The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) refreshed its travel guidance for Italy late on 17 September, with the page now dated 18 September. The update deletes a previous warning about flight disruption linked to Mount Etna’s August eruptions, signalling that normal operations have resumed at Catania–Fontanarossa and other Sicilian airports. No other risk levels were changed, and the overall advice remains that travellers should “check with their airline” and obtain comprehensive insurance. Although seemingly minor, FCDO edits are closely watched by corporate mobility teams, insurers and travel managers because many UK-based duty-of-care policies peg their risk thresholds to official government wording. The removal of the volcano note is therefore interpreted by insurers as a green light to revert to standard cover—potentially lowering premiums for corporate groups with autumn meetings in Sicily. The page continues to flag the possibility of public-transport strikes and notes that some Italian cities levy a nightly tourist tax. It also reminds visitors that UK citizens can enter the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period but must ensure passport validity of at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the EU. Companies with employees transiting through Italy should nevertheless monitor local media for short-notice labour actions such as the nationwide airport strike that coincided with the FCDO update. For travellers whose itineraries were previously rerouted to avoid Etna ash clouds, airlines may now accept free changes back to Southern Italy routes, subject to fare class. The next scheduled FCDO review is expected in early October ahead of the All Saints holiday period, when visitor numbers traditionally spike and weather-related disruptions become more frequent.
Source: GOV.UK – Foreign Travel Advice
