What every American traveler needs to know: who to call, where to go, and exactly what to do when something goes wrong in Italy.
Save this page to your phone before your trip.
Bookmark it, screenshot the numbers, or write them down. When you are in a crisis, you will not have time to search. Being prepared is the difference between panic and action.
Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and the people are famously warm and helpful. But emergencies do happen — a twisted ankle on cobblestones, a stolen bag in Rome, a medical issue in a small hill town, or a lost passport on your way to the airport.
When something goes wrong abroad, the most important thing is knowing who to call and what to do. This guide gives American travelers every essential emergency number in Italy, complete contact details for all four U.S. diplomatic posts, and a clear step-by-step plan for the most common crises.
I have lived and worked in Italy for years, and I have helped travelers through every scenario on this list. The good news? Almost every problem is solvable if you act quickly and know the right number to dial. Let us make sure you do.
All numbers are free to call from any phone — including mobiles with no Italian SIM card. From a U.S. phone, add +39.
112
The Only Number You Really Need to Remember
Italy's universal emergency number. Dial 112 for police, medical, or fire emergencies. It connects to the Carabinieri (military police), who dispatch the appropriate service. Works from any phone, even without a SIM card. Operators in major cities speak English.
Police (Polizia di Stato)
Direct line to the Italian State Police. Use for theft, assault, or any crime-related emergency. In tourist areas, officers often speak English.
Ambulance (Medical Emergency)
For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance. If 118 is busy, call 112 — they can dispatch medical help immediately.
Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco)
For fires, car accidents, gas leaks, or structural emergencies. The Vigili del Fuoco also handle mountain and water rescue operations.
Roadside Assistance (ACI)
Italian Automobile Club roadside assistance. For breakdowns or accidents on Italian roads. ACI provides towing and emergency repair dispatch.
Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera)
For maritime emergencies, boat trouble, or water rescue along the Italian coast. Available 24/7 for coastal and island emergencies.
For lost passports, arrests, serious illness, or death of a U.S. citizen. Emergency lines operate 24/7.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–12:30pm (Citizen Services)
After-hours emergency line available 24/7. Consular Section mailing address: Via Sallustiana 49.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–12:30pm
For after-hours emergencies, contact the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Services by appointment only.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm
Serves Northern Italy including Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto. Emergency line available after hours.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–12:30pm
Consular services typically by appointment only. Closed weekends and Italian public holidays.
A clear action plan for the most common travel emergencies in Italy. Print this. Screenshot it. Know it.
Take a breath. Is this a life-threatening emergency (injury, crime in progress, fire)? If yes, dial 112 immediately. If not, determine what kind of help you need — medical, police, or consular.
For any emergency, 112 will connect you to help. For non-urgent police matters, call 113. For medical-only, 118 is direct to ambulance services. From a U.S. phone, dial +39 before the number.
Italian emergency operators need your exact location. Look for street signs, a nearby business name, or a landmark. If you do not speak Italian, say "English please" — most major city operators have English-speaking staff.
For theft, lost passport, or scams, go to the nearest Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri station to file a denuncia. This official report is required for insurance claims and embassy services.
For lost or stolen passports, arrests, serious illness, or death of a U.S. citizen, contact the nearest U.S. diplomatic post. Their after-hours emergency lines operate 24/7.
If you are staying at a hotel, inform the front desk — they can help translate, call on your behalf, and direct you to the nearest police station or hospital. If traveling with VaFeltre Tours, contact Lorna immediately.
This is the emergency that sends the most Americans to their embassy. Here is exactly how to handle it.
Go to the nearest Polizia or Carabinieri station and file a "denuncia di smarrimento o furto." This is mandatory before the embassy can help. Ask for a copy — you will need it.
Call the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate using the numbers above. Explain your situation and ask for an emergency passport appointment. The Rome embassy emergency line is +1 202-501-4444 (24/7).
Bring your police report, a copy of your lost passport (if you have one), driver's license, birth certificate, travel itinerary, hotel booking, and 2 passport photos (35mm x 45mm).
Most Italian pharmacies (farmacie) and photo shops offer passport photos quickly for €5–€10. The standard size is 35mm x 45mm.
Emergency passports (called Emergency Travel Documents) are usually issued within 1–3 business days. Fees vary — bring cash or a card. Once issued, you can continue your trip or return home.
Pro Tip: Prevention Is Everything
Before your trip, email yourself a photo of your passport and save it in the cloud. Carry a photocopy separately from the original. When sightseeing, leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry the copy. Most places in Italy accept a copy for ID.
Italy has excellent healthcare. Here is how to access it as an American traveler.
Dial 118 for an ambulance or go directly to the nearest Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room) at any hospital. Italian emergency rooms treat everyone, including tourists, without requiring upfront payment.
Major hospitals in Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples have English-speaking staff. Bring your passport and travel insurance documents.
For non-urgent issues like colds, allergies, or minor injuries, visit a farmacia (pharmacy). Italian pharmacists are highly trained and can diagnose and treat many common issues. Look for the green cross sign.
Many pharmacists in tourist areas speak English. They can also direct you to a guardia medica (after-hours doctor) if you need a prescription or further care.
Print it, screenshot it, or copy the numbers — keep this with you in Italy
Emergency Numbers
U.S. Embassy Contacts
All numbers are free from any phone. Screenshot this and save it to your phone before your trip.
When you travel with VaFeltre Tours, you are never navigating a crisis alone. Lorna knows every hospital, police station, and embassy contact in the regions she tours. That is the difference between a tour and a guided family.
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