United States | Olympic Winter Games 2026 update: U.S. Embassy in Italy reduces certain consular and visa services during Games

U.S. Mission Italy published a security alert announcing reduced availability of routine consular and visa services from Feb. 6 to March 15, 2026, due to operational impacts related to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Key Points:

• The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place in eight cities across northern Italy from Feb. 6 to March 15.
• Impacted services include, but may not be limited to, the following:
  • Routine American Citizens Services including passport applications (first time and renewals), notarial services and consular reports of birth abroad will be limited at consular posts in Milan, Rome, Florence and Naples from Jan. 26 to March 15, 2026.
  • Emergency passport services will remain available at all U.S. consular sections in Italy, including the consular agency in Venice.
  • Visa services will be limited countrywide, except for diplomatic, official and qualifying urgent travel cases.
• Applicants are advised to apply early and remain flexible when selecting a consular location, as earlier appointments may be available in Florence, Rome or Naples than in Milan.

Additional Information: Significant travel congestion is expected across northern Italy during the Games, which are anticipated to draw more than 2 million spectators. Transportation schedules may shift and entry waits may be longer.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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