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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Italy
Of all the places to go in Europe, Italy is first on the list for many people. Italy’s charm is found in its ancient wonders, cuisine and unique landscapes.
The Coliseum, Florentine markets and volcanic ruins, there is no shortage of history waiting to be explored.
Travel can be done a multitude of ways including local flight options, by ferry for coastal towns and to islands or by train or bus. Some of the hidden treasures of Italy need extra planning. But, they are well worth the time.
Do I Need Vaccines for Italy?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Italy. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Italy: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products –
Typically found in alpine areas, especially in the northeast. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Italy |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products | Typically found in alpine areas, especially in the northeast. |
Routine Vaccinations for Italy |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
As a developed country, Italy does not have many communicable diseases. Make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations before traveling.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Italy?
A visa is not required for travel to Italy. But, your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining.
Italy Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Italy? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ![]() |
|
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Italy and U.S. State Department
If you plan to stay for 90 days or more, a visa will be required. You must get this visa before starting your trip.
What Is the Climate Like in Italy?
The climate in Italy differs depending on location.
Winters can be brutal in northern areas near the Alps. Summers can be hot in this region as well. Central Italy remains somewhat constant with mild temperatures throughout the year. In southern Italy, temperatures are warm in winter and even warmer in the summer. Regardless of where in Italy, the climate is described as Mediterranean.
- Milan – Nestled in the northern Italy, Milan is bordered by the Alps. Winters are milder than other northern cities, but summers can be hot. The variety in temperature is typical in Northern cities.
- Rome – Sitting in central Italy, Rome experiences a range of seasons. Most of Rome’s rainfall occurs in the winter. Most other areas in Italy that receive the bulk of the rain in the spring and summer.
- Naples – Is one of the largest and most-traveled cities in Southern Italy. Even in the winter months, temperatures will remain mostly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer months, Naples will catch cool breezes off the ocean.
How Safe Is Italy?
Italy has a low rate of violent crime. But, some petty crime including pick-pocketing and purse snatching. This is most common in large cities with large populations such as Rome or Florence. Avoid using bags that cross the body and by making sure your purse or bag can latch.
Italy is also known for political activities such as strikes or demonstrations. These can occasionally restrict travel on trains or buses in cities.
Italy is considered extremely safe both in daylight and at night. But, as always, travel in groups is recommended for extra safety precaution.
Is the Food Safe in Italy?
Italy is notorious for producing some of the most delectable cuisine in the world. Italian culture is centered around meal time. Most devote a lot of time and energy into the preparation and cooking of every meal. With the culinary bar set so high, it is rare that travelers will sit down to a meal is deemed unsafe for consumption. The only thing to remain wary towards is water. Most restaurants will serve water and sodas in the bottle to guarantee high and consistent quality.
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People say if they could dream up an island paradise, Capri does it better. A short boat ride from Sorrento, Capri’s turquoise waters and tiny beach coves are unparalleled. From ancient Roman emperors to modern-day stars, Capri’s splendor has captured minds for centuries.
Spend a day touring the city on top of the island, floating and snorkeling the 80-degree water or slurping seafood linguine with your toes buried in the sand at an ocean-side restaurant.
What Should I Take to Italy?
Considering where and when you plan on traveling to Italy and for how long, there are a variety of items that should make it into your suitcase:
- Comfortable walking shoes with arch support
- A shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders. There are many churches and religious areas that require modest clothing before entry
- A purse with a latch of some kind. Theft from purses has been known to happen in large crowded cities
- Light and airy clothing for the humid summer months
- An umbrella or rain proof jacket for the occasional rainstorm
- A hat as the sun can be harsh
- If fine-dining is in your plans, pack “black-tie” attire as some restaurants have dress codes
U.S. Embassy in Italy
There is one embassy and three consulates located throughout Italy in major tourism cities. The embassy and consulates can assist in most matters of travel from lost passports to helping victims of crime. There are many issues that are not considered emergencies and these problems can be solved in a more efficient manner if an appointment is made ahead of time.
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 06-4674-2244
Email: uscitizensrome@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Italy website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Italy
“The nurse gave me a thorough, detailed explanation of the health issues I will face on my trip to Italy. It was a lot to take in, but she was patient, and fortunately I had done some research.”
“Overall a great visit. Came in to see what I needed for my upcoming trip to Italy and she was very informative about the current things going around in India and what to do to take precautionary steps. She was detailed and asked multiple times if I had any questions.”
“My husband and I used the services of this clinic for a trip to Italy. This was a very efficient operation led by an experienced and customer centered professionalism. She had a prepared notebook individualized for us when we arrived which included recommended immunizations . We could not have been more pleased.”
“The experience was excellent. The nurse very knowledgeable. Vaccines delivered relatively painlessly. I was educated on what to expect as side effects of the vaccines. Received a refresher on dos and don’ts in Italy.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Italy?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Italy?
What Is the Climate Like in Italy?
How Safe Is Italy?
Is the Food Safe in Italy?
Plunge Into the Turquoise Waters of Capri
What Should I Take to Italy?
U.S. Embassy in Italy