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We really hate to have to spoil the light-hearted mood we always try to maintain here at Romebuddy.com, but the fact remains that there are elements at large in the world today whose avowed intent is to seriously spoil the fun of Americans, and the friends of America, wherever they may be.

skip intro and go straight to the alert...

Italy is a major tourist destination for Americans, thus we keep in touch with the United States Diplomatic Mission here in Rome, and on this page we post any routine alerts we receive from the US Consulate.
Below (in italics) is their latest bulletin, and of course, much of it applies to non-Americans visiting Italy as well.

The so-called 'anti-war' protestors who march through the streets of Rome or any other world city in defence of so-called 'peace' would do well to consider that in nations such as Iraq, the people were not allowed to march in protest against anything at variance with the wishes of their state and their state religion.

But let us, with patience, try to forgive these young agitators "for they know not what they do", and pray that all and each of us who dwell or sojourn in free Europe will maintain a level head in these coming days, months and years, and try to live in peace with our neighbours, whether they be our guests or our hosts. In other words, don't let it spoil your holiday. Try to spread a little love and kindness, and enjoy what's on offer in Italy and her culture, and from the normally friendly, welcoming and generous-spirited Italians.

When visiting Rome, remember, you are a guest in someone else's country. And you are also an ambassador for your own country. Every eye is on you. So try to behave, and set a good example. Look after the little things that fall to your personal responsibility as a citizen and international traveller on this planet, and then maybe, just maybe, the big things will start to take care of themselves.

In the meantime, pray, and watch your back, and read and absorb carefully the US Embassy bulletins quoted below for your personal safety.

As a matter of routine, the US Consulate always advises any American visitor to Italy (or any foreign country) to always register your presence in Italy with the local US Consulate or Embassy as soon after your arrival on foreign soil as possible. This is for your own good, and can help them get in touch with you in case of any emergency evacuation of US citizens.

For more information, don't hesitate to click on the direct link below to the US Embassy and Consulate.

Now here's the most recent US Embassy bulletin:

U.S. EMBASSY, ROME
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
March 9, 2005

PLEASE CHANGE YOUR ON-LINE REGISTRATION: If you have not already done so, please register with the US Embassy using their new internet-based registration system, located at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. In the months ahead this will become the State Department standard and the system you are using to receive this message will cease to operate. Tell us what you think of the new system by emailing us at CAIbrs@state.gov.

Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated September 10, 2004 and expires on September 7, 2005. The Department of State is deeply concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as well as the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur at any time. In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' country of origin. While Americans are generally not the targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have struck in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include explosive devices. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2 328.

End of bulletin

The U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Boncompagni 2.

The American Consulate General in Milan is located at Via Principe Amedeo 2/10, tel: 39-02-290351;
The American Consulate General in Florence is located at Via Vespucci 38, tel: 39-055-266-591; The American Consulate General in Naples is located at Piazza della Repubblica, tel: 39-081-5838111.

Consular Agents are located in:
Genoa: Via Dante 2
Trieste: Via Roma 15
Palermo: Via Vaccarini 1

For additional information, please see the Department of Homeland Security website at http://www.dhs.gov

The address of the US Embassy in Rome is:

Via Vittorio Veneto 119/A
00187 Roma
tel 06 467 41
fax 06 4882 672 or 06 4674 2356

They also have their own
website: www.usembassy.it

click here for more US Consular
Information and Travel Warnings

click for embassy and consulate
addresses for other countries