Newsletters
The United Kingdom has removed its specific travel warning over Mount Etna after Italian authorities had raised the alert level around the active volcano in Sicily, although broader safety advice for visitors to Italy remains in place.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the U.K. government department responsible for foreign affairs and overseas travel guidance, had previously warned travellers about increased volcanic activity at Mount Etna on Sicily's eastern coast.
Its latest update, however, confirmed the "Removal of information about Mount Etna volcanic activity," meaning the specific warning has now been lifted.
The earlier guidance had advised travellers to follow instructions from Italian authorities if an eruption occurred, while also warning that volcanic activity could affect flights using Catania International Airport.
Arrivals and departures at Catania could be cancelled, delayed or redirected to Palermo or Comiso if ash or other volcanic activity disrupted airport operations.
Flights at Catania were halted or diverted at the end of September following renewed activity from Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes and a major tourist attraction in Sicily.
Although the Etna-specific information has been removed, the FCDO does not advise against travel to Italy as a whole.
Under its "Before you travel" guidance, the FCDO continues to stress that "No travel can be guaranteed safe," urging visitors to read the full guidance before setting off.
The advice also directs travellers to additional information covering women travelling abroad, disabled travellers, LGBT+ visitors, solo and independent travel, as well as volunteering and adventure tourism.
Other safety guidance for Italy remains unchanged, including warnings that demonstrations can break out with little or no advance notice in cities. Travellers are advised to stay away from protests, political gatherings and marches.
The FCDO also warns that petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is more common in city centres and around major tourist attractions, while separate warnings concerning wildfires also remain in place.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
