Italy functions on 220-volt current. To recharge an electric wheelchair motor, you may need a transformer to change the 220 current to 110 volts as well as an adapter to adjust the plug to fit Italian electrical sockets.

Guide dog owners must present the documentation required by European Union Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Special Circumstances: Strikes and other work stoppages frequently occur in the transportation sector (national airlines, airports, trains, and bus lines); reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.

Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.