Travel advisory in Italy regarding new visa requirements and safety tips when traveling to Asia as a result of recent measures taken by Thailand and Vietnam. Italy has released a travel advisory which contains information about travel procedures to several popular Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. The advisory is issued following the tightening of border regulations in Southeast Asian countries.
For Italian tourists heading to Vietnam and Thailand, the latest updates focus on practical travel preparation. These include passport condition checks, visa requirements, digital arrival procedures, health insurance recommendations and awareness of local safety regulations.
Vietnam and Thailand remain among the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of international travellers every year with beaches, cultural attractions, food experiences and natural landscapes. However, Italy’s updated advisory reminds visitors that careful planning has become increasingly important before departure.
Vietnam has been highlighted in Italy’s travel advisory because of its exposure to extreme weather during the annual typhoon season. The country experiences different levels of risk depending on the region and the time of year.
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Northern Vietnam is particularly affected between June and October, while central Vietnam faces increased risks between September and November. During these periods, typhoons, tropical storms and intense rainfall can create dangerous conditions for visitors.
Heavy rain can trigger flooding, landslides and mudslides, especially in mountainous and vulnerable areas. Italian travellers visiting Vietnam during these months are advised to monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities if storms approach their destination.
The warning is especially important for travellers planning outdoor activities, road journeys or visits to remote areas. Weather conditions can change quickly, and transport services may be disrupted during severe storms.
Italy’s updated guidance reminds travellers that Vietnam requires passports with at least six months of remaining validity. Visitors should also ensure that their travel documents are in excellent condition before departure.
Vietnamese immigration authorities have previously raised concerns about damaged passport booklets, and some foreign travellers have faced difficulties entering the country because of passport conditions.
Italian visitors are advised to check that their passport has no significant damage and contains at least one blank page for entry procedures.
Vietnam has also introduced a new online registration process for foreign travellers entering through major international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
The digital registration requirement applies to Italian citizens, including those travelling under visa exemption arrangements. Travellers must complete the process within 72 hours before arrival through the official Vietnamese immigration platform.
After completing registration, passengers receive a QR code that must be presented to immigration officers after leaving the aircraft. Travellers who fail to complete the process before arrival could face longer waiting times at border control.
Italian citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for single stays of up to 45 days. During this period, travellers may leave and re-enter Vietnam, with a new passport stamp issued for another permitted stay.
However, airlines require passengers to have proof of onward travel. Italian tourists are therefore advised to arrange a return or exit ticket before flying to Vietnam.
For travellers planning longer holidays, Vietnam also provides online tourist e-visas. Italian visitors can apply for single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas online for stays of up to 90 days.
Travellers requiring other types of permission must apply through Vietnamese embassies or consulates.
Italy’s advisory also highlights the importance of international health insurance before travelling to Vietnam. Medical costs abroad can become expensive, and proper coverage can help visitors manage unexpected situations.
While Vietnam remains a popular and generally safe destination, Italy’s advisory highlights specific areas where travellers should exercise caution.
Access to the disputed Paracel and Spratly Islands is prohibited for foreign visitors. Travellers are also warned about unexploded bombs and landmines remaining in some central provinces, particularly Quang Tri.
Visitors are advised to avoid leaving established routes, exploring unknown trails or collecting unusual objects from the ground.
Certain military zones, border regions and areas considered important for security or cultural reasons may also have restricted access.
Some locations in the Central Highlands, including areas of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Quang Ngai provinces, may require special permission for foreign visitors.
Travellers should respect local signs and avoid entering restricted zones marked with warnings such as “Khu vuc cam” or “Dia diem cam.”
Thailand is another major destination included in Italy’s updated travel advisory. The country is preparing a significant change to tourist visa exemption rules.
From September 15, 2026, Italian citizens will receive a visa-free tourist stay of up to 30 days instead of the previous 60-day period. Travellers may request one extension inside Thailand, but approval remains at the discretion of immigration authorities.
The adjustment means Italian visitors planning longer holidays will need to review their travel plans carefully before departure.
For stays exceeding 30 days, travellers must obtain the appropriate visa.
Thailand’s updated system continues to support tourism while introducing stronger controls over entry conditions. The change mainly affects visitors who previously relied on longer visa-free stays for extended holidays or repeated visits.
Thailand’s advisory highlights strict passport requirements for foreign visitors. Travellers must arrive with passports valid for at least six months and with sufficient blank pages for immigration stamps.
Authorities may refuse entry to travellers carrying damaged or invalid travel documents. Even small signs of passport damage can create problems during border checks.
Visitors are also advised to avoid adding unofficial souvenir stamps from tourist attractions into their passports. Immigration authorities may consider these marks as unauthorised changes to travel documents.
Travellers must carry their original passport while in Thailand, as required under local regulations.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has also strengthened procedures for domestic air travel involving foreign passengers. Travellers who lose their passports may need additional documentation, including copies of the lost passport and official loss reports, before boarding domestic flights.
Thailand has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all foreign travellers entering by air, land or sea.
Visitors must complete the online form within 72 hours before arrival and download the confirmation QR code.
The TDAC is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into Thailand. Immigration officers maintain final authority over admission decisions.
Italy’s advisory also warns travellers about fraudulent websites pretending to provide TDAC registration services. Visitors should use only the official platform and avoid sharing personal information through unofficial links.
The digital system aims to improve border processing while making arrival procedures more organised for international visitors.
Although Thailand does not legally require tourists to purchase health insurance, Italy strongly recommends having coverage throughout the entire stay.
Foreign visitors may face significant medical expenses in Thai hospitals, including emergency treatment and short-term hospital stays.
Italy’s advisory highlights cases where families have faced substantial financial pressure after relatives required medical care without adequate insurance.
Travellers visiting Thailand are therefore encouraged to arrange international health insurance before departure.
The recommendation applies to both short holidays and longer stays because unexpected accidents, illnesses or emergencies can happen at any time.
Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, but Italy’s advisory reminds travellers to remain alert.
Petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing have been reported, particularly in crowded tourist areas.
Visitors are encouraged to follow basic safety measures and protect personal belongings.
Thailand has also experienced previous security incidents, including attacks in Bangkok and some tourist areas. Authorities continue maintaining security measures in sensitive locations.
Travellers are advised to avoid certain areas, including parts of southern Thailand such as Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, where security concerns remain.
Extra caution is also recommended near border regions, including areas close to Myanmar and Cambodia, where security issues and unexploded landmine risks have been reported.
Vietnam and Thailand continue to attract Italian travellers with their rich culture, beaches, landscapes and unique experiences. However, Italy’s updated travel advisory shows that successful international travel now depends on more than choosing the perfect destination.
From Vietnam’s typhoon season and digital arrival registration to Thailand’s shorter visa-free period and stricter border checks, travellers need to understand changing rules before departure.
Proper passport preparation, travel insurance, official registration procedures and awareness of local restrictions can help visitors enjoy smoother journeys.
As Southeast Asia continues growing as a global tourism hub, Vietnam, Thailand and other regional destinations are adapting their travel systems to create more controlled and secure visitor experiences. For Italian tourists, staying informed remains the most important step before exploring Asia.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026