Published on
October 19, 2025
Egypt joins Estonia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sweden, and more as Italy issues a new travel advisory due to escalating security concerns and evolving visa regulations. With increasing risks of terrorism, political instability, and complex entry requirements, Italian travelers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution when visiting these countries. This advisory highlights the importance of adhering to local regulations, obtaining the necessary travel documents, and avoiding high-risk areas to ensure a safe journey.
As tensions continue to rise across various regions, Italy has issued new travel advisories for several countries, including Egypt, Estonia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Sweden. This updated advisory is based on increasing security risks, including terrorism threats, political instability, and the evolving entry regulations, especially visa requirements, which travelers must carefully navigate before planning their trips. Here’s a detailed look at each country and the travel advisories Italian nationals should heed.
Egypt: Navigating Security Threats and Complex Visa Processes
Egypt has long been a popular tourist destination, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient monuments like the Pyramids of Giza. However, in recent years, it has also faced challenges due to security threats, particularly terrorism. Terrorist attacks have targeted various places of worship, including Coptic churches, and popular tourist locations such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Al-Azhar Mosque. As a result, Italy has issued a strong advisory against non-essential travel to areas outside of Cairo, Alexandria, the Red Sea coast, and the Mediterranean Sea, where security measures are heightened.
Travel to the Sinai Peninsula, in particular, is discouraged unless strictly within the tourist resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or excursions to the Monastery of St. Catherine. The region is a designated military zone, and there are frequent terrorist attacks targeting Egyptian security forces, including mortar fire and bombings. Due to the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, travelers are advised to avoid this area entirely.
Visa and Entry Requirements
For Italian travelers wishing to visit Egypt, a valid passport with at least six months of residual validity from the date of arrival is required. Tourists can also use a paper or electronic identity card for travel purposes, but they must present two passport-sized photos upon arrival for visa issuance. However, travelers should note that electronic identity cards with extended validity or a renewal stamp are not accepted for entry. Additionally, the ATe model (used for digital identity cards) is not recognized for entry into Egypt.
An entry visa is mandatory for most travelers. It can be obtained from Egyptian consulates or directly at the airport. The visa is typically valid for a stay of up to 28 days, costing $25 USD (or the equivalent in euros). For travelers planning to stay in tourist resorts on the southern Sinai coast for less than 14 days, a regular visa is not required. However, any travel beyond this area or stays exceeding 14 days will require an ordinary tourist visa.
Warnings and Recommendations
Avoid photographing or filming any security installations or government buildings.
Travel to the Sinai Peninsula should only be done with local guidance and under strict security measures.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from your original documents at all times.
Avoid traveling at night or in remote areas without security coverage.
Estonia: Risk of Border Closure and Ongoing Security Concerns
Estonia, a member of the European Union, has seen an increase in political tensions due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While the country remains relatively safe, there is heightened concern over potential border closures between Estonia and the Russian Federation. As of February 2024, the Narva border crossing, a critical land route between Estonia and Russia, has been closed to vehicles, though pedestrian crossings remain open during specific hours.
Estonian authorities have issued cautionary statements regarding travel near the Russian-Estonian border, particularly in the “Saatse Boot” area, which has been closed to traffic due to security risks. The closure is a response to sightings of armed, unmarked Russian soldiers near this border section.
Visa and Entry Requirements
As an EU member state, Estonia follows the Schengen Area visa policies. Italian citizens can enter Estonia without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). However, it is essential to carry a passport or identity card with a validity that exceeds the duration of the stay.
Warnings and Recommendations
Travelers should exercise caution near the Russian-Estonian border and avoid any areas marked as restricted.
Avoid traveling through the “Saatse Boot” area, and be aware of any sudden border changes.
It is advisable to remain updated on the political and security situation in the region through local news and official government sources.
Jordan: Stability Amid Regional Tensions and Visa Requirements
Jordan has long been considered a relatively stable country in the Middle East, but it is not immune to the broader regional tensions that affect the surrounding areas. Recent conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Palestine have sparked protests and demonstrations in Jordan, particularly in cities like Amman, Zarqa, and Ma’an. While the major tourist destinations in Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea remain relatively safe, travelers should avoid border areas with Syria and Iraq, as well as areas near refugee camps.
