Italian police smash nationwide ‘pay-for-permit’ ring; 22 arrests across 10 provinces
Italian authorities dismantle nationwide network that forged visas and work permits
Lampedusa and Messina hit by fresh wave of arrivals as 700 migrants reach Sicily in 24 hours
Latest News
EU Entry/Exit System passes 100 million crossings: what exempt travellers to Italy need to know
The European Commission’s 27 July update shows the new biometric Entry/Exit System has registered more than 145 million crossings since April. Travellers holding Italian residence permits, long-stay visas or EU-family residence cards are exempt from fingerprint and facial-scan enrolment, while most other non-EU visitors are not. Employers should align mobility policies and traveller briefings with the clarified exemption list.
Italian labour ministry to take immigration and employment portals offline for maintenance on 29 July
Italy’s Ministry of Labour will shut down the CO, UNIPI and UNIMARE portals from noon to 17:00 CET on 29 July 2026 for a security upgrade. Employers will be unable to submit mandatory employment and posting notifications during the outage; filings due that day may be lodged on 30 July without penalties. HR and mobility teams should adjust onboarding timelines accordingly.
Europe-wide aviation walkouts continue; Italian airports brace for ripple effects
Strikes by air-traffic controllers and ground-handling staff in several EU countries caused 900+ cancellations on 27 July. Italian airports are operating normally but preparing for diversions and delays. Businesses should monitor flight status closely and advise travellers to carry only hand luggage and select early-day departures.
Four-hour bus strike in Savona disrupts Riviera commuters at height of summer season
Bus services in Savona province stopped for four hours on 27 July as TPL Linea workers protested staffing levels and work conditions. The mid-day walk-out caused knock-on delays for cruise passengers and commuters along the Ligurian coast and highlights a packed strike calendar that could affect summer travel plans.
Four-Day Shutdown of Florence Rail Hub Triggers National Service Disruptions
RFI will close the Florence rail junction from 23:00 on 26 July to 11:00 on 30 July to install a new bridge. All high-speed, Intercity and many regional trains will be diverted or cancelled, adding up to 180 minutes to journeys and requiring bus shuttles within Florence. Companies should expect nationwide knock-on delays, advise travellers to re-book, and allow extra time for flight connections.
Wildfires on Gargano and in Molise Cut Roads, Rail and Strand 500 Train Passengers
Blazes in Puglia’s Gargano and along the Molise coast on 26 July forced the closure of the SP 52 litoranea, parts of the SS 693 and the Adriatic rail line, stranding around 500 rail passengers and prompting mass tourist evacuations. The disruption underscores rising climate-related risks to Italy’s transport network and the importance of robust travel-risk management for companies.
Grass-Fire Shuts Rome’s GRA Ring Road Between Laurentina and Pontina Exits
A grass fire on 26 July forced the temporary closure of Rome’s GRA ring road between the Laurentina and Pontina exits, causing long delays to airport traffic. Though reopened, officials warn of further heat-related incidents, and travellers are advised to allow extra time for transfers to Fiumicino and Ciampino.
Campania Issues 20-Hour Yellow Weather Alert for Heavy Thunderstorms
The Regional Civil Protection agency has placed Campania under a yellow alert from 26 July 14:00 to 27 July 10:00 for intense thunderstorms and strong winds. Flights, ferries and commuter trains may face short-notice delays or cancellations; travellers through Naples are advised to monitor operators’ apps and build extra buffer time.