Foreign Office officials have issued a stern warning to Britons planning to stay in a popular European holiday destination, advising them to take certain precautions when booking into hotels – and never leave a passport with reception.

The advice includes ensuring that passports are carried at all times, particularly when driving.

The updated guidance emphasises the new requirement for hotels to register all guests with local police, necessitating the presentation of passports.

However, the Foreign Office has cautioned travellers against leaving their passports or photocopies of the document with hotel reception. Instead, they advise waiting while the registration process is completed.

Foreign Office officials also said that if the hotel takes a photocopy of the passport ‘make sure it’s destroyed’.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

The Foreign Office stated: “Hotels and accommodation providers in Italy have a legal duty to register your passport details with the police.

“When checking into your accommodation wait until hotel staff have registered your passport details. Do not leave your passport for later collection. If the hotelier takes a photocopy of your passport, ensure it is either returned to you or destroyed.

“If you’ve come from another Schengen-area country and you are not staying in a hotel or facility that registers your stay, you must declare your presence (‘dichiarazione di presenza’) to the local immigration authority (‘questura’) within 8 days of arriving. The ‘questura’ will give you a form to complete.

“You can get more information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Italian police force.”

Personal ID.

Regarding the driving update, officials stated: “Under Italian law, police can stop you at any time to carry out an identity check or your date of entry into the country. Carry photo ID with you at all times. The police will normally ask for your full passport if you are stopped while driving.”

Crime.

Crime levels are generally low, said the advice, but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.

To reduce your personal risk:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

For more information on visiting Italy from the Foreign Office click here.