South Africa and Tanzania join Egypt, UK, Poland, Peru, Lithuania on Italy’s travel advisory list, highlighting security restrictions amid G20 Summit and visa regulations

Published on November 20, 2025

South Africa and Tanzania have been added to Italy’s travel advisory list, joining Egypt, the UK, Poland, Peru, and Lithuania, due to significant security concerns and updated visa regulations. The advisory highlights heightened security restrictions surrounding the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, along with ongoing political tensions and security risks in Tanzania and other regions. Travelers are urged to stay informed about potential disruptions, including border closures, protests, and increased law enforcement presence, which could impact travel plans. These countries are facing stricter entry requirements and emergency measures that could reshape the travel experience in 2025.

In a significant update for travelers, Italy has issued travel advisories for several countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, the UK, Poland, Peru, and Lithuania. This advisory provides essential information on the security situation, visa regulations, and emergency measures that could impact tourists’ travel plans. From political unrest and election tensions to G20 Summit-related disruptions, the advisory outlines critical issues that travelers must be aware of when planning their trips. Here’s a breakdown of the travel advisories by country:

South Africa: G20 Summit Disruptions and Increased Security

South Africa has joined the list of countries receiving a travel advisory from Italy due to the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, set to take place from November 21 to 23, 2025. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution during this period, particularly around major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. The summit will lead to significant traffic closures on the Pretoria-Johannesburg motorway (N1 and M1) and roads connecting OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Local authorities have warned of possible disruptions in transportation, including restricted access to the airports, delays, and road closures due to heightened security measures and potential demonstrations. With an influx of international dignitaries and delegates, the situation could lead to crowded conditions in and around key locations. Tourists are urged to stay updated on local security measures and avoid areas of unrest during this period.

Italy’s travel advisory also highlights visa regulations and the importance of complying with entry requirements. South Africa’s immigration laws require a passport with at least 30 days of validity and two blank pages for entry. While no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, travelers must ensure their documents meet these requirements to avoid complications at border control.

In addition to the summit-related concerns, South Africa’s high crime rates, particularly in large urban centers, remain a risk for foreign travelers. Tourists are encouraged to use only reputable agencies for tours, avoid walking in urban areas at night, and be vigilant of their surroundings to ensure their safety.

Tanzania: Election Tensions and Security Concerns

Tanzania, another country on Italy’s travel advisory list, faces increasing political instability following the presidential and legislative elections held on October 29, 2025. Violent unrest erupted in major cities, resulting in casualties and disruptions to essential services, including air travel, banking, and internet access.

The advisory advises caution for all travelers, especially in urban areas like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar. Political demonstrations, although typically unpredictable, are expected to escalate in the lead-up to and following the elections. Travelers should avoid any large gatherings or areas known for demonstrations, as these can quickly turn violent.

Given the volatile situation, tourists are advised to limit travel to areas that are not affected by the unrest and to stay informed about the latest developments through local news and official travel sources. The advisory also mentions the risk of terrorist activity linked to local militant groups in the region, exacerbating security risks in certain areas, particularly near the borders with neighboring conflict zones.

For those planning to travel to Tanzania, the advisory outlines updated visa regulations. A visa is required for both tourism and business purposes. Tourists can obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports, such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro, or apply online. Visitors are encouraged to check their visa status in advance to avoid delays at the border. Additionally, Tanzania mandates that travelers have private health insurance to cover medical expenses, including repatriation, during their stay.

Egypt: Security Risks Amid Ongoing Tensions and Travel Restrictions

Egypt’s situation remains unstable due to ongoing political and social unrest, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and areas bordering Israel. Although the situation in major tourist destinations like Cairo and the Red Sea coast remains relatively calm, there are concerns about potential violence and terrorism, especially in the Sinai region. The advisory highlights the risk of terrorist attacks, which have targeted places of worship, tourist sites, and government buildings in recent years.

The advisory further specifies that journalists traveling to Egypt must request temporary accreditation from the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, especially if they plan to visit the Rafah Crossing or the Sinai Peninsula. The advisory warns that the entire Sinai Peninsula is a military zone, and journalists require special permits to operate in this area.

