Brits have been given a major Government “security” warning about travel to Italy.

The number of Brits visiting Italy has steadily increased over the years, with roughly 6.2 million UK travellers visiting in 2024. As the Christmas period is about to hit full swing, many will be opting a festive getaway to Italy.

But the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have issued a warning to any Brits who may be visiting the country.

The FCDO provides advice to travellers about the risks of travel, in order for them to make informed decisions with warnings in place for Rome and the Vatican City.

According to FCDO, the region of Rome is expected to have a high number of visitors throughout the Holy Year of 2025, particularly during large events.

It read: “The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026.

“The city is expected to be very busy, particularly when the bigger events take place.”

Inadequate management of queues or delays may cause a surge of people during this event and its important to take note of the exits. People are often at the mercy of the movement of the crowd and could lead to being trampled if not careful.

The FCDO also warned of security issues for travellers to Italy with an “increased risk of petty crime” during this holy event.

It added: “Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.”

Brits visiting these regions will experience Italy in its most beautiful form as preparation for the Holy Year includes a number of infrastructure projects and public works in place to ensure the region is presentable providing a unique opportunity to experience Italy’s vibrant history and culture. 

However, the momentous event will also see record-breaking crowds as many spots will be packed beyond capacity with prices for flights and accommodation set to hit sky-high rates.

Alongside soaring prices for hotels and flights, food is expected to be significantly more expensive with limited availability for many things including tours. It’s highly recommended if visiting Rome during this time for travellers to book ahead and plan their holiday meticulously.

The Holy Year occurs every 25 years with the year 2025 being the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church and is a significant event.

The Jubilee 2025 theme is Pilgrims of Hope and will attract around 35 million pilgrims to Rome and is expected to be a major media event.

The Italian Jubilee Year will last from Christmas Eve, 2024, until the Epiphany festival in January 2026 and takes place in Rome and the Vatican City.

This momentous occasion holds deep spiritual meaning and is an opportunity for pilgrimage, celebration, reconciliation and spiritual growth. The event kicks off with the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica and marks the official beginning of the Jubilee. 

This is then followed by the opening of other Holy Doors at three other papal basilicas in Rome including St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Paul Outside the Wall with the walking through these doors being considered a symbolic transition from sin to grace.