The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has recently updated its travel guidance concerning Italy. This office regularly provides and revises travel advice for 226 countries and territories globally, covering various aspects such as alerts, insurance, and entry prerequisites.
The most recent update was made public last week and remains applicable as of October 29. In this update, the FCDO released fresh information relating to the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games scheduled to occur in Italy from February 6 to 22 and March 6 to 15. These updates were specifically focused on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ as well as ‘Safety and security’ sections on the FCDO website.
The ‘Warnings and insurance’ segment includes recommendations to follow prior to traveling, the importance of travel insurance, and where to access travel advice updates. In a cautionary note concerning travel insurance, the Foreign Office emphasized the necessity of thorough research on destinations and obtaining suitable travel insurance that covers the travel itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses.
According to the guidelines, the travel insurance should encompass all activities planned during the holiday, including sports and adventure tourism activities that might require specialized insurance. The ‘Safety and security’ section covers various topics such as terrorism threats, criminal activities, legal regulations, cultural differences, winter sports, and outdoor activities associated with adventure tourism.
In a specific advisory regarding winter sports, the Foreign Office urged travelers to seek advice on weather conditions and avalanche risks before embarking on their journey. It was recommended to acquaint oneself with the local skiing laws and regulations. For further guidance on safety and weather conditions, individuals were encouraged to contact the Italian State Tourist Board before their trip.
Moreover, the advice underlined the regulations for the upcoming ski season. Starting from November 1, 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers must wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts, irrespective of age or activity. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in a fine of up to €200 and a suspension of the ski pass for up to 3 days.
Additionally, there are specific guidelines for travelers planning to engage in outdoor activities and adventure tourism. It is advised to ensure that the company organizing such activities is reputable in the industry and that the insurance policy covers the associated risks adequately.
This advice could be particularly beneficial for individuals attending the Olympic Games who intend to participate in winter activities during their stay. It is crucial to check the weather forecasts and conditions beforehand, especially for activities like hiking or mountaineering, and ensure proper equipment is available for emergencies.
For those planning a visit, it is recommended to review the general advice outlined on the ‘Winter Olympics’ page, which provides details about the Winter Olympic Games scheduled from February 6 to 22 and the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to 15 in multiple locations across Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
Furthermore, travelers are directed to explore other advice pages, including those related to winter sports and travel insurance, as previously mentioned.