Etna eruption grounds traffic: Catania Airport closes until evening, thousands of passengers diverted
Paper Identity Cards Lose Validity for Travel from 3 August: Italian Citizens Abroad Urged to Switch to Electronic ID
Rome to Host Global Alliance Summit on Two-State Solution, Bringing High-Level Delegations to Italy
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EU Entry/Exit System: biometric checks lengthen queues but travellers keep coming, survey finds
A YouGov survey reported by Euronews on 22 July shows that the new biometric Entry/Exit System is causing longer lines at Schengen borders—including Italy’s airports—but most UK travellers will still visit, simply budgeting extra time. Mobility managers should adjust itineraries and brief staff as Italy fine-tunes kiosk capacity ahead of ETIAS.
UK Updates Italy Travel Advice, Highlights Wildfire Disruptions for Summer Visitors
The FCDO’s 22 July travel-advice bulletin for Italy emphasises wildfire dangers and possible transport disruption while confirming that entry rules remain unchanged. Employers should review duty-of-care provisions for staff travelling to high-temperature regions and prepare for longer border processing once the EU’s new Entry/Exit System goes live in October.
Paper ID cards no longer valid for travel from 3 August: Italian government reminds expatriates
An embassy notice reminds Italians abroad that from 3 August 2026 the old paper identity card will no longer be accepted for travel; only the electronic CIE or a passport will suffice. Corporate travellers and expatriates must replace legacy documents to avoid denied boarding and immigration issues.
Farnesina Hosts Carabinieri-Diplomacy Forum on Combating Illicit Trafficking
At a 22 July forum in Rome, Italy’s Foreign Ministry and the Carabinieri showcased new border-security tools and announced a liaison desk for companies moving sensitive goods or personnel. The initiative aims to tighten controls on illicit trafficking while providing multinationals with clearer guidance and faster clearances.
Macerata Questura Announces Walk-In Session for Residence-Permit Pick-Up on 22 July
To ease backlogs, Macerata’s Immigration Office will open without appointments on the afternoon of 22 July so that foreign residents can collect their residence permits. The one-off session helps assignees regain full travel flexibility before the August holiday shutdown.
Tall Ship ‘Amerigo Vespucci’ Opens Québec Stop, Showcasing Italian Culture and Trade Links
Italy’s training ship Amerigo Vespucci arrived in Québec City on 22 July, combining naval diplomacy with trade-promotion activities such as the launch of Vinitaly.USA. Special visa waivers and on-board consular services illustrate innovative ways Italy is supporting mobility for citizens and businesses abroad.
Italy begins week-long wave of transport strikes today, starting with EasyJet walk-out
A nationwide 24-hour strike by EasyJet staff on 21 July has triggered a domino effect of industrial action that will hit Italian air, rail, ferry and urban transport services through 26 July. Travellers face flight cancellations, reduced rail schedules and crowded highways, with only limited "guaranteed" time-bands and trains operating. Businesses should expect meeting delays, supply-chain knock-ons and higher travel-management costs.
24-hour national air-transport strike snarls business travel across Italy
A nationwide air-transport strike on 21 July forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, disrupting an estimated 38,000 corporate travel itineraries. Protected time-bands kept some services running, but major hubs such as Fiumicino and Malpensa experienced significant delays. Unions threaten further action in August, so employers should review contingency plans and monitor Schengen-stay limits for delayed travellers.
Italy releases mid-year dashboard on Unaccompanied Foreign Minors (MSNA)
The Labour Ministry has posted fresh data showing 16,480 unaccompanied foreign minors in Italy as of 30 June 2026, a 7 % year-on-year rise. The interactive dashboard helps authorities and employers plan reception capacity and future integration or training schemes, offering valuable insight for companies that hire or support young migrants. Regular monthly updates are planned from September.
Transport Ministry releases updated national strike bulletin covering air, rail, maritime and local transit
The Italian Transport Ministry’s 21 July strike bulletin confirms a dense wave of industrial actions across aviation, rail, ferry and local transport services through month-end. The legally binding list enables companies to plan contingencies and establishes which flights and trains must run, giving travellers an essential resource during a volatile period.
Rail strike to disrupt Leonardo Express and airport-bound services during 23–24 July
A 24-hour national rail strike from the evening of 23 July will curtail Leonardo Express and other airport-bound trains, threatening missed flights during Italy’s peak holiday exodus. Only limited ‘guaranteed’ services will run, and travellers are urged to add at least one hour to their airport transfer time or arrange alternative transport.