Passport expiring soon. Can I still go to Italy?
 

I'm an American, but I currently live in Germany. My husband, a Navy reservist, will be finishing up a 7 month mobilization at the end of next month, and we recently found out that he will be outprocessing for a week in Naples. I would really like to go along with him...I've found a good airfare and someone to take care of our three girls...but I've hit a snag in my plan. My passport expires in early October, just 12 days after I plan to fly back home to Germany. I have already applied for a new passport, but, from what I read, I'm afraid to count on it arriving in time.

So my question is this: does anyone know if my soon-to-expire passport will be a problem? Since I'm flying from Germany to Italy, will I even need to show my passport? I don't want to buy a ticket and then not be allowed into the country.

Thanks to anyone with any information or input.

Hi M,

Both Germany and Italy are Schengen countries. I don;t think that you will have to go through passport control.

However, I suggest that you check with your local authorities.

((I))

I recently read on Fodors that getting your passport renewed in a major city in Europe can be done quickly. I think someone mentioned the US Embassy in Rome. Are you near the US Embassy in Germany?

hi, mindy,

so far as I'm aware, neither italy nor germany has yet introduced that rule that says that you need to have at least 6 months unexpired on your passport. [what is that rule about?]

you could check with the airline- they are sure to know, because if they let people onto the flight without the requisite documentation, they get fined.

regards, ann

Hi mindy..a question. In that you have already applied for your renewal passport didn't you have to send in your current passport with your renewal application? If so than you wouldn't have your current passport in your possession. I was just wondering. I too would check with your airline that you are using for your flight to Italy and back to Germany. Also, doesn't the US Navy have an office whom you could contact regarding this?

My thanks to your husband and also to you for the service and sacrifice you two have made for your country. Enjoy your time in Naples, what a wonderful reunion that will be!

Am I missing something? You are going from and back to Germany. They are both, as Ira says , Schengen countries. Why do you even need a passport?

>Why do you even need a passport?
You do, it's the law.

I am as confused as LoveItaly - If you have applied for a new passport, you shouldn't still have your old one?? I've always had to submit my old passport w/ the renewal app.

Do I understand you are living in Germany as private US citizens and your reservist husband is being activated for this tour? Or are you already attached to a US miltary facility??

If you are on/near a base - Check w/ the family assistance office. But if just living in Germany "on the economy" - you need to work w/ the local consul or embassy

Hi everyone,

Yes, my residence in Germany is based on my husbands civilian employment with the U.S. military. When he was mobilized, we stayed here, since this is where my children attend school, etc. This is where he will return to work when his mobilization is over.

In answer to the passport question, since I applied through the military base, I did not have to submit my original. They submitted a certified copy on my behalf, and when my new passport arrives, I will turn my old one in to our passport office to be invalidated.

I will take the advice here and will call the airline. I do know that both Italy and Germany are Schengen countries, and we have driven across borders numerous times with no passport checks, but I just wasn't sure if I could expect the same for flying.

Thank you LoveItaly for your thanks. I have to say that our family's situation was much better than many people's. My husband was not sent anywhere dangerous, and we were able to see him frequently. Still, he has missed a great deal of time and experiences with our children, and we can't wait for our family life to get back to normal.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I will post my results after I contact Alitalia.

You'll probably need valid photo ID which in your case means either a passport or an ID card issued by the German government

Just to add - it's the airline that will require the photo ID

Thanks alanRow. So there's no passport control/immigration checks, then? Sounds like the airline is exactly who I should contact.

You need a valid passport to cross the border (Maybe even some military ID will be sufficient. You have to ask, but not here). Usually there's no immigation check, but this doesn't mean you don't need to take your passport with you. You can get into trouble. You're not a EU citizen, are you?