Passport Control among EU countries
 

We are flying from the US to Frankfurt and on to Rome. We have the same schedule coming back.

The last time I flew through Frankfurt, there was a horrendous line to get through security to our flight to the US.

I'm wondering about making our way from our US to FRA flight, to our FRA to FCO flight. Will we have Passport Control and security between these flights? Or when we enter Rome? I just can't remember.

Yes, you will have to go through Passport Control. And I just flew through Rome and I think (but can't remember exactly), that we had to show our passports again in Rome but I could be entirely wrong on that one. You will definitely have to show your passport in Frankfurt.

On arriving at FRA, you first go through passport control (as your entry point for Shengen) followed by security. At FCO, there is neither but theoretically there is a customs check, but usually you just walk through with your luggage. On your return, you have security at FCO and passport check at FRA (as you exit Schengen). There will be another security prior to boarding your flight to US.

I believe we have plenty of time for this. Our window is about 3 hours between FRA and FCO and about 2.5 going back.

Why this route, a sensible person might ask? Free tickets, of course.

Your title should read

Passport Control among SCHENGEN countries