As the summer holiday season approaches, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for United Kingdom citizens planning visits to Italy. This crucial advice aims to ensure the well-being and safety of the millions who flock to the popular European destination each year for their much-anticipated breaks.

Italy, a perennial favorite for UK holidaymakers, boasts an array of historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, alongside stunning natural landscapes. With its accessible short flights and diverse attractions, it’s essential for travelers to be fully aware of any potential considerations that might impact their trip.

The latest FCDO update specifically highlights several health risks that visitors to Italy should be mindful of. These include the potential presence of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, and other concerns related to biting insects and ticks, which can transmit various ailments.

Beyond insect-related issues, the guidance also addresses environmental health challenges. Altitude sickness, a condition caused by reduced oxygen levels at high elevations, is noted as a risk in mountainous Italian regions like the Alps and the Dolomites. Additionally, travelers are strongly advised against consuming any unpasteurised milk products, which can pose food safety risks.

A significant focus of the updated advice is on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection spread through tick bites. The FCDO, in conjunction with Travel Health Pro, recommends vaccination for individuals planning to visit affected areas, particularly if their activities increase their exposure risk.

Specific activities that elevate the risk of TBE infection include residing in known TBE-risk zones, engaging in occupations such as forestry, woodcutting, farming, or military duties, and spending time in forested areas or urban parks for leisure activities like camping, fieldwork, hiking, and hunting. Laboratory workers handling the virus are also at increased risk.

To mitigate these health concerns, the FCDO stresses the importance of proactive preparation. Travelers are advised to check if they require any vaccinations at least eight weeks before their departure date, allowing ample time for the vaccines to become effective. Further information on vaccine availability and costs is readily accessible through official health portals.

While country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not typically provided separately, the guidance clarifies that in the UK, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are often combined in a single vaccine. Therefore, if a tetanus booster is recommended for travel, the diphtheria vaccine will also be administered, reinforcing comprehensive protection against common travel-related health threats.