(1) I Am Registered with Aire Andi Need a New Passport. What Do I Have to Do?

(1)I AM REGISTERED WITH AIRE ANDI NEED A NEW PASSPORT. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

(2)HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE CONSOLATE?

(3)I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: THE SYSTEM SHOWS ALL DATES IN RED OR BLACK, WITHOUT LETTING ME CHOOSE: HOW DO I PROCEED?

(4)I’M NOT REGISTERED WITH AIRE. CAN I STILL APPLY FOR A PASSPORT?

(5)HOW LONG BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF MY CURRENT PASSPORT, CAN I APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT?

(6)WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE FOR MY APPOINTMENT AT THE CONSULATE?

(7)HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY NEW PASSPORT TO BE ISSUED AFTER I’VE HAD MY APPOINTMENT?

(8) HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PASSPORT FOR MINORS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD? ( validity periods, methods of issue etc)

(9) HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PASSPORT FOR MINORS BETWEEN 12 AND 18 YEARS OLD? (validity periods, methods of issue etc)

(10) WHAT IS WRITTEN CONSENT?

(11)THE PASSPORTS OF MY CHILDREN, MINORS UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE, DON’T CONTAIN THE NAMES OF THE PARENTS. HOW CAN I HAVE THEM ENTERED IN ?

(12) I URGENTLY NEED A PASSPORT BUT THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE BEFORE MY DEPARTURE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

(13)HOW MUCH DOES A PASSPORT COST?

(14) I AM A TOURIST WITH A MISSING PASSPORT/IDENTITY CARD (due to loss or theft) AND I NEED TO RETURN TO ITALY URGENTLY. WHAT DO I DO?

(15) I HAVE LOST MY PASSPORT IN THE CONSULAR DISTRICT OF LONDON (OR IT HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE BRITISH BORDER AUTHORITIES). I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT IT HAS BEEN SENT TO THE CONSULATE. CAN IT BE RETURNED TO ME?

(16) I HAVE READ ALL THE FAQs AND I AM STILL NOT ABLE TO FIND AN ANSWER TO MY QUERY. HOW CAN I CONTACT THE PASSPORT OFFICE?

(1)I AM REGISTERED WITH AIRE AND I NEED A NEW PASSPORT. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

The applicant must go personally to the Consulate General of Italy in London to have fingerprints taken. For this reason, the applicant’s presence is essential, and it is not possible to apply for a passport by post (with the exception of minors under 12 years old).

If you are applying for a passport, it is necessary to make an appointment through the Consulate’s website (clickhere).

All necessary information and forms to request a passport are available using this link: (clickhere).

(2) HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE CONSOLATE?

It is possible to make an appointment directly on the website, through an automated system:

This service is free of charge.

For answers about technical problems to do with making an appointment, we advise you to visit our website:

(3) I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: THE SYSTEM SHOWS ALL DATES IN RED OR BLACK, WITHOUT LETTING ME CHOOSE: HOW DO I PROCEED?

The booking system is automatic (there is no operator) and the calendar gives available dates for appointments in intervals of nine weeks, with a daily extension within this interval. (eg. For the date of 15 February, you can make an appointment for dates preceding 18 April; as long as these dates are available. You would have to wait until 16 February to make an appointment for 19 Aprile and so forth). Due to the considerable number of requests please be aware that there is a wait of three months for appointments. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO). The system “prenota online” which is automatic and centralized, releases the next date at intervals of 9 weeks, every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 11pm UK time.

Please note: Not all Consular services can be accessed through the automated booking system, therefore you are advised to verify whether this is the case, before making appointments.

For further technical problems encountered during the process of making appointments, please consult the following internet page:

We would like to inform you that the passport office has planned – experimentally – to open a counter to the public to take biometric data (photo, signature and fingerprints) which will enable Italian nationals to send in their passport applications by post.

You will only be allowed entry into the consulate if you are registered with AIRE in this consulate and you have made an appointment through the VFS Global Call Centre service – phone number 09067530251, weekdays from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5pm. The service costs 75 pence per minute, which is charged by the company VFS Global.

(4) I’M NOT REGISTERED WITH AIRE. CAN I STILL APPLY FOR A PASSPORT?

