Warden Messages - Archive

(June 30, 2009) – Heightened Passport Controls at Italian Borders in Preparation for Group of Eight (G8) Summit in July

The Italian Minister of Interior, Roberto Maroni, has announced that Italy will temporarily suspend the Schengen agreement from June 28 through July 15, 2009, as a security measure for the upcoming G-8 Summit to be held in Italy from July 8-10.  American citizens planning travel between Italy and Schengen Area countries during this time are encouraged to verify that their U.S. passport is valid for travel (not expired), and should carry their passport when they travel.

The Schengen agreement allows for movement across borders of the participating countries, without the need to present a passport.  Temporary suspension of the agreement means that from June 28 through July 15 a passport will be required for travel between Italy and Schengen Area countries. The participating countries include: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.   

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Mission’s website at http://italy.usembassy.gov, and the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages American citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

All Americans in Italy are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the Consulates General in Milan, Florence, and Naples. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Italy and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.

U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Vittorio Veneto, 121. The telephone number is 06-4674-1. Our website is: http://italy.usembassy.gov

U.S. Consulates in Italy are located in:

NAPLES: Piazza della Repubblica; telephone number: 081-583-8111
MILAN: Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10; telephone number: 02-290-351
FLORENCE : Lungarno A. Vespucci, 38; telephone number: 055-266-951

U.S. Consular Agencies in Italy are located in:

GENOA: Via Dante, 2
PALERMO: Via Vaccarini, 1
VENICE: Marco Polo Airport, General Aviation Terminal, Viale Galileo Galilei, 30