As summer nears and many Americans prepare for vacations both within the country and abroad, the U.S. Department of State advises caution for those visiting a well-frequented location.
On May 23, the department reissued a level 2 travel advisory specifically for Italy, suggesting travelers “exercise increased caution” due to “terrorism” concerns.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,” the warning read.
This advisory alerts that terrorists “may strike without warning,” and it advises Americans to be vigilant in places that are commonly targeted. These include tourist attractions, transport hubs, shopping centers and markets, government buildings, hotels, nightlife venues, eateries, religious sites, parks, sports and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Crowds gather for a view of the Trevi Fountain in Rome on June 3, 2022. (Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The State Department said they review travel advisories on a regular basis and would update alerts “any time conditions change substantially.”
Level 1 and 2 advisories are reviewed every 12 months, while levels 3 and 4 are reviewed at least every six months, the department added.
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that there is “no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.”
“We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories and destination information pages based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments.”
Italy is considered one of the world’s most culturally important countries and is home to 54 World Heritage Sites, the most in the world. Italy’s political system is also traditionally volatile, and, as of 2018, saw a populist coalition rise to power.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