Italian citizens, resident in the district of London and duly registered with the Consulate and with the A.I.R.E (Anagrafe Italiani Residenti all’Estero) of an Italian town hall, can apply for a passport at the Consulate General of London. For information on how to register with AIRE, we advise you to consult our website:

For Italian nationals not registered with AIRE, you are advised to refer to the proper authorities for residence - police headquarters (Questura) or another Consulate. Only in the case of proven urgency and a prior police clearance and authorisation from the relevant police office or another Consulate, would it be possible to apply for a passport if you are not registered with AIRE in London.

(5) HOW LONG BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF MY CURRENT PASSPORT, CAN I APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT?

Not before six months from the expiry date, unless your current passport is proven to be damaged.

(6) WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE FOR MY APPOINTMENT AT THE CONSULATE?

If the applicant is over 18, the following must be shown:

-an application form ( DOCPDF format);

-previous passport, or if applying for your first passport, an Italian document of identification (identity card) or foreign document of identification (passport), containing a photo and signature. If your passport has been lost, it is necessary to fill in the following statement form (in DOCo PDF format);

-two photographs, identical and recent, in passport format, colour with a white background, in forward facing position, face uncovered, eyes open, glasses not covering main characteristics of the face (photograph guidelines).

If the applicant is over 18 but has children who are minors, as well as the above documentation, you must also provide:

-written consent of the other parent (DOC PDF format), together with his/her documentation with signature and photo (can be a photocopy). Consent is necessary even in the case of unmarried couples, those who are separated or divorced and even if the children already have an individual passport.

NB: If one of the parents is not a European citizen, the application form must be signed in the presence of an officer of the Consulate, on presentation of a document of identification.

Where it is not possible to obtain the consent of the other parent, a Decree signed by the “Giudice tutelare” (Guardianship Judge) will be needed. The London Consul General acts as Guardianship Judge for minors residing in the London Consular District only. If the minor resides in Italy, the relevant Italian Juvenile Court has jurisdiction. If the minor does not reside in Italy, the Italian Consul General of the Consulate or Embassy of the place of residence has jurisdiction.

(7) HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY NEW PASSPORT TO BE ISSUED AFTER I’VE HAD MY APPOINTMENT?

The passport is usually issued on the same morning as the appointment if the applicant is resident in this Consular district, duly registered with AIRE, the documentation of the application has been seen to be complete and authorization has been given straight away. The time it takes for a passport to be issued also depends on some authorizations needed, which in most cases is usually obtained immediately. In cases where it is necessary for the passport office to undertake further verifications, the issue of passports is done within the times provided for by the law no. 1185/67 (up to 30 days).

Due to the necessity to obtain the express authorization by the Italian police headquarters (Questura) or by the Consular representative who deals with residence, under no circumstances will it be possible to issue a passport immediately to Italian nationals not registered with AIRE.

(8) HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PASSPORT FOR MINORS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD? ( validity periods, methods of issue etc)

On 25 November 2009, changes to the law regarding passports came into force for immediate application: that individual passports for minors is obligatory and that they have differing validity periods.

For minors between zero and three years old, passports will be issued with a validity of 3 years. For minors between three and 12 years, passports will be issued with a validity of 5 years.

For minors under 12 years old, it is not necessary for fingerprints to be taken. The passport application can therefore be made by post as it is not necessary to bring the child to the Consulate, as long as the photographs are authenticated. ( see below )

Starting from 26 June 2012, minors can travel only if they possess an individual travel document.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MINORS PERMITTED TO TRAVEL WITH THEIR NAMES ENTERED INTO THEIR PARENTS’ PASSPORTS.

Requested documentation:

Copy of the birth certificate of the minor, provided that he/she is already registered with the town hall where one of the parents is registered with AIRE, directly in Italy or through the competent Consulate in the place of birth. All information relative to the registration of the birth certificate is available on our website in the Registry Office (Stato Civile) section:

Application form (DOC PDFformat) signed by both parents or by one of the parents with the application of the other completed separately. If one of the parents is not a citizen of the EU, the application form is to be signed in the presence of an officer of the Consulate, on presentation of a document of identification.

Parents’ passports or other identification documents with photo and signature (for applications by post, send photocopies only);
Two photographs, identical and recent, in passport format, colour with a white background, in forward facing position, face uncovered, eyes open, glasses not covering main characteristics of the face (photograph guidelines). If the minor is not present, you must provide 3 photos, of which one must be authenticated (click hereto learn who can authenticate the photo) – click here to download the form for authenticating a photo for minors under 12 years of age.);
Previous (original) passport of the minor or a photocopy of another identity document with photo and signature, if you have one.