Visa regulations for Egypt remain straightforward. An entry visa is required for most travelers, and it can be obtained either through Egyptian consulates or on arrival at the airports for short-term stays of up to 28 days. However, travelers must be cautious when using identity cards, as Egypt no longer accepts the extension of identity cards for travel purposes. Tourists are advised to ensure they have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity before entering the country.

United Kingdom: Severe Weather Warnings and Travel Disruptions

The UK is currently facing adverse weather conditions, with snow and ice warnings issued for various regions, particularly in Scotland. The Met Office has issued a severe weather alert, advising travelers to exercise extreme caution when traveling in areas prone to winter storms and icy roads.

In addition to the weather-related risks, the UK has tightened entry requirements for EU citizens, who must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK for short stays. This new requirement, effective from April 2025, impacts Italian citizens as well, who must apply for the ETA before departure. The advisory recommends that all travelers ensure they have the necessary documents before arriving at the UK border to avoid delays or refusal of entry.

While the UK is generally safe for tourists, petty crime such as pickpocketing remains a concern, particularly in crowded tourist spots and on public transport in major cities like London. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and avoid displaying valuables in public places to reduce the risk of theft.

Poland: Border Crossing Delays and Travel Restrictions

Poland has reopened several border crossings with Belarus as of November 17, 2025, but travelers should be prepared for delays. The travel advisory highlights potential disruptions at border points due to temporary closures or traffic suspensions, particularly at crossings between Poland and non-EU countries, such as Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.

Travelers transiting through Poland are advised to check the status of border crossings before departure and to monitor any updates on potential delays. The advisory also encourages travelers to carry copies of their travel documents, as loss or theft of passports and ID cards is a common occurrence.

Poland remains a relatively safe destination, though tourists are advised to take standard precautions in major cities. Petty theft, scams, and extortion attempts are increasing in certain nightlife districts, particularly in larger cities like Warsaw and Kraków. The advisory encourages travelers to use only official taxis and to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.

Peru: State of Emergency and Crime Risks in Lima

Peru is grappling with a significant increase in organized crime, particularly in Lima, where the government declared a state of emergency on October 22, 2025, to combat rising violence. The state of emergency has been extended until November 18, 2025, and it includes curfews, restrictions on gatherings, and an increased military and police presence.

Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution in Lima, particularly in the outskirts, where the risk of theft, kidnapping, and other violent crimes is high. The advisory highlights that travelers should avoid certain areas of the capital, especially at night, and stay in secure hotels located in residential neighborhoods like San Isidro and Miraflores.

In addition to the security concerns, Peru’s travel advisory also emphasizes the importance of having a valid passport with at least six months of residual validity. While a visa is not required for short stays, travelers should ensure they comply with entry requirements and carry necessary documentation when entering the country.

Lithuania: Increased Border Checks and Safety Measures

Lithuania, though generally considered safe, has been added to Italy’s travel advisory list due to increased security measures along the border with Belarus. The Lithuanian government recently reopened several key border crossings with Belarus, but travelers should be aware of potential delays and stricter checks at these points.

The advisory recommends using only authorized border crossings and ensuring that travel documents, including passports and visas, are up to date. Lithuania’s crime rate is relatively low, but petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, can occur in busy areas like tourist destinations and urban centers.

Travelers are also advised to avoid isolated and peripheral areas of cities at night, as these tend to be areas where crime is more prevalent. The advisory emphasizes the need to carry copies of documents and keep originals in a safe place to prevent loss or theft during travel.

As travelers prepare to explore these regions, it is essential to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. From political unrest and election tensions to changes in visa regulations and weather-related disruptions, each of these countries poses unique challenges for tourists in 2025.

South Africa and Tanzania have joined Egypt, the UK, Poland, Peru, and Lithuania on Italy’s travel advisory list due to heightened security risks amid the G20 Summit and new visa regulations, impacting travel plans in 2025.

By following the advice outlined in these travel advisories, travelers can better navigate the complexities of international travel and make informed decisions about their destinations. Whether it’s adjusting travel plans to avoid protest zones, securing the correct travel documents, or staying alert to safety risks, taking these steps will help travelers minimize risks and enjoy a smoother, safer journey.