Lazio is Italy's most historically rich region, home to Rome — the Eternal City — as well as ancient ruins, medieval hilltowns, volcanic lakes, and a stunning Tyrrhenian coastline. From the Colosseum to the vineyards of the Castelli Romani and the thermal baths of Viterbo, Lazio offers an unparalleled blend of art, history, nature, and cuisine.
Lazio and Rome are generally safe destinations with low violent crime rates. The primary concern for tourists is non-violent petty theft — particularly pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport — which affects a disproportionately high number of visitors.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal tourist precautions in Lazio. Rome has a higher than average pickpocket rate for Italy — nearly triple the national average in high-tourist areas. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1
Exercise normal precautions in Italy. Some areas have increased crime risk — be alert to your surroundings in crowded tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep bags zipped and worn crossbody across your body, with the bag on the building side of the sidewalk (not road side where moped snatchers operate)
Be especially vigilant at the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Vatican and on Metro Line A — these are Rome's highest pickpocket areas
Only use licensed taxis (white cars with TAXI sign and meter) — agree on fixed rates for airport trips before entering the car
Avoid 'gladiators' outside the Colosseum — costumed men who charge €10-30 for a photo; decline firmly
Be wary of 'friendship bracelets' — people who forcibly tie a string on your wrist then demand payment
Rose sellers in restaurants will place roses on your table; you are not obligated to accept or pay
Never leave bags visible in parked cars — Lazio has a significant problem with smash-and-grab theft from vehicles
If driving in Rome, do not enter the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) zones without a valid permit — you will receive an automatic fine of €60-120
Carry a photocopy of your passport when sightseeing; leave the original in the hotel safe
Be cautious on crowded Metro trains, especially when boarding and alighting — pickpockets work in groups using distraction techniques
Avoid isolated areas of Rome (under bridges, dark alleyways) late at night, especially near Termini station
Water from Rome's street fountains (nasoni) is safe to drink — ignore people who try to sell you 'special' fountain water
Restaurants are required to give you an itemised receipt (ricevuta fiscale) — always ask for it and check for added charges
Emergency number 112 works throughout Italy and Lazio for police, ambulance and fire
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Gladiator photo scam
Costumed 'gladiators' near the Colosseum pose for photos then demand €20-50
How to avoid: Decline firmly before any photo is taken; say 'No grazie'
Friendship bracelet
Sellers forcibly tie a bracelet on your wrist then demand payment
How to avoid: Keep hands in pockets or refuse firmly as they approach; say 'Non mi interessa'
Fake police officers
Scammers in plain clothes claim to be police and ask to inspect your wallet or documents
How to avoid: Real police will have official ID; ask to see it and insist on going to an official police station
Unlicensed taxi
Drivers near airports and Termini offer rides at seemingly low prices then charge €100+
How to avoid: Use only official white licensed taxis from the designated rank, or book via itTaxi app
Dropped ring trick
Someone drops a gold ring, 'finds' it and offers it to you as a gift, then demands money
How to avoid: Do not touch or accept the ring; walk away immediately
Restaurant overcharging
Tourist-trap restaurants near monuments add unordered items (bread, water, dessert) to bills
How to avoid: Always ask for an itemised receipt; only pay for what you ordered; avoid restaurants with touts outside
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Lazio; routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus) should be up to date. COVID-19 requirements may apply — check before travel.
- Water
- Tap water is safe throughout Lazio; Rome's nasoni (street fountain) water is also safe and free
- Food
- Food safety standards are high; all EU hygiene regulations apply. Street food is generally safe at established vendors.
- Facilities
- Rome has excellent public hospitals and private clinics. Ospedale Fatebenefratelli (Tiberina Island), Policlinico Gemelli and Ospedale Santo Spirito are major facilities. EHIC/GHIC cards give EU citizens access to free public healthcare.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Rome and Lazio are generally very safe for solo travellers of all genders. Main risks are pickpocketing and occasional unwanted attention at night. Trastevere and Centro Storico are well-populated until late. Stay in well-lit areas after midnight, particularly around Termini station.
Female travellers
Lazio is safe for solo female travellers with normal urban precautions. Catcalling can occur near popular areas but physical harassment is uncommon. Dress code requirements at churches (covered shoulders and knees) are enforced at Vatican and major churches.
Families
Lazio is an excellent family destination. Romans are welcoming to children and most restaurants welcome families. Traffic in Rome can be intense — hold children's hands near busy roads. Heat in July-August can be extreme for young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Italy legalised civil unions in 2016. Rome has an active LGBTQ+ scene centred on the Testaccio and Ostiense areas. Public displays of affection are generally accepted in Rome. Outside Rome in smaller Lazio towns, a more conservative attitude prevails. Pride Roma is held each June.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (State Police) or 112 (emergency)
- Medical
- 118 (ambulance) or 112
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Rome for passport emergencies and serious incidents
- Tourist Police
- Polizia Turistica: +39 06 46861 (Rome police tourist assistance)