Italy has always captured the imagination of travelers, with its ancient ruins, world-class art, and dramatic landscapes. But as the country embarks on a bold new infrastructure project—constructing the world’s longest suspension bridge to connect Sicily to the mainland—visitors and locals alike are witnessing a moment of transformation that’s been decades in the making. At the same time, Canada’s 2025 travel advisory reminds tourists that Italy’s beauty comes with a set of modern risks and cultural nuances that demand attention and respect.
On August 8, 2025, Italy’s government finally gave the green light to a project that’s been debated since the 1960s: a suspension bridge spanning the Strait of Messina, linking Sicily and Calabria. According to Supercar Blondie, the bridge will stretch over a little more than two miles of water, making it the world’s longest suspension bridge—surpassing Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge. The structure will cost at least $15.6 billion and is expected to be completed by 2033, dramatically reducing travel times between Sicily and the Italian mainland. It will feature two railway lines and six lanes for vehicle traffic, promising to connect regions in ways previously only imagined.
Despite Italy’s renowned engineering prowess—think of the Venice flood barriers or the high-speed railways—the Messina bridge has been one of those perennial topics, discussed and delayed for generations. Bureaucracy and funding issues shelved serious proposals in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. For many Italians, the bridge was a punchline for political inertia. Now, with construction imminent, the country stands at the threshold of a new era of connectivity, and perhaps, national pride.
But while Italy forges ahead on its most ambitious infrastructure project, it remains a place where visitors must balance awe with caution. In August 2025, the Canadian government issued a comprehensive travel advisory for Italy, underscoring both the country’s allure and its complexities. The advisory, as reported by the Canadian government, urges travelers to exercise extra vigilance due to risks such as pickpocketing, card scams, cybercrime, sudden protests, and natural hazards.
Petty crime is the most common headache for tourists. In hotspots like Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, and Venice’s Rialto Bridge, pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in teams, targeting distracted visitors. The advisory recommends practical steps: use anti-theft bags, keep valuables out of sight, and be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or creating distractions. Vehicle break-ins are also frequent, especially with rental cars; leaving anything visible inside is a gamble.
Credit card skimming and cybercrime are growing threats in tourist-heavy areas. ATMs located inside banks are considered safer, and travelers are advised to cover their PIN when withdrawing cash. Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, can be a trap for cybercriminals, so online banking should be avoided on unsecured connections.
Italy’s natural beauty is legendary, but it also brings its share of seasonal hazards. Venice’s famous “acqua alta” causes periodic flooding, while wildfires can sweep through Sicily during the hot summer months. The Alps and Dolomites, magnets for hikers and skiers, are prone to avalanches in winter. And then there are the volcanoes: Mount Etna in Sicily, Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, and Mount Vesuvius near Naples—all monitored closely by authorities, but still a reminder that Italy’s landscape is alive and unpredictable.
The Strait of Messina itself, soon to be spanned by the new bridge, is notorious for strong currents and unpredictable weather, making it a challenging crossing for boats. The Canadian advisory specifically notes the risks of overloaded vessels and stresses the importance of life vests for all passengers.
Travelers in 2025 will also encounter a country in the midst of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, a Holy Year event running from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. Millions will flock to Rome and Vatican City for religious and cultural gatherings. According to the advisory, this means increased crowds, traffic jams, and a heightened security presence with police and military patrols at key sites, security checkpoints, and bag checks at museums and public squares. The visible presence of armed forces is meant to deter attacks, but it’s also a sign of the seriousness with which authorities treat potential threats, even though no direct danger is currently imminent.
Protests and strikes are another feature of Italian life, often erupting in Rome’s Piazza Venezia, Milan’s city center, and Naples’ public squares. Even peaceful demonstrations can disrupt public transport, cause street closures, and sometimes escalate into clashes with police. The Canadian government advises tourists to monitor local news and avoid large gatherings to steer clear of trouble.
For Canadians, the good news is that Italy remains accessible: no visa is required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided the passport is valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date. But travelers must be mindful of Schengen rules, as time spent in any Schengen country counts toward the 90-day limit. Customs officers check these details closely, and hotels typically file registration forms automatically—though it’s wise to confirm this upon check-in.
Health and safety are high priorities. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and depending on planned activities, vaccines for tick-borne encephalitis, hepatitis B, and rabies may be recommended. Bottled water is suggested if there’s any doubt about local supply, and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue have been reported in some regions. Urban hospitals offer excellent care, but rural areas may have limited facilities, so travelers with chronic conditions should bring medications in their original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription.
Italian law includes some quirks that can trip up the unwary tourist. Eating or drinking on monuments, bathing in fountains or canals, walking in swimwear outside beaches, and feeding pigeons in Venice are all prohibited and can result in fines. Removing sand or shells from Sardinia’s beaches is also illegal. Drone enthusiasts should note that EU registration is required, and no-fly zones are strictly enforced around military sites and mass events.
Driving in Italy is an adventure in itself. Urban roads are well-maintained but congested, while rural and mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Defensive driving is essential, as scooters often weave through traffic and lane discipline is, let’s say, flexible. An International Driving Permit and proof of insurance are required for foreign drivers, and understanding the restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in historic city centers is crucial to avoid hefty fines.
Despite these challenges, Italy’s magnetic appeal endures. From the Colosseum’s grandeur to the sun-baked villages of Sicily, every corner offers something unique. The new Messina bridge, if completed on schedule, will stand as a symbol of Italy’s ability to overcome bureaucratic inertia and realize grand visions. For visitors in 2025 and beyond, a blend of preparation, awareness, and respect for local customs is the key to making the most of what Italy has to offer—whether crossing the world’s longest suspension bridge or simply savoring an espresso in a bustling piazza.
Italy’s future is being built—quite literally—before our eyes. And for those ready to embrace both its wonders and its warnings, the journey promises to be unforgettable.