It is possible to make an appointment for the passport on our website (click here)

Whenever the application for a passport is made by post, along with the above documentation you are also requested to provide:

A Postal Order (Please verifythe amount on our website). You can purchase the Postal Order at the Post Office and you need to make it out to the Consulate General of Italy;
One of the two recent photographs must be authenticated by the competent authority (click here to learn who can authenticate the photo) – click here to download the form for authenticating a photo for minors under 12 years of age.);
One pre-paid Special Delivery envelope, weighing up to 500 g, purchased at the Post Office and addressed to the address where the passport is to be sent.

If the documentation for the application provided is seen to be complete with all necessary requirements, the passport will be issued and sent within 30 days from the date the application is received.

(9) HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PASSPORT FOR MINORS BETWEEN 12 AND 18 YEARS OLD? (validity periods, methods of issue etc)

For minors between the ages of twelve and eighteen years old, passports are issued with a validity of 5 years.

Starting from 26 June 2012, minors can travel only if they possess an individual travel document.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MINORS PERMITTED TO TRAVEL WITH THEIR NAMES ENTERED INTO THEIR PARENTS’ PASSPORTS.

Requested documentation:

Copy of the birth certificate of the minor, provided that he/she is already registered with the town hall where one of the parents is registered with AIRE, directly in Italy or through the competent Consulate in the place of birth. If the birth is not yet registered with the Consulate, it is necessary to make an appointment with the Registry Office (Ufficio di Stato Civile) through our website (click here). Once an appointment with the Registry Office (Ufficio di Stato Civile) has been made for the registration of the birth, you will be received on the same morning by the passport office, to apply for a passport for the minor. All information relative to the registration of the birth certificate is available on our website in the Registry Office (Stato Civile) section:

Application form (DOC PDF format ) signed by both parents or by one of the parents with the application of the other completed separately. If one of the parents is not a citizen of the EU, the application form is to be signed in the presence of an officer of the Consulate, on presentation of a document of identification.

Parents’ passports or another identity document with photo and signature;
Two photographs, identical and recent, in passport format, colour with a white background, in forward facing position, face uncovered, eyes open, glasses not covering main characteristics of the face (photograph guidelines)

Previous passport of the minor or another identity document with photo and signature in the case where it is the first passport application.

Minors who have already turned 12 years old, must come to the Consulate in person, to have their fingerprints taken. It is possible to make an appointment for a passport on our website (click here)

The passport is usually issued on the same morning as the appointment if the applicant is resident in this Consular district, duly registered with AIRE, the documentation of the application has been seen to be complete and authorization has been given straight away. The time it takes for a passport to be issued also depends on some authorizations we need, which in most cases is obtained by telecommunication usually in real time. In cases where it is necessary for the passport office to undertake further verifications, the issue of passports is done within the times provided for by the law no. 1185/67 (up to 30 days).

(10) WHAT IS WRITTEN CONSENT?

Written consent is a declaration where one parent of a minor under 18 years of age authorises the other parent to have an individual passport, whatever their circumstances may be (co-habitation, marriage, separation, divorce). It is necessary even if the children already have their own passport.

To give written consent, the parent must either fill in and sign the relevant field at the bottom of the application form (DOC PDF format), use the specific form (DOC PDF format) or write a declaration on a separate of paper. The latter can be written in either English or Italian and must contain the name and date of birth of the person making the declaration, the name of the applicant and of the children. It must then be signed and dated.

A document of identification of the person making the declaration, with photo and signature must be attached (can be a photocopy).

Citizens who are not from an EU country, must hand in their consent in person either at the Consulate or at any other Italian place of authority (town hall, police headquarters or another Consulate) and must show their passport or document of identification with photo and signature.

(11) THE PASSPORTS OF MY CHILDREN, MINORS UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE, DON’T CONTAIN THE NAMES OF THE PARENTS. HOW CAN I HAVE THEM ENTERED IN ?

From 25 November 2009, all passports issued to minors under the age of 14 must contain the names of the parents of the minor. If a minor under 14 years old is in possession of a valid passport which does not contain the names of the parents, it is possible to rectify this by coming to the Consulate without an appointment from Monday to Friday between 9am and 12pm. At least one parent must come to the Consulate and show the passport of the minor and the passports of both parents. It is not necessary for the minor to be present.

(12) I URGENTLY NEED A PASSPORT BUT THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE BEFORE MY DEPARTURE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?