Italy Travel Warning
Issued by U.S. Department of State
Oct 31, 2002
This public announcement is being issued to inform Americans resident and traveling in Italy of potential disruptions related to the meeting in Florence of the European Social Forum (ESF) from November 6-9, 2002. This announcement will expire on November 15, 2002.
The ESF, an anti-globalization gathering, is expected to attract 18,000 attendees for a series of meetings in Florence November 6-9. It will culminate in an anti-war rally and march on November 9 expected to attract 100,000 participants. The organizers have assured local authorities that their intention is to hold a peaceful meeting. Security will be tight in and around the city of Florence during that time period. In the past, demonstrations including some of the groups associated with the Forum have become violent. At last year's G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy, large numbers of protestors were arrested or injured, and one was killed.
Travelers should be aware of heightened security and potential delays entering Italy during this period. Travelers in Florence should follow news reports, avoid crowds, and exercise caution. Particularly, travelers should avoid the area between the Fortezza da Basso and Campo di Marte on November 9, when the anti-war rally is scheduled to take place.
The U.S. Consulate General in Florence, located at Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38, can be contacted 24 hours a day at 055 239 8276 in connection with emergencies such as the arrest, serious injury, or death of a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. Embassy in Rome is located at Via Veneto 119a. U.S. Consulates are also located in the following Italian cities: Milan, at Via Principe Amedeo 2/10. Naples, at Piazza Della Repubblica.
Americans should closely monitor the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov. For further general information on travel to Italy, please consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet at this site.
