Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Although homosexuality is legal in Italy, attitudes in the south remain largely conservative and overt displays of affec-
tion by homosexual couples could attract consternation and unpleasant responses.
You'll find gay scenes in Naples, Catania and Taormina (the latter mostly in the summer), and to a lesser extent in
Palermo and Bari.
Resources include:
Arcigay
(
www.arcigay.it
) Bologna-based national organisation for the LGBTI community.
Arcigay Napoli
(
www.arcigaynapoli.org
) Website for Naples' main LGBTI organisation, listing special events as well
as gay and gay-friendly venues in town.
Gay.it
(
www.gay.it
)
Website featuring LGBTI news, feature articles and gossip.
Gay Friendly Italy.com
(
www.gayfriendlyitaly.com
)
English-language site produced by Gay.it, featuring information
on everything from hotels and events to LGBTI politics and rights.
Pride
(
www.prideonline.it
) National monthly magazine of art, music, politics and gay culture.
Health
Recommended Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to travel to Italy. The World Health Organization (WHO), however, recommends that all
travellers should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as hepatitis B.
TRAVEL HEALTH WEBSITES
It's always a good idea to consult your government's travel health website before departure.
Australia
www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada
travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety
USA
travel.state.gov
Health Insurance
If you're an EU citizen (or from Switzerland, Norway or Iceland), a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers you
for most medical care in public hospitals free of charge, but not for emergency repatriation home or non-emergencies.
The card is available from health centres and, depending on your country, online. For more information, see
ht-
Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their
country and Italy (Australia, for instance, has such an agreement; carry your Medicare card).