Jordan’s military and security forces maintain a strong presence, especially in sensitive locations like the northern border and the Za’atari refugee camp. Visitors are advised to stay away from areas that are not popular tourist destinations, particularly near the western and northern borders.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Jordan requires Italian nationals to have a passport with at least six months of validity. A visa is required for entry, and it can be obtained online through the Jordanian Ministry of the Interior’s website or upon arrival at the airport for 40 Jordanian Dinars (approximately 56 USD). If traveling on the Jordan Pass, which covers entry to over 40 tourist sites in Jordan, the visa fee is waived for travelers staying for at least three nights.
It is important to note that tourists are not allowed to engage in any work or professional activities, including journalism, without the appropriate credentials.
Warnings and Recommendations
Avoid traveling near the northern and western borders, as these areas may be exposed to cross-border fire or confrontations.
Be cautious in refugee camps, particularly Za’atari and Azraq, which require specific authorization to visit.
Do not participate in unauthorized political protests or demonstrations.
Be mindful of your personal conduct and dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities.
Saudi Arabia: Evolving Social Restrictions and Security Risks
Saudi Arabia, despite its ongoing efforts to modernize and develop its tourism sector, remains a country with security risks due to its involvement in the Yemen conflict and regional geopolitical tensions. While the government has successfully contained many terrorist threats through strict security measures, the potential for attacks targeting foreigners and sensitive infrastructure remains a concern. The southern regions of Saudi Arabia, particularly near the Yemen border, are subject to missile attacks, and there have been incidents of drone strikes on energy facilities and airports.
The country also experiences internal unrest, primarily in the eastern provinces, where there is a significant Shiite minority. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid areas where unrest is possible.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in easing visa requirements for tourists. Since 2019, the country has granted tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including Italy. These visas can be obtained online through the official Saudi visa portal. Additionally, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the dedicated terminals in Riyadh and Jeddah airports, although this service is available only to residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Schengen countries.
For those wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, special permits are required, and the Saudi government has introduced a platform, Nusuk Hajj, for registration.
Sweden
Travelers to Sweden need a valid passport or identity card. Any changes to passport validity regulations should be verified with the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in Italy. Since January 2016, Sweden has reintroduced border controls with Denmark, impacting connections through the Øresund Bridge. Travelers with only a paper identity card may be denied boarding on ferries, so it’s advisable to check with operators beforehand.
Entry Visa
As part of the Schengen Area, Italian citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Sweden. For longer stays, special procedures apply.
Crime and Security
While Sweden remains generally safe, organized crime, including armed violence and theft, has been on the rise, especially in cities like Malmö and Stockholm. Petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, is common in public places and on transportation.
Terrorism Risk
Sweden is under a level 3 terrorism alert. Following the 2017 Stockholm attack, security has been increased in crowded areas. There is also a ban on bringing bags to large events unless for medical reasons.
Recommendations
Register travel details on DOVESIAMONELMONDO.
Exercise caution in public areas and avoid risky situations.
Warnings and Recommendations
Avoid traveling to the border regions with Yemen, as these areas are subject to missile fire and ongoing conflict.
Remain cautious in the Eastern Province, where there is a history of unrest related to the Shiite minority.
Be aware of Saudi Arabia’s strict cultural norms, including modest dress and conduct, especially for female travelers.
Avoid engaging in public demonstrations or any behavior that could be considered offensive, such as public displays of affection or consuming alcohol.
Italy’s updated travel advisory highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness when traveling to regions facing ongoing security risks and political instability. From the terrorist threats in Egypt to the border closures in Estonia and the regional tensions in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, follow local guidance, and ensure their travel documents and visas are in order before embarking on their journeys.
Egypt joins Estonia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sweden, and more as Italy issues a new travel advisory amid rising security threats and stringent visa requirements. This update emphasizes the growing risks for travelers and the need to carefully navigate entry processes.
For travelers looking to visit these regions, it is essential to follow official travel guidelines, register travel details with local embassies, and remain cautious in areas with heightened risks. By staying well-informed and prepared, tourists can better navigate the complexities of international travel while ensuring their safety and security.
