Last year when we went to Lisbon, Fodorites were so helpful in preparing us for the lengthy wait at passport control. What is the wait these days coming into FCO from the US? It is better to be prepared for a long wait than for it to be an unpleasant surprise.

Thanks in advance.

You should always be prepared for a long wait. If that doesn't happen, consider it a bonus.

I get that.
Most of us would consider an hour a long wait but if it's 3 -4 hours, I'd like to be prepared.

Ok I see. The last time I came into FCO the wait was about 30 minutes. It's hard to imagine a 3 to 4 hour wait. I've been all over the world and I've never experienced anything that bad at any airport.

In any case, make it a rule to go to the bathroom before getting in line.

Apparently last year around Easter, the Lisbon airport experienced lines in the 3-hour range. Due to the loosening of Covid restrictions, I think tourism ramped up from "0 to 60" in a very short time and there wasn't the staff to deal with it. (So when I was mentally prepared for 2-3 hours and was through in 90 minutes, I felt lucky.)

And yes to the bathroom...there is always this feeling of needing to rush to get in line but don't want to skip that step!

luggage pick up is normally the issue at FCO, you walk for miles, get to the carousel and still nothing, if you can manage with cabin baggage then do.

Doesn’t FCO have e-gates now? I don’t think you will have even a 30 minute wait if those are up and running.

Just looked this up. Hope it helps! https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/e-gates

My experience at FCO has been similar to other posted above... None to limited wait at immigration but seemingly interminable wait at baggage claim. If you can do carry on only, and have an e-gate compatible passport then you'd be in better shape.

From that adr.it link...
The only conditions are that in order to use an eGate you need to have an electronic passport and be over 14. It is easily identifiable, just check that there is the appropriate chip symbol on the bottom of the front outer cover of the passport

Thanks!
Carry on only? Me? For a two-week trip? I wish it were possible, but only in my dreams.

It doesn’t take very long at all ,the most I have waited in line is about 30 minutes ( Australian) but I don’t travel in peak season, just went in February for 2 weeks and returning in October , just have to be patient however long it takes ,out of your control 🌻

I have a 1 hour 55 minutes connection time at FCO next month, coming from the US. I hope to check my bags through the the final destination (Palermo)

I'm not anticipating much of a problem. In some airports (Madrid) if you have a tight connection, you are ushered to the front of the line.
Does that happen in Rome?

Italy does have washing machines

LOL. The first 10 days of the trip is a choir tour, where our time is not our own.

You can ask the hotel if they have laundry service. Most do.

Have a great trip.